PDO THREAD LIFT
A PDO thread uses dissolvable suture strings made from Polydioxanone (PDO). Thread lifts are a way of suspending sagging tissue and creating a more youthful appearance. A thread lift is a lot less invasive than facelift surgery and can be performed in the office without the need for anesthesia or cutting.
Thread lifts come in different sizes to target different areas of the face and body. The threads are placed underneath the skin and not visible from the outside. Lifting the tissue is just one benefit of threads.
An additional benefit of thread lifts is the increase in collagen. The body will react to the threads by stimulating fibroblasts which will then produce more collagen. Collagen is a protein in your skin that is responsible for elasticity and structure. Over time we lose collagen with aging which in reverse will lead to loss of tone and elasticity.
At Inside Beauty we use barbed PDO threads that combine the best of both worlds. While the barbed texture allows the tissue to be lifted, the Polydioxanone will lead to an increase in collagen production and improve the texture and appearance of the lifted skin.
Downtime: none
Discomfort: minimal
Time: 45-60min
Ideal lift for: eyebrows, cheeks, neck
What areas can be lifted by PDO threads?
PDO threads are best suited for lifting the skin of the face. Depending on the placement of the thread and the direction of the pull thread lifts can be used for areas around the cheek, jaw, eyebrows, and neck.
Because of the minimally invasive technique of threads results aren’t as drastic as with facelift surgery. We recommend thread lifts therefore in combination with other facial rejuvenation procedures such as neuromodulators , filler injections, non-surgical skin tightening, facials, and our signature skincare products.
How long does a PDO thread lift last?
The results from thread lifts generally can be seen up to one year following the procedure. An article published in 2019 in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal states that long-term skin changes can be seen anywhere between one to four years after the thread lift depending on the age of the skin.
How much does a thread lift cost?
The prices for threads lifts vary widely depending on what area you want to address and how many threads are being used. We like to use a minimum of 2-4 threads per area to give an appropriate lift. Prices start at $4000 but we recommend you schedule a consultation with our experts and figure out what area you are interested, and what works best for you.
How does the procedure work?
Once you decide that a thread lift is the right procedure for you and you have no contraindications you will be placed on a reclined seat. We will precisely mark out the area to be lifted and the directions of pull. We like applying numbing creme and injecting a local anesthetic that will make it pain-free. Once the area is numb a small puncture site will allow the thread to be placed underneath the skin. Once the thread is anchored in the desired area a gentle pull and pressure will be applied to lift the tissue in the desired direction. When the desired look is achieved the string will be cut so there is nothing visible outside the skin. We will cover the puncture site with ointment as no special dressing is required.
PDO thread aftercare and recovery
There is no downtime and you can immediately return home after the procedure. You will feel a gentle pull and there might be minor swelling that will dissolve over the first 24 to 48 hours.
Avoid rubbing your face firmly and sleeping on the side of your face for the first week after the procedure.
Possible Complications with PDO threads
Overall complications with PDO threads are rare and much less severe than with facelift surgery.
There is very little risk of scarring or bruising when done by our professionals.
Minor complications can be visible dimpling especially in people with thin skin. Generaly any kind of dimpling or bunching of the skin will resolve and smoothen within the first week. There is a small risk that the threads snap when direct pressure is applied in the early period after the procedure, in which case we want to see you again and will try to reposition the thread or replace it. Should you experience persistent redness or worsening pain there might be a local inflammation or infection which can be treated with antibiotics.
Is a PDO thread lift the right procedure for me?
In summary a PDO thread lift is a minimal invasive procedure that allows a gentle lift of the skin and additionally stimulates collagen production. Should you have severe skin laxity or sagging of the skin the procedure will likely not be enough and you should consider facelift surgery. Facelift surgery is able to produce longer lasting results however require downtime and recovery. If you are uncertain give us a call or schedule a consultation online and we can help you find the right procedure for you.
If you are interested in learning more about facelift surgery visit facelift expert Dr. Kassir on his website.