PDO threads are today’s modern approach to skin rejuvenation. This innovative lifting treatment rejuvenates and lifts sagging skin without surgery. As dissolvable surgical threads, PDO threads effectively tighten, lift, and contour your face and body. With proper skincare, PDO Threads can keep you looking fresh and more youthful than ever.
Today, let us learn more about PDO threads, how they work and how they can improve your skin. Read until the end and discover if these threads are the treatment for you.
What are PDO Threads?
PDO threads are one of three sutures typically used in thread-lifting procedures. On the other hand, the two different types are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA). These PDO threads have been used the longest among the three, being around in surgeries from the early 1980s. These threads are made from colorless polyesters broken down inside our bodies after about six (6) months.
These sutures in your skin trigger fibroblasts, cells that produce more collagen, the protein that provides our skin with its elasticity and overall structure. Loss of collagen is one of the leading causes of aging skin.
Furthermore, PDO threads can be further divided into three categories:
- PDO cog threads – are threads that have barbs that latch into your skin like small fishhooks to provide support and lift parts of your face.
- PDO mono threads – are smooth sutures that help rejuvenate your skin by stimulating collagen production.
- PDO screw threads – are made up of 1-2 intertwined threads and are used to help restore volume to sunken parts of your skin.
Other PDO Thread Types
There are two (2) newer threads than PDO – PLA and PCA. These recent threads last longer in our bodies and contribute more to stimulating collagen production. The PLA threads take around 12 months to be absorbed, while the PCA takes about the same time, approximately 12-15 months.
Although there are different thread types, each is best suited for a particular function. PDO threads are better at repositioning and revitalizing tissue, while PLA and PCA threads lift sagging parts of your skin.
Benefits
PDO threads provide several benefits that include the following:
- It can last as long as 12-24 months
- It has little to no downtime
- Improves circulation and hydration
- Improves skin tone
- Instant lifting and tightening
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive
- Rejuvenates the skin
- Very safe
- Wrinkle and line reduction
Areas PDO Threads are most commonly used include:
- Décolleté
- Forehead, for brow lifting
- Jawline
- Jowls
- Marionette lines
- Nasolabial folds
- Neck
- Sagging face
- Upper and lower cheek areas
The PDO Thread Lift Procedure
Practitioners will likely advise you to avoid alcohol and tobacco use at least five (5) days before your PDO thread lift procedure, together with any factor that may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, such as:
- Advil and ibuprofen
- aspirin
- green tea or green tea extracts
- omega-3 fatty acids
On the day of your PDO thread lift procedure, your doctor will talk you through the potential complications and advise you about your recovery. The exact process your practitioner will follow can vary. But in general, the process will probably go about something like the following:
- As you sit and get comfortable in a reclined chair, your practitioner will disinfect your face using alcohol. They’ll apply local anesthetics with the help of a needle beneath your skin.
- Then, they will begin creating small incisions using another needle, then inserting a cannula into the created small hole.
- Next, your practitioner will anchor the PDO threads into place, pulling out the cannula simultaneously.
- Finally, they’ll finish your lift procedure by cutting the excess threads and ensuring everything is secured.
Afterward, you’ll be free to go home after your PDO thread lift procedure.
The Recovery and Aftercare
Recovering from PDO thread lifts involves minimal to no downtime at all. Although there may be some swelling and bruising for the first 24 to 48 hours, you can immediately return to most of your daily routines.
Refrain from rubbing your face as much as possible the week after your procedure to prevent accidentally dislodging the PDO threads. Also, your practitioner will likely advise you to avoid smoking, drinking, sipping through a straw, or simply pursing your lips for the first several weeks.
Other activities you should avoid for 1-2 weeks may include the following:
- sleeping on your side
- intense exercise
- visiting saunas
As an added precaution, sleeping with your head comfortably propped on a pillow can help you avoid accidentally rolling onto your face during the night.
Potential Complications from PDO Threads
Lifts using PDO threads have a much lower risk of complications than surgical facelifts. When performed by a trained professional, there’s less risk of scarring, severe bruising, or bleeding. Minor complications occur in 15-20% of procedures but are usually easily corrected. Potential complications include:
- dimpling or when the skin texture is orange peel-like
- hair loss
- hematoma or the accumulation of blood
- infection
- inflammation
- minor bruising
- visible sutures for people with thin skin
- pain
- salivary gland injury
- snapping of threads
How Long Does PDO Thread Lift Last?
PDO thread lift can cause instantly noticeable improvements in skin sagging right after your procedure. But remember that there may be a noticeable decline in results six (6) months later. Modifications were no longer apparent after one (1) year.
Younger people experience results that last longer – 3 to 4 years. On the other hand, older patients with poor skin volume or elasticity only see benefits for 1-2 years. However, using PLA and PCA thread lifts tends to last longer since the sutures take longer to dissolve.
Frequently Asked Questions About PDO Threads
“How long do PDO thread lifts usually last?”
This procedure makes a face firmer, tighter, and more youthful; the effects of PDO threads can last up to 18 months.
“Who are good candidates for PDO threads?”
Generally, those experiencing early facial aging, or showing signs of mild aging, are the best candidates for this treatment.
“How soon can I start seeing results after the PDO thread lifts?”
Results can be seen immediately following the PDO thread lift procedure. Full results and improvements in skin firmness, volume, and rejuvenation are apparent approximately 3–4 weeks after the process.
Final Takeaways
PDO threads are used in skin lifting with the use of dissolvable sutures. This procedure rejuvenates and lifts sagging skin. Although a much cheaper and faster alternative to facelift surgery, the results only last for a while and are more relaxed than you want them to be before treatment. Recovery from the PDO thread lift procedure is minimal, often possibly returning to work the same day.
Are you interested in experiencing PDO threads? Our wonderful friends at Couture Dentistry can help you today. Visit them now!
