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Sagging skin seems to go hand-in-hand with aging, especially around the lower face and jawline. PDO thread lifts are a minimally invasive procedure designed to provide a temporary lifting effect and improve the appearance of mild to moderate skin laxity. Here’s how the treatment works.
No matter how well you take care of your skin, changes in firmness and elasticity can happen over time. In the past, addressing sagging and restoring a youthful facial shape often meant undergoing surgery, which can involve incisions, anesthesia, a longer recovery period, and significant costs.
A PDO thread lift is another approach that uses absorbable sutures placed beneath the skin to provide temporary support and a lifting effect. This overview explains what PDO threads are, how they work, and what to expect during treatment.
PDO thread lift — the basics
PDO stands for polydioxanone, a material used to make synthetic absorbable sutures. These sutures are used during medical procedures to close incisions and wounds and gradually dissolve over time.
In aesthetic treatments, PDO threads are used because they are absorbable and can provide temporary mechanical support to the surrounding tissue. The body’s natural healing response around the threads may also contribute to collagen remodeling.
In a PDO thread lift, PDO sutures are placed under the skin using a specialized needle or cannula. Depending on the type of thread, some PDO sutures have tiny hooks or barbs that help them engage with the surrounding tissue and provide support.
Once the sutures are positioned, they can create an initial lifting effect that may improve the appearance of sagging, laxity, and certain facial contours. Over time, the threads gradually dissolve while collagen remodeling may continue around the treated area.
PDO thread lifts have gained popularity as a less invasive alternative to surgical lifting procedures. However, they do not provide the same degree of lifting or correction as a surgical facelift. PDO threads may be used on selected areas of the face and neck, while other applications depend on the specific technique and type of thread.
PDO thread lift treatment — what to expect
PDO thread lifts are generally performed as outpatient procedures. Before placing the threads, a local anesthetic is typically used around the treatment area to improve comfort.
The thread placement instrument is designed to position the sutures beneath the skin at a predetermined depth. When properly placed, the threads are generally not visible from the surface.
After treatment, it is common to experience some temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or tightness around the areas where the threads were inserted. The extent and duration of these effects vary from person to person.
During recovery, it may be recommended to rest and temporarily avoid strenuous activities or movements that place pressure on the treated area. Specific aftercare instructions can vary depending on the treatment area and technique.
It may also be helpful to avoid rubbing or putting excessive pressure on the treated area while the tissue heals. Your healthcare professional can provide specific recommendations regarding sleeping position, exercise, facial movements, and other activities.
A thread lift is not intended to provide the same level of results as a surgical lift. Instead, it may provide a more subtle lifting effect for appropriately selected individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity.
Understanding PDO thread lift results
PDO thread lifts can produce an initial lifting effect, although swelling and other temporary changes may affect the appearance immediately after treatment. Additional changes may develop over the following weeks as the surrounding tissue heals and collagen remodeling occurs.
The threads gradually dissolve over time, and the duration of visible results varies depending on factors such as the treatment area, type of threads used, skin characteristics, age, lifestyle, and individual healing.
The procedure may provide a temporary improvement rather than a permanent correction of skin laxity. Understanding these limitations can help set realistic expectations when considering a thread lift.
Takeaway
PDO threads offer a minimally invasive approach to addressing certain types of mild to moderate skin laxity. They can create an initial lifting effect while the body’s natural healing response may contribute to gradual changes in skin firmness and texture.
Because results, recovery, and suitability vary between individuals, it is important to understand both the potential benefits and limitations of the procedure. Consult a qualified medical professional to determine whether PDO threads are appropriate for your anatomy, skin condition, and aesthetic goals.
