What is PDO Thread Lifting?

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.

Procedure

The threads, which are FDA approved surgical sutures, are preloaded into hypodermic needles. The areas to be treated will be numbed with topical and local anesthetic before being marked for accurate insertion. 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 grasps onto the droopy skin and soft tissue to reposition the skin. This procedure is purely done by injections and requires no cuts or incisions.

With the lift secured, the hollow needle is removed without leaving any scars. The PDO suture remains underneath the skin for 4-6 months while slowly being absorbed by the body. While the sutures remain underneath the skin, your skin gently reacts to the sutures, 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 loose skin, the skin will heal itself by creating new collagen naturally! This new collagen will hold your skin in its new position for up to 2 years.

Ideal Candidates

For the right candidate, Thread Lifting can provide a pleasing, natural rejuvenation of the face and neck without the need for surgery or general anesthesia. Other benefits also include rapid recovery and very minimal cost compared to surgery. PDO Thread Lifting is great for patients who would like to tighten skin around their…

A. Face
B. Jowls
C. Eyebrows and forehead
D. Bags below the eyes
E. Nasolabial folds
F. Marionette lines
G. Neck and under chin areas

Recovery

Pain can be managed simply with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Mild swelling and or bruising may occur for a few days. Use of ice on treated areas and arnica is recommended for a few days in addition to avoiding strenuous activity for a few days.

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.