Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifts are a less invasive skin rejuvenating alternative to a facelift. The procedure usually takes less than 45 minutes and involves using dissolvable, biodegradable sutures to tighten and rejuvenate the skin.
The sutures help trigger cells called fibroblasts that produce collagen and elastin in your body. As we age, collagen and elastin production decreases, leading to a loss of elasticity in the skin, change in texture, and other signs of aging.
We hope these PDO threads FAQs and answers will help you as you consider or prepare for a thread lift cosmetic procedure.
Thread lifts are often used to improve the appearance and texture of the skin in the following areas:
- Jaw and jowls
- Neck
- Cheeks
- Around the eyes
A Thread Lift is most often used for mild sagging or laxity of the mid to lower parts of the face. The procedure is sought after by people who notice the beginning of jowls or other signs of aging but are not yet ready for a mini or full facelift.
PDO Threads FAQS
1. How long do PDO threads last?
The results vary. For most people, results will peak after six months and start to taper off after a year and a half. The longevity of results depends on various factors, including the patient’s age and the condition of the skin.
According to a study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, an experienced surgeon claimed he has seen results from thread lifts lasting between one and nine years.
2. How long does it take for PDO threads to work?
Understanding how soon you will see results helps to understand the process.
During a thread lift, your provider will use a fine needle to insert surgical-grade threads into the area needing treatment. The threads stimulate healing and collagen production during the weeks following the procedure.
As a result, the skin’s appearance, elasticity, and texture improve. Most people see results within three to four weeks after receiving their thread lift.
3. Can I work out after PDO threads?
Please avoid vigorous or moderate exercise for the next seven days following your treatment. This includes cardio, yoga, and resistance training. You may still walk at a moderate pace, but just be mindful.
Straining yourself may interfere with your natural healing process and stop you from receiving the best results from the procedure. Exercises stimulate your heart rate and blood flow, leading to increased swelling. In some cases, your provider may limit vigorous exercise for two weeks.
4. How many PDO threads do I need?
The exact number of threads varies by the person, the areas being treated, the type of threads, and the desired results. Usually, a thread lift requires between four and eight threads on each side.
5. Are PDO threads safe?
PDO thread lifts are less risky than facelift surgeries since they are less invasive. There’s a lower risk of scarring, bleeding, or severe bruising when the procedure is performed by a trained professional.
Of course, there is always some risk with most medical and cosmetic procedures. Some potential side effects or complications include:
- Visible sutures, especially if you happen to have thin skin
- Pain, inflammation, or minor bruising
- In some cases, infection
- Snapping of threads
- Hair loss
- Hematoma of the accumulation of blood
Talk with your provider to learn more about these and other possible side effects.
6. How long after PDO threads can I get a filler?
Talk with your provider about your goals to determine the best combination and timing of treatments. Some people have great results combining dermal fillers and a PDO thread lift. This can be especially effective when combining the threads with a filler known to boost collagen, such as Sculptra Aesthetic.
If you received a thread lift and are considering an additional treatment like a dermal filler, talk with your provider first. It takes weeks to heal and weeks to see the results from the thread lift.
7. Are PDO threads permanent?
The threads themselves are biodegradable and dissolvable. They break down, and the body reabsorbs them.
The results can be long-lasting for some people, but they are temporary, usually lasting one to two years.
8. How do I know whether I am a good candidate for PDO Thread Lifts?
If you are generally healthy and notice early signs of sagging and aging in the mid to lower face area, you may be a good candidate for a thread lift. It is also important that you are a nonsmoker. Most people who get a thread lift are younger than 55 years old, but this can vary by person and goal.
Meet with a provider and discuss your aesthetic goals and hopes. Be sure to inform your provider about your medical history, any medications you take, and any current health issues. Your provider will help you determine whether you are likely to recover well from a thread lift and see the results you seek.
9. What are the benefits of a thread lift over a facelift?
While some people see a thread lift as an alternative to a facelift, they are not interchangeable. There are some cases where a partial or full facelift would yield better results. For example, if there is excess skin, a thread lift doesn’t address this cosmetic issue.
For people experiencing early signs of aging and sagging in the lower or middle of the face, a thread lift may be ideal. Some of the benefits include:
- It is a less invasive procedure, so minimal downtime or recovery time is involved
- The results unfold over weeks to seem more natural and subtle than a traditional facelift
- Since it isn’t an operation, there is less risk of adverse reactions to anesthesia
- The procedure takes less than 45 minutes, so it is more convenient than a facelift
- It promotes the body’s natural healing process and collagen production for younger-looking skin
Next Steps: Schedule a Consultation to Learn More
The field of aesthetics and cosmetic procedures is rapidly evolving. Your best plan is to go to a reputable medi-spa or plastic surgery practice for a consultation. Many are surprised by what can be achieved through non-surgical and less invasive procedures like BOTOX®, fillers, and thread lifts.
The Skin Center by CPS proudly serves Charlotte-area residents by offering today’s most advanced cosmetic treatments. We are part of the Charlotte Plastic Surgery family which has been the area’s go-to for plastic surgery for decades.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation to learn more about thread lifts and other skin rejuvenation treatment options.
