Are you feeling like your age is affecting your facial appearance? Maybe you’re at a point where you need a little help for your skin and are asking does PDO thread lift really work. Cosmetic therapy often conjures thoughts of swelling, stitches, and scalpels. But maybe you can use a different procedure to address skin sagging and laxity with a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that lasts just about an hour. Choose a PDO thread lift for the best results.
It can sometimes be a wonder when PDO threads work. And most people might actually ask “Do these polydioxanone threads really work?” We have all the answers to these questions, including how they work and whether they’re the perfect choice for you.
While many people consider surgical intervention a little costly, at Yasrid, we offer the best value for your money with non-invasive surgical procedures. They’re clinically proven to provide long-term results without needing a surgical facelift.
What is a PDO Thread Lift?
PDO (polydioxanone) is made of a material that can dissolve when used in wound closure sutures. They used to be popular in surgical procedures before the advent of the cosmetic industry which now uses them as a facial lifting option. It was initially used in pediatric heart surgery to relieve malformations of valves.
If you’re still in doubt, then understand that PDO thread lift actually works. So here’s what it takes to achieve instant and long-lasting results.
What’s the Difference Between a Silhouette Soft Thread Lift and PDO Thread Lift?
Both Silhouette soft thread lift and PDO thread lifts lift the skin. But you should understand that there’s a difference between the two anti-aging procedures. And PDO thread lift takes the day as it is more effective given the nature of the treatment.
If you need a volumizing effect, use a silhouette soft thread lift to compress the skin tissue. On the other hand, PDO thread lift threads use barbs for skin lifting and are from polydioxanone. Silhouette soft threads lift sagging skin using cones from PLLA threads.
Most professionals prefer PDO threads as they’re more gentle, unlike Silhouette soft thread lift.
How PDO Thread Lifts Work
First of all, this procedure is a non-invasive, non-surgical procedure. It uses barbed threads to lift the skin tissue and pull the skin surface. The beneficiaries of this lift are usually areas such as the neck, jawline, and cheeks.
This look can be achieved in two processes. First, instant skin tightening is caused by the contraction of the fat tissues by the threads. After their placement, they start absorbing and triggering the body for collagen production. This procedure maintains the lifting outcome for more than six months.
Not only that, but these threads boost the production of natural collagen. This helps improve the skin firmness for up to 2 years.
What Are PDO Threads Used for the Treatment?
There are two primary PDO thread types used to smooth and lift the skin. These are the floating barbed and floating non-barbed threads.
The floating non-barbed threads have two subtypes, namely:
- Braided threads
- Mono-filament threads
Other barbed thread subtypes include;
- Molding barbs
- Cutting barbs
- Z-directional barbed threads
- Bi-directional barbed threads
- Uni-directional barbed threads
- Bilateral barbed threads
- Unilateral barbed threads
Is Every PDO Threads The Same as The Rest?
Each thread is different. We use other threads depending on your desired anti-aging treatment.
What Makes a PDO Thread Lift Distinct?
Three suture types exist. These are commonly used in thread lift procedures. Polycaprolactone (PCA) and polylactic acid (PLA) are the other two.
Since 1980s, cosmetic professionals have used these threads to lift skin. They are made from colorless polyester for 6 months. These sutures that are inserted in the skin trigger fibroblasts which then initiate collagen production. It is collagen that gives your skin its elasticity and structure, and its loss is associated with aging.
3 categories of PDO threads:
- PDO screw threads: These are made with one to two intertwined threads. Their main work is restoring volume in sunken skin areas.
- PDO cog threads: These are made of barbs. They attach to the skin like tiny fishhooks. This provides the desired lift and support to face areas.
- PDO mono threads: They’re smooth sutures. They stimulate collagen production. This leaves your skin rejuvenated.
The other two types of threads:
PCA and PLA have not been in existence for long compared to PDO. However, they last long in the body and contribute to better collagen production. In fact, PCA threads can go up to 12 to 15 months before they’re fully absorbed into the skin. PLLA threads stay for up to 12 months.
These different threads fit different purposes. PDO threads help reposit and revitalize the tissue while PCA and PLA lift sagging skin parts.
What to Expect From the Treatment
The treatment begins with strategically placed lidocaine injections which help ensure the most pleasant and comfortable treatment.
Lidocaine relieves you of pain sensitivity, and you don’t have to worry throughout the procedure as we place the threads.
We perform the procedure using a cannula or fine needle directed to the skin, deeper subcutaneous fat layers, or underlying muscle. The flexibility of where and how we place the threads allows us to deliver precise outcomes. Essentially, we correct fine lines around the eyes, lift and sculpt the brows, and much more.
The versatility of this procedure means you can:
- Soften folds and wrinkles on the chin and neck
- Lift your sagging jawline
- Smoothen marionette lines
- Correct droopy cheeks
- Clear horizontal and vertical forehead wrinkles
- Treat nasolabial lines
- Conduct an eye thread lift
Who Makes a Good Candidate for a PDO Thread Lift?
Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity and skin that’s not severely sagging can take advantage of this procedure. According to Dr. Sam Naficy, the procedure works best for someone with mild aging signs in their 40s. If you have more skin laxity and significant jowling, you won’t experience the best outcome with the thread lift.
Because the results you experience might be subtle, most doctors pair these PDO threads with collagen-boosting treatments, such as poly-L-lactic acid fillers. They help stimulate your collagen for the next 3 to 4 months.
As experienced service providers, we communicate to you realistic result expectations. We discuss the various treatment options to ensure well-informed patient decisions.
The Procedure
Before undergoing a thread lift surgery, please avoid alcohol, tobacco, and any substance that is likely to increase bruising or bleeding chances. Such products include:
- Green tea and green tea extracts
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Asprin
- Ibuprofen and Advil
On the d-day, you get a clarification of potential complications that may arise and receive recovery advice. Here’s an overview of what to expect:
- The surgeon will disinfect the area that’s getting the lift with alcohol. They will then apply a local anesthetic under the skin to numb the area using a needle.
- An incision will be made using another needle and a cannula will be inserted into the tiny hole.
- After this, they will anchor the thread into the procedure area and pull out the cannula.
- And the final bit is cutting and securing the thread.
You’re free to leave shortly after the procedure.
What to Do After a PDO Thread Lift Procedure
Recovery and AfterCare
You require minimal recovery from a thread lift. You’ll experience minimal bruises and swelling for up to 48 hours post-treatment, after which you can resume your routine.
Desist from rubbing your face in the first week post-treatment to avoid accidentally moving the thread.
Also, avoid visiting saunas, intense exercise, and sleeping on your side the first week after the treatment.
Laying your head on a pillow prevents an accidental rollover on your face as you sleep.
What Happens to the Threads After the Procedure?
These threads anchor and lift the skin for instant results. And as mentioned earlier in the article, the treads stay underneath your skin until they dissolve fully. Your body breaks them down safely as sutures dissolve after surgery.
Around your eyes, our thread lift work leaves a “designer” appearance that most of our customers appreciate. We’re also capable of improving your natural brow arch and shape for a sexier and sleeker look.
The best part? As elastin and collagen production shoot up, you continue experiencing additional results in the following days and weeks. This results to:
- A more radiant complexion
- Long-lasting fine lines and wrinkles reduction
- Thicker, tighter skin
- Smooth skin texture
What’s the Minimum Time Required Before You Notice Any Changes?
A 2019 study shows that you will likely notice positive changes immediately after the procedure. In a different study, a surgeon with extensive experience in the field says that the positive post-treatment results last between 1 and 9 years.
Of course, the younger you are, the more likely you’ll enjoy the results for up to 4 years. On the other hand, the older generation experiences the benefits for up to two years.
Sutures from PCA and PLA threads take longer to dissolve, meaning the results last for an extended duration.
When Does Collagen Increase?
The natural synthesizing of this protein begins in 10 days. You’ll then experience a peak in the results in six months, which can last up to two years as your body produces higher collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid (HA). Hyaluronic acid combines with other proteins, which results in a more refined appearance. Improved hydration and bouncier, softer skin are additional benefits of this procedure.
The threads dissolve in 12 weeks, leaving your skin looking smoother and supple. Remember, the results in this treatment are highly customizable, delivering subtle or dramatic effects. Still, you maintain your appearance, leaving no room for overdone or overfilled. Specifically, your appearance remains softer, firmer, and fresher, like you just landed from a relaxing vacation.
What are Dermal Fillers and Neuromodulators?
What’s the distinction between these two procedures, and how do they complement the PDO thread lift?
Neuromodulators
Neuromodulators are injectables. They contain botulinum toxin type A, the active ingredient used to complement the PDO thread lift. Common examples of this injectable include botox, Xeomin, and Dysport. When planning on having this additional treatment, it’s advisable to let the practitioner know beforehand. For instance, you should get the PDO thread lift before a botox procedure.
Neuromodulators: How Do They Work?
Neuromodulators block neurotransmitters from communicating between the muscles and nerve endings.
It helps reduce activity in hyperactive muscles and temporarily clears wrinkles and lines that are evident when you move your facial muscles.
Dermal Fillers
PDO thread lifts and dermal fillers work similarly by helping stimulate collagen production. Their active ingredient is Hyaluronic acid, and Juvederm is the most common FDA-approved brand on the market. Some common Juvederm options are Juvederm Voluma XC, Juvederm Volbella, Juvederm Ultra Plus, and Juvederm Ultra.
How Does Juvederm Work?
There exist various Juvederm formulations targeted at treating different concern areas. Juvederm Volbella refines lines around the mouth and adds volume to the lips. To smooth out deep nasolabial folds and fill the deep parentheses lines, use Juvederm Ultra Plus. What’s more? You’ll enjoy more volume on thin lips and on a 50% longer duration than you would when using Juvederm Ultra.
Juvederm Voluma XC restores the volume lost due to the natural aging process safely and effectively if you desire to lift and contour your cheeks. The XC at the end shows that the solution contains lidocaine. This aesthetic solution makes the treatment comfortable.
Achieve the Most from the Thread Lift
By combining thread lifts with other nonsurgical therapies, you experience more visible results. Once the skin recovers from the threads, we recommend complementary therapies like Ultherapy.
Ultherapy is especially beneficial because it maximizes your skin-firming ability while creating more lifting in treating the neck and face.
We recommend a thread lift every 18 months to ensure you maintain the results. Remember that although this treatment helps tighten your skin, it’s not intended to treat acne or correct age spots. These skin challenges need skin resurfacing and refining treatments that strip the dermis to reveal new and unblemished skin cells.
How to Care for Your Skin
Some patients experience positive results lasting up to 9 years with just a single treatment. In this case, the key contributing factor is how they care for their skin post-treatment. Here are some of the guiding factors that make your recovery effective, comfortable, and fast:
- Don’t undergo heat treatments, such as laser and IPL, near the treatment area for at least ten weeks
- Avoid dental treatments for up to four weeks
- Prop up your head while you sleep
- Use tepid water and gentle soap while washing your face
- Don’t massage or rub the treatment area for two weeks
- Skip anticoagulants and alcoholic drinks for seven days
- Avoid heat and sun exposure for one week
- Hold off any aesthetic procedures, including dermal fillers and peels, for seven days
PDO thread lift might not suit you if you have cold sores, broken skin, or acne. Also, we might recommend that you delay your session if you’ve consumed any alcohol or anticoagulation medication like aspirin within 48 hours of your scheduled session.
Furthermore, pregnant and nursing mothers and those suffering from active infections, diabetes, or autoimmune diseases shouldn’t undergo the treatment.
What You Shouldn’t Do After a Thread Lift
There are several things to avoid after a PDO thread lift for the best results. They include:
- Sleeping on your side or stomach: This is one of the worst things you can do after a thread lift because sleeping on the side or stomach in the first five nights after the treatment may cause less-than-optimal results, bruising, discomfort, and swelling.
- Wearing makeup: You should avoid wearing makeup for the first 12 hours after the procedure because of skin sensitivity in the first few hours post-treatment. Also, your skin must breathe, and cosmetics can cause it to suffocate.
- Getting facial massages and other facial treatments: You must avoid facial massages and other facial treatments for at least 10 days to reduce the risk of causing excessive pressure on the treated area. It reduces the risk of bruising, swelling, and the threads accidentally getting out of place.
- Being overheated: You should avoid elevating your blood pressure by keeping away from prolonged heat exposure. Some activities to avoid include hot showers, tanning beds, sunbathing, dry saunas, etc.
- Taking alcohol: Avoid taking alcohol in the first two weeks post-procedure.
- Smoking: This is a common practice that elevates your blood pressure. You should avoid it in the first 14 days after the procedure. If you’re not confident about avoiding nicotine, talk to a specialist who can help you quit before the procedure.
- Vigorous exercises: Undertaking vigorous exercises elevates blood pressure. You can consider swimming, jogging, and strolling.
What is the Downside of Thread Lift?
A PDO thread lift presents a lower risk of complications than facelift surgery. You’re likely to experience a minimal risk of bleeding, severe bruising, or scarring with an authorized professional.
However, there are minor complications you may expect, but they’re easily corrected. They include:
- Salivary gland injury
- Inflammation
- Hair loss
- Dimpling
- Hematoma (Blood Accumulation)
- Thread snapping
- Infection
- Minor bruising
- Pain
- Visible sutures (especially if you have thin skin)
Thread Lift Therapy is as Easy as It Sounds
We’re glad to clear any doubts concerning the safety of thread lift therapy. This treatment isn’t associated with any risks, and there’s no need for an extended recovery period.
Thanks to our specialized needles, we address any concern areas in a targeted manner and don’t cause injury to the surrounding tissues. And because there are no stitches or incisions, the scarring risk is almost nil.
PDO Thread Lift Cost
The cost of a thread lift procedure varies widely and depends on numerous factors like the extent of the procedure and our surgeon’s experience level.
The treatment costs at least $500 to above $5,000. Depending on the specifics of your procedure, PCA and PLA thread lifts cost more. Most importantly, you must note that your insurance will likely not cover a cosmetic procedure.
However, you can talk to us, and we’ll work on a payment plan to spread the cost over the next several months.
FAQs
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What Happens When Thread Lift Wears Off?
When the sutures start to dissolve, you’ll notice the gradual return of droopy skin. However, the threads help in collagen production, which allows the effects last longer.
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How Painful are PDO threads?
Thread correction is a low-traumatic procedure and is a relatively painless procedure.
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How Many PDO threads Do I Need for Jowls?
On average, a patient requires 2-4 threads on either side of the face to achieve a mid-face thread lift. In addition, you may need 2-4 threads in the neck and lower face.
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What is Better, Thread Lift or Fillers?
The winner, in this case, is the thread lift. Fillers are more effective for facial contouring, volumizing concern areas like cheeks, wrinkle-smoothing, and sculpting in targeted areas. This procedure is known as the liquid facelift or 3D facial contouring.
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Can You Smile After PDO Threads?
Besides coping with temporary tenderness and swelling, most clients can smile after the procedure.
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Can you hit a nerve with PDO threads?
We insert PDO threads along the subcutaneous plane below your skin. The nerves in question are much deeper below the fatty layer in this area. Thus, nerve damage is infrequent, especially when done by a qualified physician.
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What happens if PDO threads break?
PDO threads are durable and excellent for other major surgical procedures like heart surgery. You won’t lose the structural support even when a single PDO thread breaks.
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Can Your Body Reject PDO Threads?
This treatment is safe, thread lifts have approval from the FDA, and polydioxanone is also excellent for cardiovascular surgeries and other medical procedures for over a decade. It’s a safe material that the body doesn’t reject.
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Is It Normal to Have Lumps After Thread Lift?
Pain, bruising, and swelling are some PDO thread lifts after reactions. You should anticipate improvement within two weeks. Also, lumps/bumps may temporarily occur along the treatment areas. But, they resolve with time and are seldom a point of concern.
10. What is Puckering after PDO Threads?
Thread lift puckering happens when a thread pulls the skin, and your dimples become apparent. It’s a common occurrence and something you shouldn’t be overly concerned with as it settles fast.
Thread Yourself to an Exciting New Look
So if you’re asking does PDO thread lift really work, then you should know it allows you to change your appearance while avoiding facelift surgery complications. This procedure suits different patients who desire an instant lift and tightening of the skin in the targeted treatment areas.
This treatment offers long-lasting results, and common treatment concerns like swelling and bruising are rare thanks to our advanced materials.
Schedule your appointment with us today by contacting Yasrid.
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