WHAT IS PDO THREADING?

PDO LIFTING + SMOOTH THREADS

A polydioxanone (PDO) thread lift is a non-surgical facelift that treats fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin in less than an hour, with results that can last up to 18 months. PDO threading procedures smooth, tighten, add support, and boost natural collagen production in your skin with little downtime. Quick with natural-looking, subtle results, threading is perfect for people who want lifted, tighter skin without going under the knife for a facelift.
For the procedure, an aesthetician uses needles to insert and anchor threads into different skin layers. They may use between 1-15 threads to lift and tighten sagging skin in problem areas.

pdo threading nonsurgical facelift mt juliet and lebanon tn

REASONS FOR PDO THREADING

  • Neck tightening + permanent fat elimination
  • Acne scarring
  • Lip border treatment
  • Foxtail eyebrow treatment
  • Temple volume + eyebrow lift
  • Decolletage treatment

The best part about a non-surgical thread lift is there is no downtime!
You may have heard of the two other types of thread lift procedures using threads made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA). However, of the three, PDO threads have been around the longest; surgeons first started using them in the 80s.

WHAT ARE PDO THREADS MADE OF?

PDO threads are made of polydioxanone, an ultra-thin medical-grade suture. The placement of the threads is customized to each individual’s skin type and goals to ensure optimal results.

Like fillers, lifting threads are placed under the skin through a small cannula, similar to other volumizing procedures. Collagen production begins once the threads are inserted, giving immediate results lasting up to 2 years.

PDO threads come in three different types:

  • PDO mono threads – Best for rejuvenation and skin tightening, mono threads are smooth sutures that stimulate collagen production.
  • PDO cog threads – Best for a moderate facelift, cog threads have barbs, like fishhooks, that latch onto your skin to provide more support and lift the face.
  • PDO screw threads – Best for a moderate facelift, screw threads contain two intertwined threads that restore volume to sunken parts of the skin on your face.

A licensed aesthetician at The Lett Center will discuss whether a screw, mono, or cog thread lift is best for you.

HOW DOES A POLYDIOXANONE (PDO) THREAD LIFT WORK?

PDO threading uses small biodegradable polyester sutures to lift and tighten the skin. The colorless polyester threads break down in your body after approximately six months, but their benefits last much longer. PDO threads trigger fibroblasts to produce more collagen in your skin. If you know anything about skincare, collagen is essential since it is the protein that gives structure and elasticity to your skin, keeping your look youthful.

WHERE CAN YOU USE PDO THREADS?

You can treat many areas with PDO threads, and not just on your face. Although, people commonly request PDO threads for their necks or an eyebrow lift.

Other treatment locations include:

  • Lip border
  • Cheeks
  • Jowls
  • Upper neck
  • Decolletage
  • Upper arms
  • Stomach
  • Thighs
  • Knees
  • And even acne scars

CAN PDO THREADS BE COMBINED WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?

Absolutely! PDO threads can be seamlessly integrated with a variety of other aesthetic procedures to maximize your results. By combining treatments, you can address multiple skin concerns simultaneously and achieve a more comprehensive rejuvenation.

Here’s how:

  • Wrinkle Reduction: Pair PDO threads with neuromodulators or neurotoxins like Botox® to smooth out fine lines and prevent new wrinkles from forming.
  • Volume Restoration: Use dermal fillers alongside PDO threads to add volume to hollow areas, ensuring a youthful, plump appearance.
  • Skin Texture Improvement: Incorporate laser treatments or microneedling to enhance skin texture and tone. These procedures work well with PDO threads to provide a more radiant and even complexion.
  • Sagging Skin: PDO threads are excellent for lifting sagging skin, but when combined with other collagen-stimulating treatments like radiofrequency therapy, the effects can be substantially amplified.

WHY COMBINE TREATMENTS?

Combining PDO threads with other procedures allows for a synergistic effect, where the benefits of each treatment are enhanced. By addressing different aspects of skin aging and rejuvenation, you achieve a more balanced and natural look.

WHAT TO CONSIDER

When planning a combination treatment strategy, always consult with a qualified healthcare professional to tailor the procedures to your specific needs and goals. This ensures optimal safety and effectiveness, allowing you to enjoy the best possible results from your aesthetic treatments.

PDO FACELIFT PROCEDURE

A thread lift treatment only takes minutes with no scalpel or anesthesia. Before the procedure, your doctor or clinician will likely advise you to avoid alcohol, tobacco, certain OTC drugs, and specific herbs five days prior. You should avoid anything that may increase your risk of bleeding or bruising, like:

  • Advil or ibuprofen
  • Aspirin
  • Omega-3 fatty acids, like fish oil
  • Green tea or green tea extracts

Your aesthetician should also communicate any potential complications and post-procedure care.

During the procedure, your provider will likely use a local anesthetic to numb the areas they will work on. Then, they will insert the threads into the skin via sterile needles called cannulas. The barbed threads grab the skin, and the provider pulls the threads to lift and tighten loose skin. The PDO threading procedure is quick and takes only 15 – 60 minutes.

Shortly after the procedure, you will be able to go home. You may feel the threads in your skin initially, but they eventually dissolve.

pdo threading non surgical facelift mt juliet and lebanon tn full face treatment

PDO THREAD DOWNTIME

There is no downtime for a thread lift procedure, so it’s sometimes called “the lunchtime facelift.” However, the whole recovery period for PDO threads is two weeks. During this time, the first 24 to 72 hours will have the most side effects. You may experience swelling and soreness, possibly even bruising.
Taking preventive measures in the first few days after a thread lift is essential. Avoid making drastic facial expressions, drinking from straws, and sleeping on your side or belly. This will ensure the threads stay in place.
However, you can return to work and resume most of your daily activities immediately after PDO threading.

POSSIBLE PDO THREAD LIFT SIDE EFFECTS

While PDO thread lifts are much safer than surgical facelifts, minor complications rarely occur. Though thankfully, these complications are easily corrected.

Possible complications:

  • Visible sutures (threads)
  • Pain
  • Minor bruising
  • Soreness
  • Infection at the insertion site
  • Blood pooling (hematoma)
  • Threads snapping
  • Inflammation or swelling
  • Dimpling
  • Skin puckering
  • Hair loss
  • Salivary gland injury

Visit a trusted and board-certified clinic to prevent complications and unwanted side effects like thread lift puckering. Contact us at The Lett Center to speak with a highly trained and skilled clinician.

pdo threading non surgical facelift mt juliet and lebanon tn full face treatment

HOW LONG DOES PDO THREADING LAST?

PDO threads give both immediate and long-lasting results. While the threads give immediate lifting results, you will see the best results about six to eight months later. After the threads dissolve, your body continues producing collagen to create youthful-looking skin.
The results last about 18 months to a few years. Your aesthetician may recommend maintenance treatments every year to 18 months.

  • How long does PDO threading take?
    Treatment time approximately 15 – 60 minutes

  • How many treatments will I need and how often?
    1 – 3 treatments, 4 – 6 weeks apart
  • How long will results last?
    Results lasting 12-24 months.

    This patient received a full PDO threading face treatment. Results vary per patient and treatment.

HOW TO MAKE PDO THREADS LAST LONGER

You can prolong the thread lift results if you take good care of your skin and health.

To extend lifting results:

  • Drink enough water.
  • Wear sunscreen every day.
  • Don’t smoke.
  • Have a quality skincare routine.
  • Eat a healthy diet with skin-boosting vitamins and minerals (Vitamins A, C, D, and E; zinc, collagen, biotin, selenium, and magnesium).
  • Take additional supplements for skin health.

HOW MUCH DOES A PDO THREAD LIFT COST?

A thread lift can be much more affordable than traditional facelift surgery. The average facelift cost can be from $8,000 to $15,000 or higher, not including anesthesia and facility costs.
A PDO lift starts around $300 and can be as much as $5,000, depending on how many threads you use. Plus, there are no anesthesia or hospital fees to add on.

IS PDO THREADING WORTH IT?

Most patients say face threading is worth every penny the second your treatment is complete. Not only does a PDO thread lift show significant results instantly, but it also continues to work over time. After just two weeks, you’ll notice skin tone and texture improvements due to collagen production from this treatment. As a result, PDO threading has made a name for itself, considering its immediate skin tightening, lifting, and continual results.

✨ Skin tightening + lifting

✨ Instant and continued results

✨ Skin texture + tone improvements

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FACELIFTS AND PDO THREADS

When it comes to facial rejuvenation, two widely considered options are facelifts and PDO threads. Both aim to address sagging skin but differ significantly in methods, recovery time, and longevity of results.

FACELIFTS: THE TRADITIONAL APPROACH

Facelifts are surgical procedures ideal for those experiencing considerable sagging and loss of skin elasticity. Here are some key points:

  • Invasiveness: Highly invasive, involving incisions and the repositioning of facial tissues.
  • Recovery: Requires notable recovery time, often several weeks, due to the extent of the surgery.
  • Longevity: Offers long-lasting results, typically up to ten years.
  • Cost: Generally more expensive due to the complexity and permanence of the procedure.

PDO THREADS: THE MODERN, MINIMALLY INVASIVE SOLUTION

PDO threads, on the other hand, are a non-surgical option that provides a lift without the need for extensive surgery. Highlights include:

  • Invasiveness: Minimally invasive; involves the insertion of biodegradable threads to lift the skin.
  • Recovery: Minimal downtime, allowing individuals to return to normal activities almost immediately.
  • Results: Instant and natural-looking results, though not as permanent as a facelift. Results can last up to one to two years.
  • Cost: More affordable compared to facelifts, making it accessible for more people looking for a quick enhancement.

MAKING YOUR CHOICE

The decision between a facelift and PDO threads depends on individual needs and circumstances:

  1. Severity of Sagging: For severe cases, a facelift might be the best option.
  2. Budget: Consider the financial aspect and whether a long-term or short-term solution is more appealing.
  3. Downtime: If minimal recovery time is a priority, PDO threads are preferable.
  4. Desired Permanence: Facelifts offer longer-lasting results, while PDO threads are a temporary but effective option.

By understanding these differences, you can choose the right path to achieve your desired aesthetic goals.

PDO THREADING IN MT. JULIET + LEBANON, TN

If you’re considering a non-surgical option for lifting facial features or smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, PDO threading may be an option. At The Lett Center, we specialize in helping patients reach their skin goals to look and feel their best, including PDO thread lifts.
Book a consultation to learn more.

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