How Much Does PDO Thread Cost in 2023

Thread lifts have been around for a couple of decades now. A PDO thread lift procedure is a cosmetic procedure that is aimed to lift or enhance the shape of your face or breasts. Is sometimes called a lunch break facelift for its minimal downtime.

These PDO threads are minimally invasive alternatives to facelifts, especially for those who are not ready to undergo more intrusive procedures.

Though a thread lift produces temporary and less dramatic results than a facelift, it works to restore volume and reduce fine lines and wrinkles subtly as the procedure stimulates collagen production.

Collagen is the protein found abundantly in our bones, muscles, skins, and tendons that give skin its suppleness and structure. Loss of collagen is one of the main causes of sagging skin.

 

Who’s an Ideal Candidate for a PDO Thread Lift?

Typically, a PDO thread lift procedure is for those who are in their mid-30s and early-50s. And in case of early signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles, and loose skin, then you can benefit from a subtle thread lift procedure.

Also, those who can’t switch to surgical facelift procedures including general anesthesia dues to medical conditions can consider PDO thread lift as a safer alternative.

Target Areas

A PDO thread lift can address signs of aging like sagging skin likely to occur in most parts of your face. Most commonly treated areas include those parts that tend to sag over time.

• Neck skin
• Jowls and jawline
• Cheeks
• Forehead
• Eyebrows and under-eyes

Because the results of PDO thread lift procedures are less drastic than facelift surgeries, they are also used as a part of other anti-aging procedures like dermal fillers or Ultherapy.

In recent years, the scope of thread lift procedures has increased, making it also suitable for lifting and tightening breasts after pregnancy or sudden weight loss.

How Does It Work?

PDO thread lifts are aimed at repositioning facial and neck tissues by encouraging collagen production in treated areas, giving them more volume and a youthful appearance.

This is achieved by the use of PDO. PDO stands for polydioxanone suture which is a durable and flexible, biodegradable polymer that comes in a variety of textures.

Simply put, these medical-grade suture materials are used to “stitch up” your skin so that it appears taut.

As the dissolvable barbed thread is threaded into your skin, the thread grabs hold of the underlying tissue and muscles making it easy to be pulled tight. From the moment the barbed PDO threads are inserted, your body’s healing response is activated and new collagen production begins.

Collagen is primarily responsible for facial rejuvenation and restores the elasticity of your skin by filling the gaps in the facial folds.

While a PDO thread lift procedure results in tighter, more structured-looking skin, the effect is temporary. Over time (around a year), the effect begins to decrease as the suture starts dissolving.

However, a second “rejuvenation” effect is noticed to stay in place for over 3 years after the procedure.

Efforts are being made to understand the long-term effects of PDO thread lifts and provide longer-lasting results with the help of technology and advanced medical applications.

 

How Much Does A PDO Thread Lift Cost?

A single thread costs $150yet you need about 6 to 10 threads for subtle results, so you can do the math. Well, the average cost of a thread lift is around 40% of what a facelift would cost. For a thread lift, you can expect to pay somewhere between $500 (3,271 CYN) to $5,000 (32,710 CYN). To pick an average cost, let’s go with $2,250 (14,719 CYN).

The final cost of a PDO thread lift varies widely depending on:

• Where you live
• Your surgeon’s level of experience
• The scope of the procedure
• The number of threads used
• The areas you target with your treatment

Where You Live

Medical practices and med spas in high-end areas of major cities will charge more, to help cover their overhead. If cost is a major factor, stay away from upscale plastic surgery clinics and med spas in the most upscale neighborhoods and search instead for qualified practitioners with more affordable facilities.

Your Surgeon’s Level of Experience

Since it is noninvasive, a thread lift procedure is done best by a plastic surgeon. And these skilled providers generally charge more for their competence. But still, the expense can be good enough to justify it, to lessen the risk of complications to get the best outcomes.

This procedure calls for a thorough understanding of anatomy, the appropriate training, and experience because threads are tough (and occasionally impossible) to remove after placement.

The Scope of the Procedure

If you want a full face threading, then the cost cannot be compared to one that needs may be a thread lift on the jowls only. The bigger the area, the more expensive the procedure.

The Type and Number of Threads

The major determinants in the cost of a thread lift are the quantity and type of threads which are placed. The treatment is extremely versatile every patient needs a different number of threads.

PDO thread lifts are often used to eliminate fine wrinkles and crepey skin, while longer barbed threads are used to gradually elevate lax tissues and give a lifted aspect to the brow, cheeks, neck, or jawline, or to soften marionette lines and nasolabial folds. When compared to PDO threads, this kind of thread lift, also known as a suture suspension lift, is typically more time-consuming and expensive. Silhouette InstaLift is one of the most widely used options.

The Areas You Target With Your Treatment

While opening the door for a thread lift or a non-surgical facelift, you can target just one area or several areas at once. Charges are higher if the target areas are more, or larger, for example, thread lifts for tightening breasts are more costly.

Additional Treatment

Sometimes, additional therapies like Botox or Juvederm are suggested to enhance the thread lift result. These are important to consider as this could raise the final cost of your expenses.

Since it’s cosmetic plastic surgery, thread lifts are not covered by insurance. However, some clinics do offer to pay the final amount over about 3 to 48 months.

The Procedure of PDO Thread Lift

Just like facelift surgery, there are a few precautions you may need to follow before a thread lift procedure.

For at least 5 days before the thread lift procedure during your in-person consultation, you will be advised to avoid consuming blood thinning medications and food that will increase the risk of bruising or bleeding, like:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• Ibuprofen and Advil
• Aspirin
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• Green tea or green tea extracts

While the procedure might be slightly different depending on the area targeted, the techniques used are the same.

After being briefed on the potential complications and scope of recovery, you will be asked to recline in the room where the procedure will be performed.

Disinfection is then done with alcohol after which, local anesthesia is applied to the skin.

A cannula or thin needle is inserted into your skin through which the threads are inserted underneath the skin. Inserting the threads can take up to 30-45 minutes.

Multiple PDO threads can be inserted through the same point in the skin. Once the thread is inserted, the thread is released while the cannula is removed. You may feel slight pressure of tightening under your skin at this point.

This procedure is repeated until the desired lift is achieved, with as many as 1-15 threads inserted depending on the area being treated. The threads are then massaged to ensure that the tissue is smooth and so dimpling (or pulling where the threads are inserted) is present.

Within a few minutes of the needles being taken out and the skin is massaged, you are free to go home.

 

Recovery After a Thread Lift

Recovery after a thread lift is fast in comparison to a traditional facelift. The person is able to resume normal activities within a week of the procedure. However, there are complications after lifting.

For a week after your thread lift, you would be advised to avoid saunas and high-intensity workouts. Swelling, dimpling, and bruising are normal and when mild usually get resolved in a week.

To reduce the swelling faster, it’s prudent that you sleep looking up for a few days, and avoid pulling or tugging your skin, or making exaggerated facial movements.

Also, in the place where the PDO threads are placed, you can feel some resistance while moving your face. Any minor swelling or after-effects of the thread lift subside in a week or 2 and you may resume regular activity once again.

Bottom Line

Many people who get PDO thread lift done report feeling much younger than their actual age. In addition, many patients say that they feel less wrinkled and look fresher. Well, if you need PDO threads and have your patients enjoy a less risky process, you can get in touch for the best threads ever!