PDO Thread Lift for Beginners: What Is It, How It Works, and Results?

Achieve a youthful, lifted look with our non-surgical facelift treatments

A PDO thread lift is a nonsurgical cosmetic procedure designed to tighten and lift sagging skin. By strategically inserting threads are dissolvable and threads are inserted into the skin, the treatment promotes collagen production, helping to restore volume and a more youthful appearance. 

This lift can target several areas of the face and body, including the cheeks, jawline, neck, and even the arms. Since it’s less invasive than a facelift, many people are turning to PDO thread lifts to rejuvenate their skin without going under the knife.

What is PDO Thread Lift?

PDO stands for Polydioxanone, a biodegradable material commonly used in medical sutures. During a PDO thread lift, thin threads are made of PDO and are placed under the skin to tighten and lift specific areas. 

Over time, the threads are dissolvable and dissolve naturally, but before they do, they stimulate collagen production. Collagen, a protein essential for skin elasticity and firmness, helps maintain the thread lift results long after the threads have dissolved.

Benefits of PDO Thread Lift

Signs of aging are often among the main concerns addressed by the PDO thread lift, a procedure that offers numerous benefits for those wanting subtle enhancements without resorting to plastic surgery. Here’s why it’s a popular choice among patients:

1. Non-Surgical Facelift: Since it’s a minimally invasive procedure, there are no large incisions, stitches, or scarring involved, unlike traditional plastic surgery.
2. Quick Recovery: PDO thread lifts require minimal downtime, meaning you can resume your daily activities within a few days.
3. Natural Results: The collagen boost provides a gradual, natural-looking improvement in skin tone and texture, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
4. Long-Lasting: While the threads dissolve, the effects last up to 18 months due to collagen production, similar to the effects achieved with dermal fillers.
5. Versatile: PDO thread lifts can be customized to address multiple areas of concern, such as cheeks, jawline, neck, and brows, providing a targeted solution to common aging signs. The thread lift treat can even complement other procedures like filler injections for enhanced, non-surgical rejuvenation.

Types of Thread Lifts

PDO thread lifts aren’t one-size-fits-all; there are different types designed for different goals. Let’s take a closer look at the types of PDO threads available:

• Mono Threads: These smooth threads are often used to add volume and firmness to areas like the forehead or around the eyes.
• Cog Threads: Featuring barbs along the length, cog threads provide a more significant lift and tighten effect. They’re commonly used for jowls, jawline, and cheeks.
• Screw Threads: These are twisted threads designed to give more volume in areas needing extra support, like around the nasolabial folds or marionette lines.

PDO Thread Lift Considerations

Before diving into the procedure, there are some considerations to keep in mind. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and understanding its limitations and expectations is key to a successful outcome.

• Skin Type and Condition: PDO thread lifts work best on mild to moderate sagging, making them a great choice for aging skin on the face or neck. However, individuals with more severe sagging may require alternative treatments, such as facelift surgery.
• Temporary Results: Unlike a surgical facelift surgery, a thread lift is a non-surgical procedure, offering temporary results that typically last up to 18 months. PDO threads are one option among several for non-surgical rejuvenation.
• Consultation with Experts: Consult with a qualified practitioner, ideally a board-certified plastic surgeon, to ensure you’re a good candidate and discuss any underlying health conditions that might affect the procedure.

PDO Thread Lift Procedure

Rejuvenate your look with a professional PDO thread lift at Express Med Spa

The PDO thread lift is a procedure that uses dissolvable sutures and takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated. This procedure that uses PDO threads provides a lift without surgery, helping to take years off your face. 

Here’s what you can expect during the appointment:

1. Consultation and Marking: Your practitioner will assess your layers of the skin and discuss your aesthetic goals. They’ll then mark the treatment areas for precise thread placement.
2. Local Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is applied to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the process.
3. Insertion of Threads: Using a fine needle, the practitioner inserts the PDO threads just below the layers of the skin. The threads anchor into place, creating an instant lift. This thread lift can treat most parts of the face, offering a non-surgical face lift effect.
4. Final Adjustments: Once all threads are in place, the practitioner makes any final adjustments, ensuring the lift looks natural and symmetrical.

How Long Does a PDO Thread Lift Last?

On average, a PDO thread lift can last between 12 to 18 months. 

The threads themselves dissolve within six months, but the new collagen production stimulated by them helps lift and tighten the skin and maintain results for months afterward.

How Much Does PDO Thread Lift Cost?

The cost of a PDO thread lift treat varies depending on the area being treated and the number of threads used. On average, the treatment ranges from $700 to $4,500. 

Larger areas like the jawline and neck may require more threads, increasing the cost. Consult with a Express Med Spas professional for a detailed breakdown based on your specific needs.

Recovery Time

Unlike surgical facelifts, a PDO thread lift has minimal recovery time, meaning there’s no need for surgery or downtime. Most people can return to their regular activities within a few days. 

Mild swelling, bruising, or soreness at the insertion points are common but usually subside within a week, making PDO thread lift recovery quite manageable.

PDO Thread Lift Aftercare

Taking proper care of your skin post-procedure is crucial for ensuring the best results and minimizing discomfort. 

While PDO thread lifts have a relatively short recovery time, a few targeted aftercare practices can significantly improve how your skin heals and retains the lift. 

Here’s a comprehensive aftercare guide to help you maintain and maximize your results:

1. Avoid Touching or Rubbing the Treated Area:
   • Refrain from massaging, rubbing, or even touching the areas where threads were placed. This is especially important during the first two weeks, as it helps prevent the threads from shifting or misaligning.
   • Tip: Use a silk pillowcase and sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated. This minimizes any unintentional pulling on your skin overnight.
2. Limit Facial Movements:
   • To allow the threads to settle, avoid excessive facial expressions, chewing, or movements that stretch the skin around the treated areas for at least two weeks. This means cutting back on gum, large bites of food, and activities that engage the face heavily.
   • Tip: Choose soft foods that require minimal chewing, like soups, smoothies, and yogurt, to help prevent excessive jaw movement.
3. Apply Cold Compresses for Swelling:
   • It’s normal to experience some minor swelling, bruising, or soreness. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and alleviate any initial discomfort. Just be sure to wrap ice packs in a soft cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.
   • Tip: To minimize inflammation, apply a cold compress for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day during the first 48 hours.
4. Avoid Vigorous Physical Activity:
   • Avoid intense physical activity, including heavy lifting, running, or anything that increases blood flow to the face, for at least 2 to 3 weeks. Elevated blood pressure can lead to prolonged swelling and bruising and might affect the threads’ placement.
   • Tip: If you want to stay active without compromising your results, stick to light walking or gentle stretching exercises.
5. Stay Hydrated and Nourished:
   • Keeping your body hydrated and nourished supports optimal skin healing and collagen production. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, and incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, collagen-boosting nutrients (like Vitamin C), and healthy fats for better skin elasticity.
   • Tip: Foods like berries, leafy greens, and fatty fish (e.g., salmon) are great additions to your diet for skin health.
6. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking:
   • Both alcohol and smoking can interfere with the healing process. Alcohol dehydrates the skin and can contribute to prolonged swelling, while smoking restricts blood flow and impairs collagen formation, potentially impacting the longevity of the results.
   • Tip: Avoid both for at least two weeks after treatment to give your skin the best chance at healing fully.
7. Skip Skincare Actives for a Few Days:
   • Avoid using strong skincare ingredients, such as retinoids, AHAs, BHAs, and Vitamin C, for at least one week after the procedure. These can irritate and disrupt the skin barrier while it’s in a sensitive state.
   • Tip: Stick to a gentle, hydrating skincare routine with soothing products like hyaluronic acid and gentle moisturizers. Avoid facials, scrubs, and peels until your skin fully heals.
8. Protect Your Skin from the Sun:
   • Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can increase inflammation and delay healing. Avoid direct sun exposure and always wear a high SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outdoors, even on cloudy days.
   • Tip: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat if you need to be outside. Consider reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours if exposed to the sun for extended periods.
9. Avoid Saunas, Hot Tubs, and Steam Rooms:
   • High heat can cause sweating and lead to the expansion of blood vessels, potentially interfering with the placement of the threads and prolonging swelling.
   • Tip: Postpone sauna or hot tub visits for at least two weeks. Instead, opt for lukewarm showers to keep your skin cool and avoid heat-related irritation.
10. Gentle Lymphatic Massage (Optional):
11. Some practitioners recommend gentle lymphatic massage after the initial recovery to reduce swelling and promote healthy blood flow. However, only perform this under the guidance of your practitioner.
12. Tip: If you’re interested in lymphatic drainage, schedule a session with a trained therapist experienced in post-PDO thread lift massage techniques.
13. Follow Up with Your Practitioner:
14. Regular follow-ups with your practitioner ensure your progress is on track and address any concerns you might have about your recovery or results.
15. Tip: Express Med Spas provides follow-up support and can guide you on maintaining your results. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you notice anything unusual or have questions about your recovery.

Following these aftercare tips will help you achieve the best possible results from your PDO thread lift, promoting faster healing and preserving the lift for as long as possible. Consistent care and patience go a long way in maintaining that youthful, refreshed look achieved through PDO threads.

FAQs about PDO Thread Lifts

Are PDO Threads Dangerous?

PDO threads are FDA-approved and have a long track record in the medical field. The material is biodegradable and safe, with minimal risks when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, minor complications like bruising, swelling, or infection are possible but rare.

How Painful is a PDO Thread Lift?

The procedure is generally well-tolerated, with local anesthesia applied to numb the area. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort, but most patients find it manageable.

How Many Sessions of PDO Threads Do I Need?

Typically, a single session provides noticeable results, but some individuals may opt for a follow-up after a year or so to maintain the effect.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for a Thread Lift?

Those with excessive sagging, significant skin laxity, or certain health conditions might not be ideal candidates for a PDO thread lift. Consult a professional for a tailored assessment.

Is 60 Too Old for a Thread Lift?

PDO thread lifts can be effective for various age groups, though patients over 60 may have better outcomes with more extensive treatments depending on skin elasticity and condition.

Bottomline

A PDO thread lift offers an accessible, minimally invasive alternative for those seeking a refreshed, youthful appearance without the commitment of surgery. 

Whether considering it for a slight lift or to contour specific areas, a PDO thread lift can be tailored to fit your aesthetic goals. The experts at Express Med Spas in Chicago, Shorewood, La Grange, and Frankfort are here to help you explore this option, providing personalized consultations and high-quality care every step.

If you’re intrigued by the possibilities of a PDO thread lift, schedule a consultation with Express Med Spas today and begin your journey toward a rejuvenated look.