PDO Threads
Experience a non-surgical facelift with PDO Threads, the safe and effective way to lift, tighten and rejuvenate your skin.
PDO Threads
As we age, it’s normal for collagen and elastin levels in the skin to start to decrease, giving way to common signs of aging. Couple that with volume loss, UV and environmental damage, fine lines and wrinkles, and saggy skin start to replace what was once tight, lifted, and plump. As the face becomes flatter and loses its youthful curves and definition, a little help is often needed to get things back to where they once were.
The threads used today are safer and more effective than in years past. Absorbable PDO threads work wonders as a minimally invasive option for lifting the skin, especially when invasive procedures, like a facelift, are not viable solutions. Similarly, PDO threads work well for lifting loose skin in the cheeks and along the jawline to give a better definition. The best thing about absorbable PDO threads may be that even after they dissolve, they continue to build collagen and improve the overall look of the lift.
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What are PDO Threads?
As the aging process affects the face and gravity takes its toll, it’s normal for the skin on the face and the neck to become saggy and appear as if it has fallen. The facial sutures comprise a layer of fat and tissues supported by the skin and bones. Fat begins to descend and atrophy from the face, and the bones start to shrink, causing the skin to shrink and sag around the eyes and in the cheeks, eyebrows, neck, and jowls.
PDO (polydioxanone) threads are a quick and easy way to lift the skin temporarily. These tiny, flexible yet durable polymer threads are the secret to raising saggy skin back into place while better defining the facial features. Today’s FDA-approved PDO threads contain tiny barbs that suspend the tissue under the skin. When the threads are inserted, pulled, and locked into place, they can resuspend sagging tissue to a more youthful position. These threads are the key agent in what is known as a thread lift, the overall procedure name for producing a natural-looking yet subtle lift within the skin.
The goal of using PDO threads in the face to lift is to create a slight degree of change that improves the angle of facial features while minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And it does all of that while stimulating collagen production for added volume in the treated areas. Most PDO threads are used in the face to lift the cheeks, jaw, and eyebrows, but they are also suitable for the neck to improve the contour and redefine the jawline. Some even use threads on the body to create lift where needed most.
For those who don’t want surgery (for whatever reason), PDO threads are the next best thing because they give a subtle lift to the skin without surgically excising loose skin. Plus, there’s no incision or recovery period and hardly any downtime when using PDO threads. Instead, the skin is lifted by being pulled tightly into place with these specialty threads, creating new collagen in the treated areas for added plumpness and younger-looking skin. More fresh collagen in the skin equates to thicker and firmer skin with less laxity. So, you can think of PDO threads as a one-two-punch treatment that lifts and creates new collagen: a win-win.
Although threads and thread lifts have been around for years, the modern versions used today are far superior to the original ones, which were permanent. They also contained rigid barbed sutures and firm materials that were not ideal to use in the face. Rather than causing complications as they did in the past, today’s PDO threads are absorbable and made with tiny barbs that sit on the thread to pull the loose tissue up and back into a more youthful position. This is what creates firmer-looking skin that has a more defined appearance to it.
While the results of PDO threads are dramatic, it’s essential to know that they aren’t permanent, like surgery, and will need to be repeated to maintain the results. However, most patients are so happy with the change that they’re willing to support the upkeep to stay lifted and more defined.
How PDO Threads Work
The way threads work is straightforward. First, anesthesia is applied and injected into the treatment area to make the procedure comfortable. Then, the threads are inserted under the skin (usually with a cannula), and the thread is pulled through the other side via an insertion point which lifts the underlying tissue into a higher position before it’s snapped into place. Once the threads are in place and tied with a knot to secure them, they give instant support to the underlying tissues and skin, helping to lift and tighten them.
After a few weeks to a few months, the threads begin to absorb, and the body starts to initiate a natural healing response since the body recognizes the threads as a foreign substance and an area “to heal.” Then, as the threads begin to absorb (you won’t feel this happening or even notice it) around the four-month mark, the body initiates creating new collagen in the area, keeping the skin firm, youthful and fresh. The newly formed collagen helps improve the skin’s condition and can add volume depending on the thread used
The treatment works well on its own or can be used with filler and other non-invasive options, making it an excellent alternative for those who don’t want surgery but still need a bit of refining and lifting. Even though the skin is only lifted by a few millimeters, in most patients, that’s enough to make a dramatic difference in the appearance of their face.
Often, PDO threads are like the icing on the cake after other treatments. And they can also be used to build upon the results of different treatments, like a liquid facelift. No matter where the threads are inserted on the face or body, they work towards lifting crepey, loose skin back to a more desirable position.
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Who are PDO Threads For?
It takes a keen eye to determine who is the ideal candidate for a PDO thread lift. Most patients that benefit the most from the treatment display early signs of aging yet are not ready for plastic surgery or do not want to tighten the skin with a surgical procedure. Anyone with extremely saggy skin or severe signs of aging may need to consider other options that will provide more lift that is also longer lasting. Those who get the most mileage out of the procedure tend to be younger (usually in their 30s to 50s) with minimal signs of aging and sagginess.
PDO threads are not a permanent solution, so ensure maintenance sessions are part of your plan. However, lifts typically last for up to 2 years. In suitable patients, PDO threads are an excellent option, especially for those who:
Can't spare the downtime associated with more invasive procedures like surgery
Want to improve lax skin on the face, like the cheeks, jawline, eyes, neck, and even the decolletage, or body
Want a quick fix since the treatment can be done in about 30 minutes and under local anesthesia
Want smooth fine lines
Experiencing the initial signs of aging
Want a very subtle amount of lift
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The Results
PDO threads are designed to improve the appearance of mild to minimal skin laity by tightening the skin by repositioning it and the underlying tissues, giving way to a more youthful and rejuvenated natural appearance. Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in facial contours and increased skin firmness. There will be an immediate lifting effect that continues to improve over the next few months as the threads begin to induce the natural production of collagen.
The final look is similar to what a facelift can produce, albeit more natural and without scarring. Again, the face will be sculpted and lifted without signs that something was done.
It’s normal for some initial redness, bruising, or swelling with the treatment, which soon goes away. Even though the threads naturally dissolve after a few months, they leave behind new, fresh collagen that improves the skin’s overall condition. However, natural aging still ensues, which can affect the overall results of the PDO threads. To maintain the results, most patients require a new, fresh set of threads about every 18 months or so.
The Benefits of PDO Threads
The most significant benefit of PDO threads is the lift they provide. But the creation of new collagen is equally essential, which helps prolong the threads’ lifting effects even after they’ve been absorbed. Any new collagen is permanent and lasts unless it breaks down.
Other patients appreciate the downtime-free lifting benefits of threads without having to undergo surgery—a big plus!
Additional benefits of PDO threads include:
- No large incisions or cuts, which means no scars. Small incisions are made to insert the threads under the skin but they do not leave a scar.
- No general anesthesia so that you can drive yourself home after the procedure
- Immediate improvement with low risk. As the threads dissolve and the body creates new collagen, the results are even more noticeable–and better–around 8 to 12 weeks after the treatment.
- A more affordable option than plastic surgery
- Some minor downtime for three to five days after the procedure
The Different Types of PDO Threads
Different types and textures of threads can be used to address age-related issues. The main thread textures are smooth PDO threads and lifting PDO threads. Schedule a consultation today to determine the best type of threads for you!
These threads have a smooth texture and can be used to treat deep-textured acne scars. However, they do not lift the skin as a barbed thread does. Instead, smooth PDO threads dissolve under the skin and help stimulate collagen to smooth the skin’s surface while tightening and plumping it. These threads usually dissolve by about week six, and the full results can be seen around month two or three.
Unlike smooth threads, these are best for lifting the tissue so that the skin appears tighter. They can also be used to reshape a specific feature.
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How Much Does a PDO Threads Cost?
Every patient is different, so we recommend a consultation to determine the cost of your PDO thread treatment. Our experienced team of skin experts and medical providers can further discuss the treatment with you and determine if PDO threads are right for you.
The treatment is tailored to your needs, which is why the cost ranges. All PDO thread treatments require the use of multple threads, and some procedures even use a mix of threads. Our team can customize a package to help you obtain the desired results. A consultation with our staff will ensure more accurate pricing.
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Common FAQs
There’s some recovery with PDO threads, it’s far less than what you’d experience with surgery. There may be some minor soreness, redness, or swelling at first along with limited facial mobility and flexibility. We recommend taking it easy for the first 24 hours and avoiding strenuous exercise or activity during the first few weeks. If there’s soreness in the lower face, stick with soups and soft foods for a few days until it subsides.
No! You can continue using your favorite skincare products with caution. Be gentle with your skin and don’t rub it too hard or massage it for at least one week after the procedure. It’s also best to keep your head upright instead of on your side so there’s no unnecessary pressure on the face.
Although minimal and rare, there are some possible risks to be aware of. Besides some initial bruising and swelling, there can be a low degree of inflammation, which is part of the healing process. More severe complications include punching of the skin and threads that appear visible under the skin’s surface, which is rare. Scar tissue can also form from the threads.
The results of a PDO thread lift last, on average, six months to two years, depending on genetics, the current state of your skin, and the degree of aging. So even though the body gradually absorbs the threads, the collagen-building effects of the treatment are permanent.
A PDO thread lift requires the use of a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. Most people experience mild discomfort during the procedure and some lingering discomfort for several days. The most common feeling is that of the skin being ‘pulled’ at first, which subsides after a few days.
Yes! PDO threads are often combined with other treatments, like fillers and injectables, to enhance the overall effects.
Unlock Your Skin's Potential at Ecobel Med Spa
If you’re ready to achieve plump, defined, and youthful skin, look no further than Ecobel Med Spa. Our team of internationally trained, skilled estheticians and medical providers has over 40 years of experience in the beauty and aesthetics industry. They will work with you to determine the best PDO thread treatment plan for your skin’s needs. Don’t wait to get the healthy, glowing skin you deserve. Book your consultation for PDO Threads by filling out the form today!
