Until recently, the only way to address skin laxity was surgical facelifts or reliance on injectable compounds. Not everyone, however, is willing or able to go through such lengths. A new type of procedure has since been developed to bridge the gap between injectables and facial surgery: PDO THREADING (aka the “thread lift”).
PDO Thread Lift is an innovative treatment aimed to lift and tighten sagging skin tissue with the use of threads made from Polydioxanone (PDO). Temporary sutures are embedded into the hypodermis of the skin producing a subtle yet visible lifting and smoothing effect.
In contrast to removing the patient’s loose skin surgically, the doctor simply suspends it via strategic stitching. This has the effect of pulling the skin back slightly and therefore lifting and tightening the face. Threads also combat aging by provoking a healing response, stimulating collagen production for ongoing and progressive rejuvenation. Collagen stimulation will continue to improve skin texture, fine lines, and elasticity even after the sutures have dissolved.
PDO Threading FAQS
The PDO Thread Lift is a treatment which lifts and tightens sagging skin tissue using threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO). The threads are introduced into the deeper layers of the skin. Once introduced, the threads produce 3 effects in the skin: instant skin lifting through mechanical effects, cellular renewal through collagen stimulation, and neovascularization to improve the skin’s texture, fine lines, and elasticity.
PDO threading is a non-permanent procedure. The threads are absorbable naturally dissolve through the process of hydrolysis. Due to the cellular rejuvenation effects however, the lifted facial contours will remain for an additional 3-6 months. Your skin cells are stimulated to produce new collagen, and new blood vessels to improve skin microcirculation. At the same time, the PDO threads cause the fat tissue to contract, producing a skin tightening and facial slimming effect.
PDO Thread Lifting is a minimally invasive procedure done under sterile field. PDO Threads are inserted into the skin via a tiny incision guided by needles called cannulas. After numbing and infusion of local anesthesia, the PDO threads are inserted via sharp or blunt tip needles (or cannulas) into different layers of the skin. Once inserted, the threads anchor the skin and lift it upwards. The excess threads are then cut off.
Depending on the areas treated, the procedure takes 15-30 minutes.
This treatment is incredibly safe. Compared to fillers, the side effects are, in fact, much milder (fillers can even cause skin death and blindness). Because PDO threads are inserted via needles and not surgery, and are absorbed in 6-8 months, many of the side effects associated with older thread lifting procedures, such as infection and thread breakage are also minimized.
Depending on the types of threads used and areas treated, bruising may or may not occur. The patient should expect some mild swelling and soreness for 3 to 5 days after the procedure, and a sensation of tightness (mild) of up to 2 weeks. Temporary mild dimpling of the skin can also occur – and resolves in a few days.
While a PDO thread lift has very little downtime, expect some mild swelling and soreness after the procedure. Like other treatments involving injections, avoid alcohol, blood thinners, supplements such as Vitamin E, Omega Fish oils, certain herbs, and gingko for 1-2 days before and after the procedure. Avoid going to the steam room, sauna, and engaging in heavy exercise such as High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). Following 2 weeks after the PDO Thread Lift, you are also discouraged from undergoing any dental treatment (which requires you to open your mouth excessively.)
You are also advised to sleep on your back to allow the swelling to subside and to avoid the putting pressure on the face that might cause misalignment of the threads.
PDO threads can be used for lifting, rejuvenation (improving skin texture and wrinkles), volumizing, and even reducing fat. Different threads are used for different purposes.
We do the PDO thread lift procedure on the chin only. This allows for a lift and slimming effect of the lower face.
PDO Thread lifts can benefit practically any part of the face, and improve both skin sagging and texture. The cheeks and lower face, in particular, benefit greatly from the procedure, allowing a lift which is synergistic to other skin lifting treatments.
Your skin is immediately lifted after a PDO thread lifting procedure, as the threads provide support to lift skin in its new position. You may look slightly tighter than the final result, but in about 1 week, you will begin to look much more natural.
The rejuvenating effects kick in after 1-2 months – you will notice better skin texture, firmer and smoother skin.
In about 9 months after the treatment, the threads will have dissolved, but the results will still continue for many more months. It is recommended to repeat the procedure 6-9 months after the first procedure, to allow for longer lasting result of up to 3 years.
The PDO Thread Lift is an effective non-surgical facelifting treatment that is suitable for anyone looking to improve the appearance of sagging skin. This treatment is suitable for someone who is willing to undergo some injections, and who want to attain an immediate lift of the facial contours without undergoing a facelift surgery. It is best suited for men and women who are unwilling to tolerate the long downtime of a facelift surgery but want to look refresh and lifted – naturally.
There is no downtime post PDO treatment and patients can see results immediately after having the procedure. Contact us to schedule your consultation!
