PDO Threadlift

What are PDO Threads?  

PDO stands for Polydioxanone which is a synthetic absorbable suture material that is used in almost every type of surgery performed.  It is one of the safest materials that is utilized in surgery and is fully absorbed by the body in 4 to 6 months.

How are PDO Threads used?

There are three types of PDO Threads (smooth, twist and barbed) and two categories of facial procedures (collagen stimulation and lifting) that they are used for.  

    Smooth: These threads are used to create a “mesh” beneath the skin which recruits the cells that produce collagen.  The smooth threads are used at monthly intervals for 3-4 months to smooth lines, add volume and improve skin tone.

    Twist: These threads are coiled like a small spring and inserted into facial folds, grooves and wrinkles.  They fill without the bulkiness of ordinary facial gel fillers and stimulate new collagen growth under the skin.

    Barbed: Barbed threads are designed to lift skin in vectors that create elevated and fuller cheek bones, smoother and more defined jaw lines and improvement in upper neck skin sagging.  

What is the Threadlift procedure?

The Threadlift may consist of a combination of all three types of threads depending upon the specific needs of the patient.  Local anesthesia is utilized to make the procedure painless.  The PDO threads are inserted through a tiny needle puncture and the skin is lifted up onto them manually by the doctor.  These barbed threads are designed to “grab” the lifted skin all along their length thereby maintaining pull on the skin in an individually customized way.  Simultaneously smooth and twist threads may be employed to volumize and smooth adjacent areas.  

What are the after effects?

There is minimal swelling and/or bruising and no real downtime.  The patient will feel a tightness in the face and some soreness for a few days.  There are certain instructions and restrictions that the doctor’s staff will provide at the time of the procedure.

How long does it take to see the results and how long will they typically last?

The results are instant but actually peak at 2 or 3 months after the procedure when the collagen ingrowth is maximized.  Results typically last 8-12 months and the procedure can then safely be repeated.