As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and fat, which can lead to sagging skin, fine lines, and a more squared facial appearance. Traditionally, individuals seeking to address these signs of aging turned to facelift surgery. While this method is effective, not everyone is willing or able to pursue such an invasive procedure to eliminate loose skin. Fortunately, PDO threads provide a non-invasive solution for lifting sagging skin on the face and neck without requiring surgery.

What is PDO threading?

Polydioxanone (PDO) threading is a safe and effective non-surgical alternative to facelifts, designed to lift and smooth loose skin. This treatment leaves no scars, involves minimal downtime, and results in a more youthful appearance. The procedure typically takes around 30 minutes, allowing patients to return home immediately after. For many years, PDO threads have been utilized by doctors to close surgical incisions, as they dissolve in the body within about six to nine months. However, over the last two decades, pioneering plastic surgeons in South Korea have successfully adapted these threads for both orthopedic and cosmetic treatments. They have since gained popularity in aesthetic practices worldwide.

How does a PDO thread lift work?

PDO thread lifts involve a registered nurse using advanced techniques to tighten sagging skin while stimulating the production of collagen and elastin. The nurse inserts the threads through needles into targeted areas, gently pulling back the skin to achieve a lift. This approach also encourages the body to produce collagen in response to the treated areas, which helps mitigate the signs of aging.

There are two main types of threads used in this procedure: smooth threads and lifting threads. Smooth threads improve skin texture by filling in wrinkles and fine lines, while lifting threads elevate sagging skin to enhance firmness. Both types promote increased collagen production in the treated areas. By being minimally invasive, PDO threading rejuvenates facial tissues naturally and provides a gradual and lasting enhancement to skin firmness.

What is involved in a PDO lift or PDO smooth thread procedure?

Threads can be inserted into areas such as the cheeks, brow, forehead, and neck to deliver effects similar to those of a surgical facelift. To further enhance the results, Hyaluronic acid may be added around the treatment areas to boost volume and elasticity. Prior to the treatment, the nurse will apply topical and local anesthetics to numb the face, eliminating the need for general anesthesia. This makes the procedure more comfortable and manageable. During the treatment, the nurse will outline the optimal thread placement to achieve the desired lift for your facial tissues. They will make small punctures to insert the threads. Once in place, the threads will grasp the loose skin, effectively repositioning and tightening it while reducing the appearance of lines and wrinkles for a complete facial rejuvenation. The entire process usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on how many areas are addressed.

After the PDO thread lift, some immediate improvements may be visible, but the full results will appear gradually as the threads stimulate collagen production and promote skin tightening. Mild swelling, bruising, or redness at the treatment site might occur, though these side effects typically resolve within a few days to weeks.

Following the procedure, it is crucial to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your practitioner and attend any scheduled follow-up appointments. For example, your aesthetician may suggest sleeping on your back and avoiding the use of straws or smoking for the first couple of weeks to prevent breaking the threads.

The results of PDO threading can last for several months, but individual experiences may vary. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is essential to choose a qualified and experienced practitioner for your safety and to achieve the best possible results.

Common areas involving of PDO SMOOTH Threads:

 Acne scars

 Eyebrow depressions

 Glabellar lines (frown lines) and forehead wrinkles

 Marionette lines (lines around the chin)

 Perioral lines (lip lines)

 Skin tightening

 Under-chin tightening

 Vermilion border enhancement

Common areas of PDO LIFTING Threads:

 Jawline lifting

 Midface and cheek elevation

 Eyebrow elevation

 Neck lifting

 Forehead lifting

How long do the results of a PDO thread lift last?

When you receive a PDO thread lift at our Nashville clinic, you can expect results that are both satisfying and long-lasting. A PDO thread lift typically offers patients impressive outcomes for up to eighteen months. While the threads themselves dissolve within approximately six months, the benefits extend far beyond that timeframe. If desired, a follow-up touch-up thread lift can be scheduled after six to nine months, which may last up to three years.

Are there any side effects associated with PDO threads?

In comparison to dermal fillers, the risk of side effects from thread lifts is considerably lower. The most frequently reported side effect is a feeling of tightness in the face, which can persist for up to two weeks or until the threads start to dissolve. Bruising around the treated area may also occur but usually fades within about a week.

In rare instances, there may be some nerve damage in the facial area or potential issues with salivary ducts. Infections and acne nodules are also uncommon side effects. If you notice any concerning symptoms, be sure to consult your doctor.

Can you sense PDO threads?

Various types of threads are utilized to address different skin concerns, but all PDO threads are quite small in size. Since they are located beneath the skin, patients typically should not feel them at all. However, after your treatment, it’s advisable to refrain from rubbing your face, using straws, or sleeping on your side to avoid displacing any threads.

Is a thread lift the right choice for me?

Ideal candidates for thread lifts are individuals who exhibit early signs of aging that can be subtly addressed with a minimal lift. As the procedure is minimally invasive, it is an excellent option for those who prefer to skip a surgical facelift in favor of avoiding prolonged recovery time and anesthesia.