You probably know someone who should be showing signs of aging but seems to have defied the passage of time– yet they swear up and down that they haven’t had any cosmetic plastic surgery such as a facelift or neck lift.

Sure, some people are blessed with good genetics, and others have discovered the top skin care tips from aestheticians and have taken excellent care of their skin with proper medical-grade skincare and sunscreen. But it might also be that they discovered an innovative, non-invasive cosmetic procedure called PDO threading.

PDO threads and PDO thread lifts have emerged as game-changers, revolutionizing the way we approach non-surgical facelift solutions. If you’re intrigued by the idea of achieving a natural-looking, youthful transformation without going under the knife or breaking the bank, PDO threads are worth considering.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about PDO Threads. We will go over…

  • What PDO threads are and the different types of PDO threads.
  • How PDO threads work to help correct skin concerns and signs of aging.
  • How a PDO thread lift is performed.
  • The various areas that PDO threads can treat.
  • The many benefits of a PDO thread lift.
  • Advantages of a PDO thread lift over a facelift or neck lift.
  • How long you can expect PDO threads to last.
  • Why more and more men are getting the PDO thread lift.
  • Where to get a PDO thread lift in Mt. Juliet, Tn, and Lebanon, Tn.

What are PDO Threads?

In a nutshell, PDO threads are a type of non-invasive and non-surgical cosmetic treatment that temporarily helps reverse the visible signs of aging on the face and neck without undergoing an invasive facelift or neck lift.

PDO stands for Polydioxanone, a material used in medicine for almost 40 years. It’s actually one of the safest implants for the body. If you’ve ever had surgery or any procedure that required “dissolvable stitches,” you’ve likely already had this compound in your body.

A PDO thread itself is a synthetic, absorbable monofilament. It’s like a tiny thread designed to be gradually absorbed by your body over 4-6 months. And don’t worry; the elimination process happens through your kidneys, so it’s safe and natural!

There are several types of PDO threads, the two most common being barbed threads and smooth threads.

  • Barbed Threads: Also known as lifting threads, barbed threads are the stronger of the two threads and are used to lift heavier tissue like the cheeks and jowls. They are best for pulling back the skin for a “facelift” effect.
  • Smooth Threads: Smooth PDO threads do not have the barbs needed to pull back. They are extremely thin (thinner than a human hair) and are better suited for areas like the smile lines and brows.

The medical professional performing your procedure can help you choose the right PDO threads for your skin. They might use one, both, or a combination of other threads during your PDO thread lift. While each thread serves its own purpose, all PDO threads are dissolvable, stimulate collagen production, provide skin rejuvenation, skin tightening, smooth skin texture, and provide results for at least 12-18 months.

How Do PDO Threads and a PDO Thread Lift Work?

PDO threads are a revolutionary non-surgical treatment option for lifting and rejuvenating the skin. They’re made from a safe material that’s been used in medicine for years. The threads, placed under your skin using a tiny needle, act like an anchor to raise the skin and stimulate an important protein that keeps your skin from sagging.

These tiny threads don’t stay under your skin forever; they dissolve. But even after they are gone, they continue to work to reverse the signs of aging. That’s because as they dissolve, they stimulate the production of new collagen and elastin in your skin.

Collagen and elastin are like a support structure beneath your skin, providing the strength it needs to combat fine lines and sagging. Think of PDO threads as the scaffolding that keeps your skin looking firm and youthful. This collagen and elastin support can last visibly for about 12 to 16 months. So, you can enjoy the benefits of PDO threads for quite a while.

But wait, there’s more! PDO threads also have some additional perks. They help stimulate microcirculation, which means better blood flow to the treated areas. This can give your complexion a healthier and more vibrant look.

Another exciting benefit is muscle relaxation. Similar to the benefits of Botox, PDO threads can help relax muscles, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and create a smoother facial contour. It’s like a little boost for a more relaxed and rejuvenated appearance. Plus, PDO threads contribute to increased tissue integrity and volume. They provide a natural lift to sagging skin, helping to restore a more youthful facial structure.

Issues and Concerns PDO Threads Can Help Correct

One of the reasons why PDO threads are so popular is that they are very versatile. A PDO thread lift can treat most parts of your face and neck that are experiencing signs of aging, helping to correct things like skin laxity, skin sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, and more.

And while not as common, thread lifts can even be used to lift and tighten breasts, especially after pregnancy and weight loss. Here are some of the most common face and neck issues and other skin concerns that a PDO thread lift can treat:

Wrinkles and Fine Lines

Loss of collagen can lead to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. PDO threads can be utilized to minimize various types of wrinkles, including forehead lines, frown lines, lines in the under-eye area, and Crow’s feet. By stimulating collagen production, the threads help reduce the visibility of these aging signs.

Marionette lines

PDO threads can address wrinkles on the face’s lower half, such as marionette lines. These lines extend from the edges of the mouth to the chin. A thread lift treatment can effectively diminish the appearance of marionette lines, giving a more youthful and smoother look.

Nasolabial Folds

Another area of the lower half of the face that PDO threads can help lift and smooth are the lines that extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, also known as nasolabial folds. PDO threads can target these folds and reduce their prominence, resulting in a rejuvenated facial appearance.

Loose Skin

One of the remarkable benefits of PDO thread lift is its ability to tighten loose skin. Whether it’s sagging eyebrows, jowls, or neck wrinkles, the absorbable threads can be strategically placed to provide a lifting effect and improve skin tightness. This non-surgical approach offers a solution to combat loose skin without undergoing invasive procedures.

Sagging Eyebrows

Instead of opting for eyelid or brow lift surgery, PDO thread lifting offers a non-invasive alternative. By placing absorbable threads, we can lift sagging brows and rejuvenate eyelids, effectively addressing droopy eyebrows and hooded eyelids.

Saggy Jowls

PDO threads can also tighten loose skin on the neck and under the chin, reducing the appearance of jowls and smoothing out wrinkles in the neck area. This helps create a more defined and youthful jawline and neck contour.

Crepey Neck

The dissolvable sutures used in a PDO thread lift stimulate collagen production, improving the appearance of crepey neck skin. The threads help tighten and rejuvenate the skin in the neck area, reducing the crepey texture.

Weak Chin and Jawline

PDO threads can be inserted along the jawline border to tighten the skin and enhance the chin shape and jawline definition. This non-surgical approach provides a more contoured look and improves facial symmetry.

Sunken Cheeks

A PDO thread lift treatment can effectively lift sagging cheeks, restoring their natural position and enhancing facial volume. By stimulating collagen production, the threads help revitalize the cheeks, resulting in a more youthful and lifted appearance.

Lip Lift

If you are weary of dermal fillers but want plumper, healthier-looking lips, PDO threads can be used to achieve fuller-looking lips and improve the curve and definition of the lip border. This can provide a subtle enhancement to the lips without the need for fillers.

Acne Scars

Through their collagen-stimulating properties, PDO threads can also effectively reduce the appearance of facial acne scars. The threads help improve the overall texture and smoothness of the skin, leading to a more even complexion.

The PDO Thread Lift Procedure

The PDO Thread Lift procedure is known for being minimally invasive, quick, and virtually painless. On a pain scale of 1 to 10, most patients say they never feel anything above level 5 and describe it as a slight tugging or pulling sensation that is only slightly more uncomfortable than injectable aesthetic treatments like Botox and dermal filler.

To begin the procedure, your medical professional will ensure you are comfortable and may apply a numbing cream or administer a local anesthetic to the treatment area. This helps to minimize any discomfort during the process.

Once the area is numb, your medical professional will insert the PDO threads into the skin. They use a tiny fine needle or a thin tube called a cannula to carefully and strategically place the threads beneath the surface of your skin to achieve the desired lifting and rejuvenating effect.

Once the threads are in place, your medical professional will trim any excess thread length, leaving only the desired portion beneath your skin. The remaining threads are virtually invisible to the naked eye.

From start to finish, the procedure typically takes around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the treatment area and the number of threads being used. Afterward, you may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the treated area. However, these side effects are temporary and typically subside within a few days.

You should also be able to resume your daily activities immediately after the treatment. However, it is advisable to follow any post-procedure instructions provided by your medical professional, which may include avoiding strenuous activities or certain skincare products for a short period to promote proper healing.

Immediate Aftercare

For the first 24 to 48 hours, you may experience some swelling and bruising. This is completely normal and should subside relatively quickly.

Activities to Avoid

To ensure optimal healing, avoid the following:

  • Rubbing Your Face: It’s crucial to avoid rubbing your face for the first week to prevent accidentally dislodging the threads.
  • Lip Movements: Refrain from pursing your lips, smoking, and drinking through a straw for several weeks.
  • Sleeping on Your Side: Try to sleep on your back with your head propped up on a pillow to avoid rolling onto your face during the night.
  • Intense Exercise and Saunas: Steer clear of intense exercise and sauna visits for 1 to 2 weeks.

Additional Tips

  • Daily Routines: While you can return to most of your daily routines right away, be mindful of these specific aftercare guidelines to ensure a smooth recovery.
  • Follow Medical Advice: Always adhere to any specific instructions from your healthcare provider to promote proper healing and achieve the best results.

By following these guidelines, you can enjoy a swift recovery and achieve the desired results from your PDO thread lift.

What is the Price Range for a PDO Thread Lift?

The cost of a PDO thread lift can vary significantly based on several factors, including your geographic location, the complexity of the procedure, and the experience level of the surgeon performing it.

General Price Range

  • Lower End: Around $500
  • Upper End: Exceeding $5,000

Factors Influencing the Cost

  • Location: Prices can vary by region, often being higher in urban areas.
  • Procedure Extent: More complex or extensive procedures typically cost more.
  • Surgeon’s Expertise: More experienced surgeons may charge premium rates.

Example Pricing

For a more tangible reference, certain clinics might charge approximately $150 per thread, with the average patient requiring 6 to 10 threads.

If you are looking to budget for this procedure, you should prepare between $500 and $5k, but the final cost could be higher or lower than this estimate based on the factors mentioned above.

When it comes to PDO thread lifts, insurance coverage is typically not an option. Since this is a cosmetic procedure, most insurance companies classify it as elective, meaning they won’t cover the costs.

Out-of-Pocket Costs

The price of a thread lift can vary based on factors such as the type of threads used (PCA and PLA threads generally being more expensive) and the number of threads needed. Clinics often charge by the thread, with prices typically hovering around $150 per thread. Patients usually require 6 to 10 threads, translating to a total cost upwards of $900 to $1,500 or more. Be sure to book a consultation with an experienced aesthetician to determine precisely what your personal out-of-pocket costs could look like.

Payment Plans

While insurance won’t foot the bill, many clinics provide payment plan options. These plans can help distribute the cost over several months, making the procedure more financially manageable. Payment duration can typically range from 3 to 48 months, depending on the clinic’s policies.

For information on our financing options, check out our surgery financing page or contact us for more information.

What Should You Avoid Before a PDO Thread Lift Procedure?

Preparing for a PDO thread lift involves taking several precautions to ensure the best results and minimize risks. Here’s what you need to avoid before the procedure:

Alcohol and Tobacco

Refrain from using alcohol and tobacco for at least five days prior to your procedure. These substances can increase the risk of complications and negatively impact your recovery.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications and supplements can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Avoid:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Herbal supplements such as green tea or green tea extracts

Additional Guidelines

Your doctor will provide personalized advice tailored to your specific situation, so make sure to follow their recommendations diligently for the best outcomes.

By steering clear of these substances and following your doctor’s advice, you can help ensure a smoother procedure and recovery period.

What Are the Potential Complications of a PDO Thread Lift?

A PDO thread lift is generally considered safer compared to traditional facelift surgeries. However, like any procedure, there are certain risks and complications to be aware of.

Minor complications can occur in about 15 to 20 percent of cases but are typically easy to manage. Here are some potential issues one might encounter:

  • Visible Sutures: People with thinner skin might notice the sutures.
  • Pain and Minor Bruising: Common yet usually mild and temporary.
  • Infection: While rare, infection is a possible risk.
  • Thread Snapping: Sometimes threads can snap, necessitating correction.
  • Hematoma Formation: Blood collection under the skin may occur.
  • Inflammation: Localized swelling or redness is possible.
  • Skin Irregularities: Dimpling or an orange peel-like texture might develop.
  • Hair Loss: In some cases, hair loss near the treated area is reported.
  • Salivary Gland Injury: Though uncommon, injury to salivary glands can happen.

When performed by a trained professional, these complications are minimized, making PDO thread lifts a relatively safe option for non-surgical facial rejuvenation.

How Long Do PDO Threads Last?

PDO threads aren’t permanent, but the results from a thread lift do last a very long time. PDO threads provide immediate lifting effects, and while the initial results may slightly settle during the first week or two, they can be pretty impressive.

On average, patients can expect to enjoy the visible effects of PDO threads for approximately 12 to 16 months. However, it’s important to remember that individual experiences may vary based on factors such as age, lifestyle, and skin quality.

What makes PDO threads particularly remarkable is their ability to stimulate collagen production. Even after the threads have dissolved, the newly generated collagen continues to enhance skin elasticity and firmness. This ongoing collagen synthesis contributes to a sustained improvement in the overall appearance of the treated area.

Some individuals opt for periodic touch-up sessions to maintain the results of a PDO thread treatment. Additionally, combining PDO threads with other aesthetic procedures may further enhance and prolong the outcomes.

Advantages of Having a Thread Lift Over a Facelift or Neck Lift

Of course, a facelift or neck lift will offer more drastic and longer-lasting results, but some are not ready for such an investment. A thread lift offers several benefits over a traditional facelift or neck lift, making it an excellent choice for men and women seeking a cosmetic procedure that will provide a more youthful appearance without a hefty price tag, downtime, or the need to undergo invasive surgery

Here are some advantages of opting for a thread lift over a facelift or neck lift:

A Thread Lift is Minimally Invasive

One of the key advantages of a thread lift is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. Unlike a facelift, which involves surgical incisions and extensive tissue manipulation, a thread lift requires only small incisions for thread insertion. This means less trauma to the tissues, reduced scarring, and a faster recovery time.

A Thread Lift Only Uses Local Anesthesia

A thread lift can be performed using local anesthesia, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. This significantly reduces the associated risks and allows for a more comfortable and convenient experience. Patients can typically go home on the same day of the procedure without the need for an overnight hospital stay.

A Thread Lift is a Quick Procedure

A thread lift is a relatively quick procedure compared to a facelift, which can be a lengthy surgery. Depending on the treatment area and the number of threads used, a thread lift can typically be completed in under an hour. This makes it an ideal option for individuals with busy schedules who desire noticeable results without extensive downtime.

A Thread Lift Requires Minimal Downtime

After a thread lift, most patients can resume their daily activities relatively quickly. While some mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness may occur, these side effects are typically temporary and subside within a few days. In contrast, a facelift often requires a more extended recovery period, during which patients may need to take time off work and limit their regular activities.

A Thread Lift Provides Natural-Looking Results

Thread lifts provide natural-looking results, subtly lifting sagging skin and improving facial contours. The threads act as a support structure, stimulating collagen production and enhancing the skin’s elasticity. This gradual and ongoing improvement contributes to a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance without an overtly “pulled” or “tight” look.

A Thread Lift is Customizable

Thread lifts offer a high level of customization to address specific concerns and target different areas of the face. Whether it’s lifting the cheeks, reducing jowls, or improving the jawline, threads can be strategically placed to achieve desired results. Your medical professional will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique goals.

A Thread Lift is Safer

Compared to a facelift, thread lifts generally carry a lower risk profile. The procedure has a reduced risk of complications, such as infection or significant bleeding, commonly associated with invasive surgeries. However, choosing a qualified and experienced medical professional is crucial to ensure the safest and most effective outcome.

Do Men Get PDO Thread Lifts?

Yes! PDO Threads aren’t only for women. More and more men are turning to non-invasive cosmetic procedures like the daddy makeover and PDO Thread Lift to enhance their appearance discreetly.

These lifts offer a subtle and natural-looking improvement, addressing concerns such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of facial volume. The minimally invasive nature of PDO thread lifts and their customizable approach appeal to men seeking a tailored and masculine facial contour.

With minimal downtime and natural results, PDO thread lifts provide an attractive option for men looking to rejuvenate their look.

Where to Get PDO Threads in Mt. Juliet, Tn, and Lebanon, Tn

PDO threads provide a surgery-free facelift solution, offering numerous advantages over traditional cosmetic plastic surgery procedures. If you’re considering PDO threads to achieve a more youthful appearance and are looking for a trusted place to perform your PDO thread lift, look no further than The Lett Center.

At The Lett Center, our team of experienced, board-certified medical professionals is highly knowledgeable about PDO threads and are experts in performing the PDO Face Lift. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with the latest technology and provide a comfortable environment for your PDO thread treatment.

To explore the benefits of PDO threads and discover how they can help you achieve a refreshed and rejuvenated appearance, contact The Lett Center today to book your complimentary consultation at our Mt. Juliet or Lebanon location and take the first step towards the revitalized look you desire.