PDO Threads

The letters “PDO” stand for “polydioxinone,” which is an absorbable material commonly used in certain medical surgeries. When injected into a specific area, incredibly fine PDO threads can provide structure on their own by securing lax tissues in an uplifted position from the inside. This results in a change that is visible right away.

In addition to this physical support, the threads also stimulate collagen production. Newly generated collagen adds further support, as well as outlasts the threads, which dissolve after several weeks or months. The resulting contours begin to develop within about two weeks and can last for a year or longer.

Because PDO threads are injected, there are no incisions or sutures to manage after a session. Each thread is thinner than a human hair and is inserted directly into the dermis, which is the layer of skin between the epidermis (surface) and subcutaneous area. Neither the needle nor the threads create scar tissue.

Collagen is an important protein that provides structure, strength, and support to many tissues in the body. It supports growth factors and has a major influence on the condition of the skin. Skin that has an abundance of collagen has a supple, voluminous, and youthful appearance. However, since our bodies produce less collagen as we age, the skin becomes much thinner, making it more likely for sagging and wrinkles to develop. Stimulating collagen production in the skin can help to strengthen the skin and reduce laxity.

PDO thread lifts are very effective for patients who are experiencing early signs of aging and want subtle, long-lasting but temporary results. They are not usually recommended as a treatment for more severe signs of aging such as severe sagging or loose skin. PDO threads are not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. They are usually best for patients in their late 30s to early 50s, individuals who do not expect dramatic results, those who do not want to have cosmetic surgery, or people who have previously had a facelift or neck lift and want to refresh their look or give it a minor tune-up later. If you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure that prevent you from being eligible for a traditional facelift, you could be a good candidate for PDO threads. It’s important to remember that PDO threads aren’t a substitute for facelift surgery.

Age-related sagging can occur in several regions of the face, including the midface/ cheeks, jawline, and neck. PDO threads are especially ideal for creating new contours on the lower third of the face, but they can also work to contour the brow and mid-face.

We will explain what to expect during the procedure and how to care for yourself during recovery. Avoid anything that may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, including blood-thinning medications and supplements, alcohol, and smoking for five days prior to your PDO thread lift. We will provide guidelines for recovery.

Patients will notice an improvement to sagging skin right after a PDO thread lift, and the results will continue to evolve in the following months. Once the thread dissolves, an intact collagen fibrous protein matrix is left behind. Remember, however, that a thread lift won’t prevent aging. Stressors such as aging, sun exposure, and gravity will affect PDO thread lift results. The results may also last longer for younger people compared to older patients with thinner skin or poorer skin elasticity. Patients who like the results can choose to have maintenance treatments to get a new set of temporary PDO threads put in place after the old ones are absorbed by the body.

PDO threads are often thought of as a less invasive alternative to a facelift. One major advantage of PDO thread lifts is that they require significantly less recovery time in comparison to surgical facelifts. Recovery from PDO threads is much simpler, lower risk, and not as intensive. As there is no need for general anesthesia, most patients can return to work right after the procedure if they wish to, and strong pain medications usually will not be needed. However, while there are many benefits associated with PDO threads, it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations. The results of PDO thread lifts usually are not as drastic as those of facelift surgeries. Thread lifts typically work best for those with mild to moderate skin laxity. Facelifts will also provide longer-lasting results, which can last for up to 10 years or more.

Volume loss in the mid-face can cause hollows to form, the apples of the cheeks to flatten, and jowls to develop lower down. Some dermal fillers, such as Voluma^®, add hyaluronic acid-based volume back to these depleted areas, smoothing out creases and pulling up sagging tissue to better define the chin and neck. Other fillers, such as Radiesse^®, stimulate collagen production in addition to adding volume.

Patients who are ready for surgery can opt for a facelift or neck lift. These procedures involve removing excess skin, shaping underlying tissue, and suturing the incisions so that the remaining skin sits in an elevated, more youthful position.

The ideal treatment depends on the patient, with deciding factors ranging from the degree of current facial skin laxity and the desired results. We can help you determine which treatment would serve you best in your efforts to restore youthful contours.