The absorbable surgical sutures of Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are safely used in a variety of medical specialties. When it comes to aesthetic purposes, a PDO Thread Lift can temporarily reposition, give skin support, and stimulate collagen production. When done skillfully, the procedure can lift and redefine your face’s contour, especially on the cheeks, jawline, and jowls.
What is a PDO Thread Lift?
A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that helps to lift and tighten sagging skin. During the treatment, polydioxanone threads are placed into the desired region by needles. The needles penetrate different skin layers and anchor into the desired area, which lifts the skin up and tightens it.
The PDO thread lift is a worthwhile procedure, because it tightens sagging skin effectively, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and enhancing collagen production. In addition, the treatment improves skin texture, pigmentation, the appearance of pores, tone, and laxity.
PDO threads are divided into three main types: floating, barbed and non-barbed. Your physician may opt to use different PDO threads for you, based on your skin lifting and renewal requirements.
PDO threads work well at treating the following areas:
- Eyebrows
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Jawline
- Crow’s feet
- Nasolabial fold
- Around the mouth
- Naso jugal folds
- Thighs and abdomen
- Hands and arms
During a PDO thread lift, the doctor starts by numbing the area with local anesthesia. After that, he or she inserts PDO threads through cannulas (sharp or blunt tip needles) into different skin layers. The inserted threads anchor your skin and raise it. Any excess threads are cut off.
Based on the treatment regions, a PDO thread lift treatment session takes about 15-30 minutes. You might feel some discomfort during the treatment, but due to improved techniques, the pain is very minimal.
How Long Does a PDO Thread Lift Last?
After a PDO thread lift treatment session, you should see an immediate improvement in the treated areas. The lift will continue to look better over 2-6 months as new collagen forms between the PDO threads and provides more skin lifting and tightening. Over 4-6 months, the threads dissolve slowly, but the ignited lift stays.
PDO threads prompt collagen production, so the results from the treatment should last long after the breakdown of the material in your body. For most patients, PDO thread lift results last between 12 and 24 months. However, how long the results last depends on age, skin quality, degree of sagging, and the amount of PDO threads used.
You can always set up an additional treatment session for even longer lasting effects.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a PDO Thread Lift?
A PDO thread lift is suitable for people who have visible wrinkles, drooping skin, and lines on their face or neck. It is also a good fit for those who want to enhance the appearance of their upper arms, thighs, and tummy.
However, your overall health should be good and you should have realistic treatment expectations.
1 to 2 days before and following a PDO thread lift, you should stay away from alcohol, and certain supplements like omega fish oils and vitamin E. You should also avoid visits to a steam room and engage in high-intensity exercises. Additionally, two weeks after a treatment, you shouldn’t undergo any dental procedure.