PDO threads aren’t new; they’ve been used in medicine for decades, primarily in surgical procedures to close wounds. However, using them in a cosmetic setting to provide aesthetic results similar to a facelift is a relatively new way PDO threads are utilized.
PDO thread lifts using PDO threads are no doubt one of the hottest trends in facial rejuvenation. Not to be confused with eyebrow threading (a technique used as an alternative to eyebrow waxing), PDO threads are inserted beneath the skin’s surface to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face, neck, and other areas of the body.
If you are looking for a surgery-free facelift or a safe way to mitigate the impacts of gravity and the aging process and rejuvenate your face over time, PDO threads are a great way to improve your facial features.
What are PDO Threads?
PDO threads, short for Polydioxanone threads, are a safe and effective option for those seeking a non-surgical way to achieve a more youthful appearance. The threads are made of polydioxanone, the same synthetic absorbable suture material that has been safely used by surgeons for more than three decades.
PDO threads are tiny (thinner than a hair) but extremely powerful. When strategically placed beneath the skin’s surface, PDO threads deliver an immediate lifting and tightening effect to areas that are loose and droopy.
But the impact of PDO threads doesn’t end there; they keep working thanks to their ability to stimulate collagen, a vital protein that contributes to the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
With age, our collagen production diminishes, resulting in the gradual emergence of wrinkles and diminished skin firmness. PDO threads instigate a rejuvenating process by stimulating collagen production, helping to restore the skin’s vitality and resilience.
PDO threads don’t stay under your skin forever, and you never have to have them removed. The material PDO threads are made of is biodegradable. It is slowly and safely absorbed by the body over time, generally taking about six months to fully break down.
But again, the results last long after the threads have dissolved. On average, the lifting and tightening of your skin will last 12 to 16 months, with many patients saying they’ve seen their results last two years.
Ways To Use PDO Threads
There are many ways that PDO threads can be used to improve your appearance. They can be used to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face, neck, and even other areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks.
They can also be used to improve the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, PDO threads can be used to add volume to areas of the face that have lost volume over time by supporting the skin.
PDO threads can be used in many different ways. How you choose to use them comes down to your needs and goals. A dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon can work with you to determine the best way to use PDO threads to achieve the results you desire.
Types of PDO Threads
Various PDO threads are available on the market, each with different purposes. The type of PDO thread that you choose will be based on your needs and goals.
That said, regardless of which kind of PDO thread you choose, the primary goal and main outcome are the same. They gently lift and tighten and affect the tissue underneath your skin, kickstarting your body’s natural healing process and production of new collagen.
There are two main types of PDO threads: smooth threads and lifting threads. At the Lett Center, we use the VSoft Lift line of PDO threads. The manufacturer recommends specific uses for each type of VSoft PDO thread, which are listed below.
However, this does not mean these are the only ways PDO threads can be used. It’s important to note that a board-certified practitioner with expertise in PDO thread lifts can provide many types of creative enhancements with PDO thread technology.
Smooth Threads
Also known as mono threads, smooth threads are made of a single strand of material. They are the most popular type of PDO thread because they provide a number of benefits with minimal risk.
These threads are typically used to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They can also be used to add volume to areas of the face that have lost volume over time, such as the cheeks or lips.
Benefits of smooth PDO threads for your skin:
- Added structure
- Skin rejuvenation
- Improved texture
- Skin tightening
- Stimulated collagen production
These smooth threads come in a variety of weights and lengths. Each thread variation offers unique benefits to different areas of your face and body. Your doctor will determine the best type and placement for maximum results.
Different placements and unique benefits:
- Vermilion border defines the lips
- Acne scars to reduce the appearance
- Necklace lines are minimized and supported
- Eyebrows to give a lifted appearance
- Cheek and jawline for support and to reduce jowls
- Anywhere on the body that needs supported skin
Mini-Series Smooth Threads
This type of VSoft thread is just like a standard smooth thread but much shorter. They are designed with precision in mind, making them a great tool for enhancements such as scar improvement and lip definition.
If you have small scars anywhere on the body, the standard-size PDO thread might be a little too big for the area. Mini-series smooth threads are exceptionally well-suited for addressing small scars on the body. Their shorter length allows for enhanced precision, ensuring that even the tiniest imperfections can be effectively targeted and improved.
Many doctors also use a mini smooth thread in the cupid’s bow and vermilion border to define the lips. Here, their precision and shorter length are instrumental in creating well-defined and natural-looking results.
Twisted Smooth Threads
This type of PDO thread is exactly what it sounds like– a smooth thread that has been twisted. The twist in the thread provides added support to the skin. This type of thread is often used in areas prone to sagging, such as the jowls or neck.
Benefits of twisted smooth threads:
- Immediate structure
- Long-term collagen production
- Deep scarring improvements
- Facial volumization
- Skin tightening with maximum collagen stimulation
- Improved texture
- Skin rejuvenation
Arte Lifting Threads
Arte lifting threads are made of one strand of material molded with barbs, which come in multiple designs. What sets Arte lifting threads apart is their lifting capability.
Arte lifting threads offer a greater degree of lift and support than smooth threads, making them the preferred choice for addressing heavier tissues that are prone to sagging, such as the jowls or neck.
Benefits of Arte lifting threads include:
- Can lift heavier tissue
- Options to lift heavier tissue under thin skin
- Powerful lifting effects on thick skin
- Collagen stimulation
- Improved texture
- Improved firmness
Arte Lifting Threads are the go-to choice when seeking remarkable lifting and support for areas that need a little extra attention. And while they have barbs, they shouldn’t be confused with barbed threads, which we will discuss next.
Barb Star Lifting Threads
Barbed threads, including the “Barb Star” variety, are sutures designed with tiny barbs or cones along one side of the thread. The thread design allows it to provide more support to the skin.
Barb Star lifting threads are used in vector lifts, a nonsurgical type of natural facelift. The barbs work by gathering tissue under the skin and grabbing hold to create tension in the skin. This technique and type of thread work particularly well in patients with thinner skin who desire a facelift.
Barbed PDO threads can lift and sculpt the face and even be used in other areas of the body, like the breasts.
Benefits of Barb Star living threads:
- Can be used for a vector lift
- Able to lift jawline tissue
- Able to lift neck tissue
- Stimulates collagen growth
- Improves texture
- Improves firmness
- Good for nonsurgical eyebrow lift
- Great for patients with thinner skin
If you are considering barbed threads for your PDO lift procedure, the Barb Star brand stands out among barbed thread options due to their meticulously designed barbs or cones, a design unique to Barb Star threads that enhances their ability to lift and sculpt the face.
How to Choose the Right Type of PDO Threads for Your Skin
The type of PDO thread that you choose will be based on your needs and goals. If you are looking for immediate structure, then a twisted, smooth thread might be the best option. If you are wanting to improve the appearance of scars or want lip definition, then a mini-smooth thread would be a good option. For someone with thin skin and wanting a nonsurgical facelift, then barb star threads might be the best option.
While it is important to educate yourself on the different types of PDO threads your practitioner might suggest, don’t get stressed out trying to decide which PDO thread is best for your skin.
That’s where we come in! During your complimentary consultation, our experienced PDO thread practitioner can help you choose the best type of PDO thread for your needs.
Why Choose PDO Threads Over Other Thread Types?
PDO threads aren’t the only threads being used to achieve similar results to a facelift without surgery. In addition to PDO threads, alternatives like PLA (polylactic acid) and PCA (polycaprolactone) threads exist.
We prefer PDO threads at The Lett Center primarily because they have existed for several decades and are crafted from the same reliable material that has been trusted in surgery and wound closure for decades.
PLA and PCA threads are not made from this material. PLA threads are made from a biocompatible polymer derived from lactic acid. PCA threads, the newest thread on the market, are bio-absorbable monofilament suspension threads made of synthetic caprolactone.
We are not implying that PLA and PCA threads aren’t safe or don’t work. We simply choose to use and specialize in PDO threads due to their well-established safety and documented effectiveness.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. We encourage you to do your own research on thread types and ask a lot of questions during your consultation. Additionally, no matter which thread you choose, remember that their safety and effectiveness also depend on proper application.
If you are considering a thread lift, only get the procedure done by a qualified healthcare provider knowledgeable in thread types and thread lifts.
What to Expect During and After a PDO Thread Lift Procedure
Many people worry that PDO threading is painful– but that is not typically the case. PDO threading is generally well-tolerated. Most patients report experiencing minimal to no pain during the procedure, often describing the sensation as mild discomfort or a feeling of slight pressure, similar to a gentle tug or pinch.
Any potential discomfort is significantly mitigated by using numbing agents to ensure ease throughout the treatment. Before we begin, the targeted area will be carefully numbed to ensure you’re at ease.
After you are numb, the threads are skillfully inserted using specialized cannulas, which can be blunt or sharp, tailored to your specific requirements. These cannulas delicately pass through multiple layers of your skin, securing the threads in place to achieve the desired tightening effect. Once the threads are expertly anchored, any excess thread length is trimmed away, and you are ready to go home!
Following your PDO thread lift, you may experience some mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness. These effects are typically temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
You can typically resume your daily activities without any significant downtime.
Your practitioner will offer guidance on post-treatment care, which may include avoiding strenuous exercise and specific skincare products for a brief period. Adhering to these recommendations is crucial for achieving the best possible results and ensuring a smooth recovery process.
Because the threads provide an instant lifting and tightening effect, you can expect to leave your treatment session with a noticeable rejuvenation. However, it’s important to note that while the immediate results are impressive, the full benefits may continue to improve over time.
Typically, the most substantial improvements from a PDO thread lift become fully noticeable within 4 to 6 weeks following your procedure. This is the period when collagen production is at its peak, contributing to enhanced skin texture and firmness.
How Long Do PDO Thread Results Last, And How Often Do They Need To Be Repeated?
PDA threads dissolve after about six months but offer an exciting twist– their effects far outlast the threads themselves. Because the threads also build up natural collagen, you will see results that can last 18 months or more, making PDO threads an excellent choice for those seeking long-lasting benefits.
The number of sessions required and when to consider repeating PDO thread treatments can vary depending on individual factors and treatment goals. Typically, individuals start with a single PDO thread session to achieve their initial desired results.
After the initial treatment, some may opt for follow-up sessions to maintain or enhance their results. The timing of repeat sessions is influenced by factors such as lifestyle choices, skin aging, and the desired level of transformation.
How to Maximize the Longevity of a PDO Thread Lift
PDO threads already offer long-lasting results, but with a few easy steps, you can potentially extend the life of your PDO thread lift even more!
Here’s a look at what you can do to ensure your rejuvenated appearance stays fresh and youthful.
Craft a Consistent Skincare Routine
Consistently using professional-grade skincare products catered to your skin type and goals is one of the best ways to help maintain the benefits of PDO thread treatments.
If you need help developing the best skin care regime for your unique needs, our skincare experts can walk you through the best products for your skin health goals.
Stay Hydrated
Hydrating is key! Drinking an ample amount of water is a fundamental yet often overlooked aspect of skin health. Staying well-hydrated contributes to skin vitality and helps maintain a fresh, glowing appearance.
Shield Your Skin
Wearing sunscreen is a non-negotiable component of healthy skin. Sun protection safeguards your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, preserving the results of your treatment and preventing premature aging and skin cancer.
Kick the Habit
Smoking is known to accelerate the aging process and can counteract the benefits of PDO thread treatments. Quitting or avoiding smoking is a significant step in maintaining youthful skin.
Nourish from Within
A balanced and nutritious diet not only supports your overall health but also plays a role in skin wellness. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in essential nutrients promotes skin resilience and radiance.
Schedule an Appointment for PDO Threads in Mt. Juliet & Lebanon, Tennessee
Of course, nothing can replace the dramatic effects of a modern-day facelift, but PDO threads certainly come close at a fraction of the cost and with minimal downtime.
If you want to learn more about PDO threads or other ways to enhance your beauty and rejuvenate your appearance, give The Lett Center a call to book your complimentary consultation.
The Lett Center offers a wide variety of PDO threads and other non-surgical skin treatments. We will work with you to determine your goals and the best way to provide you with stunning results.