PDO thread lifting is an excellent and effective cosmetic technique to lift and tighten sagging skin tissues. Thread lift therapy originated from oriental acupuncture therapy to control and improve tissue stimulation and muscle contraction. The threads are made of a material known as Polydioxanone (PDO). PDO has over a decade long safety track record in surgery and wound closure and has been used exclusively in orthopedic and cardiovascular surgery. PDO gained FDA approval in 2004 and can effectively strengthen and contour the face, reduce roundness, lift sagging skin in the cheeks, jowls, neck and also produce excellent eyebrow lift without surgery.
Traditionally, most people would look into plastic surgery to get a facelift as there weren’t very effective non-invasive treatments to lift the loose skin. Although PDO threads can be inserted almost anywhere, even in the body, one area where they are especially effective is the neck and jawline. The lower third of the face is challenging to treat with botulinum toxin (Botox) or injectable fillers, which are most effective in the upper and middle third of the face, respectively.
How do the PDO threads work? The threads, which are FDA approved surgical sutures, are preloaded into hypodermic needles. The areas to be treated will be numbed with topical as well as a local anesthetic. The areas to be treated are then marked. The threads are then inserted under the skin in precise locations using a small hollow needle to lift and support droopy elements without removing any skin. The inserted thread is then able to grasp onto the droopy skin and soft tissue to reposition the skin. This requires no cuts or incisions. It’s purely done by injections.
With the lift secured, the hollow needle is removed without leaving any scars. Depending on the desired effect of the lift, few to several sutures will be used. The PDO suture remains underneath the skin. Different sutures and lengths will be used depending upon the area(s) you need lifted. While the sutures are underneath the skin, your skin gently reacts to the skin creating a “selective inflammatory response” to produce collagen to create a longer-lasting result. Our skin is excellent at repairing itself, and by inserting PDO threads underneath to lift loose skin, the skin will heal itself by creating new collagen naturally!
Who are ideal candidates for the PDO Thread lift? For the right candidate, the thread lift can provide a pleasing, natural rejuvenation of the face with the benefit of no surgery or general anesthesia, rapid recovery and very minimal cost compared to a facelift or a neck lift. Thread Lift may be combined with other minor procedures, such as Botox, Injectable fillers, microneedling or skin resurfacing lasers.
Ideal candidates are those that have minimal signs of aging who just need a small lift. These are patients who are starting to see some droopiness of the brow, cheeks, jowls and/or neck and would like to see a lift effect, but do not want the risk scars or recovery or expense of a real brow lift, facelift, or neck lift operation. It is also ideal for patients who have had some relapse from a previous plastic surgery procedure such as facelift or neck lift.
What is recovery like after a thread lift? Pain can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Mild swelling and or bruising may occur for a few days. Icing the area and arnica is recommended for a few days as well as avoiding strenuous activity for a few days.
What kind of results can be expected and how long does it last? The results of the thread lift is immediate and even more noticeable after 1-2 weeks when all the potential swelling and bruising has resolved. The results will continue to enhance as the skin produces even more collagen over the next several months which will also make the results of the thread lift last longer than the life of the threads. The PDO threads gradually dissolve over 6 months, but the resulting lift remains. More threads can always be inserted down the line to continue to improve the results and prolong results even more.
Any side effects of the Thread Lift? Like any procedure using a needle, there is a chance of bruising and swelling. However, in most people, the bruising and swelling is minimal and resolve in less than a week. There is some post-op discomfort which usually resolves quickly in most patients. If the sutures, for some reason, become visible underneath the skin or migrate, it can be easily removed if necessary and new threads can be placed.
Aria Medical Aesthetics is now offering Thread Lift treatments using PDO Novathreads. Please call Aria Medical Aesthetics (860) 426-1363 for a free consultation to evaluate if you are a good candidate for this treatment. Please visit www.ariamedicalaesthetics.com to learn more about all of our services.