Aging is a part of life; there’s no escaping it. As we get older, our skin becomes thin, weak, and saggy. The good news is that we can get a facelift for a more youthful appearance without going under the knife. How? Three words—polydioxanone (PDO) thread lift.
What is a thread lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure involving dissolvable sutures that help lift the skin of the face and neck to provide firmer, younger-looking skin.
During a thread lift, the cosmetic surgeon stitches up parts of the facial skin rather than using surgery to remove the saggy skin. The threads pull the skin back, giving the face a more tightened and lifted appearance.
What are PDO thread lifts?
PDO threads are a type of suture that are commonly used in thread lift procedures. They differ from the other types of sutures, polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA), in that they are made from a dissolvable polyester. In addition, PDO threads are the oldest of the three, having been introduced for use in surgical procedures in the 1980s.
PDO threads are further broken down into three subtypes:
- PDO mono threads are smooth sutures. These threads help improve the skin by stimulating the production of collagen, the protein responsible for strengthening our skin and giving its elasticity.
- PDO cog threads consist of barbs that attach to the skin to help lift the face.
- PDO screw threads consist of two threads that are intertwined and help instill volume into the sunken areas of the facial skin.
In general, PDO threads can be used to lift most areas of the face where signs of aging are typically noticeable, including around the cheeks, jaw, neck, and eyes.
How long can they last?
A 2019 study found that patients saw an improvement in saggy skin immediately after the procedure. The improvements were noticeable up to one year.
In another 2019 study, a surgeon who’s performed thread lifts for 16 years says that he has seen results last up to 9 years, “depending on the age and health of the patient, the degree of skin laxity, the thickness of the skin, and the adequacy of facial volume.” Younger people with adequate skin volume and thicker facial skin can experience results that last 3 to 4 years. Older people whose skin has lost its elasticity, volume, and tightness may only experience improvements for one to two years.
What are some complications of PDO thread lifts?
You should avoid alcohol and tobacco products for 5 days or longer before your thread lift procedure. We also recommend that you avoid taking certain medications and herbals that may increase your risk for bleeding (ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil etc.) for at least 5 days before your thread lift procedure.
Complications can include:
- Sutures that are visible in the skin
- Pain
- Bruising
- Infection
- Snapping of the threads
- Hair loss
- Inflammation
- Skin dimpling
- Injury to the salivary gland
- Blood accumulation
Most of these rare complications can usually be resolved.
What is the process of getting PDO thread lifts like?
The following are the general steps you will experience when getting PDO thread lifts:
- While seated in a recliner, your face will be disinfected with alcohol. Local anesthetic will be administered under your skin using a needle.
- A small incision will be made with another needle. A cannula will then be inserted into the incision.
- The thread will be anchored into place. The cannula will be removed from the incision.
- After removal of the cannula, the thread will then be cut.
The procedure generally takes about 45 minutes, and you can go home shortly afterwards.
What is the recovery and care after a PDO thread lift.
You may develop some swelling and bruising for the first one to two days, but you can resume most of your normal daily activities shortly after the procedure. Try not to rub your face the week after your procedure to prevent a thread from loosening under the skin. In addition, you should not pursue your lips, smoke, or drink through a straw for the first few weeks after the procedure. Avoid sleeping on your side, strenuous activities, or saunas for the first 1 or two weeks.
In summary…
A PDO thread lift is a procedure that can help improve the appearance of aging and saggy skin.
Need a lift? Contact us today!
Dr. Sergio Guiteau is a physician who has certifications in Aesthetic Medicine and is board certified in Family Practice and Sports Medicine. He specializes in Anti-Aging Medicine and blogs on Advancedrejuv.com/blog