What Is PDO Thread Lift? Everything You Need to Know

Tired of seeing sagging skin but not ready for surgery? This blog explores everything you need to know about PDO thread lifts – a minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelifts.

You’ll discover how these specialized threads work to lift and tighten skin while stimulating collagen production for natural-looking rejuvenation.

From what to expect during the procedure to recovery time and results, we cover the essential information to help you decide if this popular non-surgical facelift option is right for you.

What Is a PDO Thread Lift?

A PDO thread lift uses special medical-grade threads to lift and tighten sagging skin. These threads are made of polydioxanone (PDO), a material safely used in medicine for decades. The procedure involves inserting these face lifting threads beneath the skin using thin needles or cannulas.

Once placed, the threads provide immediate structural support, gently lifting the tissue for a more youthful appearance. Over time, they stimulate collagen production, which improves skin texture and elasticity. This makes PDO thread lift an excellent option for those seeking moderate facial rejuvenation.

How PDO Thread Lifts Work

PDO threads work through two main mechanisms:

• Immediate lifting: The threads physically lift and reposition sagging tissues, creating instant improvement.
• Collagen stimulation: The presence of the threads helps trigger the body’s healing response, stimulating new collagen formation.

As the threads dissolve over 4-6 months, they leave behind new collagen structures that continue to support the skin for up to 12-18 months after the procedure. This makes non-invasive skin tightening possible without surgery.

Types of PDO Threads

There are several types of PDO threads available:

• Mono threads: Smooth threads that provide subtle lifting and improve skin texture.
• Cog threads: Feature tiny barbs that hook into tissue, providing stronger lifting capacity.
• Screw threads: Consist of threads wrapped around a needle, creating a spiral shape that adds volume.

The type used depends on your specific concerns and desired results. Your provider will recommend the best option during consultation.

Common Treatment Areas

PDO thread lifts can address multiple areas:

• Midface and cheeks: Lifting sagging cheeks and defining cheekbones
• Jawline: Creating a more defined contour
• Neck: Reducing loose skin
• Nasolabial folds: Softening the lines from nose to mouth
• Eyebrows: Creating a subtle lift
• Marionette lines: Reducing lines from mouth to chin

This versatility makes non-surgical facelift treatments adaptable to your specific needs.

Benefits of PDO Thread Lifts

PDO thread lifts offer several advantages:

Minimally Invasive

PDO thread lifts are popular for being a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure. This means they don’t require surgical incisions, reducing recovery time and scarring. One good effect of this benefit is that patients cannot expect scarring, bruising, or swelling.

Quick Procedure

The quick procedure typically takes less than an hour, making it convenient to fit into your busy schedule. Most PDO thread procedures are completed within 30 to 60 minutes. It still depends on the areas being treated. Thus, they are also referred to as “the lunchtime facelift.”

Minimal Downtime

With minimal downtime, most patients can return to their normal activities within just a few days after treatment. Several patients have the luxury of returning to their daily activities within 24 to 72 hours. Any mild swelling or redness can be expected to subside quickly.

Natural-Looking Results

The treatment provides natural-looking rejuvenation that enhances your features without appearing overdone or artificial. PDO threads can gently lift and reposition your sagging skin. Moreover, this procedure encourages your body’s natural collagen production process.

Gradual Improvement

Your results continue to improve over time as the threads stimulate new collagen production for progressive enhancement. As the threads dissolve (usually within months), the collagen framework they leave behind continues to support the skin. Thus, patients can expect long-lasting and natural results.

Customizable Procedure

The procedure can be fully customized to address your specific concerns, whether it’s sagging cheeks, jowls, or neck areas. Another plus point here is that a PDO provider can select different types of threads. These refer to mono, cog, or screw threads. Each can help you achieve your personal cosmetic goals.

Lower Risks

PDO thread lifts carry significantly lower risks than surgical facelifts, with fewer complications and side effects. Additionally, the PDO (polydioxanone) material used for the threads is biocompatible and dissolves safely in the body over time. This feature further minimizes potential risks.

The Procedure: What to Expect

Before Treatment

• Consultation: Your consultation involves a comprehensive assessment of your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals to create a personalized treatment plan.
• Cleansing: A thorough cleansing of the treatment area ensures optimal hygiene and reduces infection risk before the procedure begins.
• Application of anesthetic: Topical anesthetic is applied to numb the skin surface, minimizing discomfort during thread insertion.

During Treatment

1. Local anesthesia is strategically injected to ensure complete comfort throughout the entire procedure.
2. The provider carefully marks specific insertion points to create the optimal lifting pattern for your facial structure.
3. Using specialized needles or cannulas, the face lifting threads are precisely inserted beneath the skin following predetermined pathways.
4. Each thread is gently adjusted to achieve the desired lifting effect while maintaining a natural appearance.
5. Any excess thread material is carefully trimmed at the entry points to ensure a clean, finished result.

After Treatment

• You’ll notice an immediate lifting effect as soon as the threads are placed, providing instant gratification.
• Your provider will give you detailed aftercare instructions to optimize healing and maintain your results.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery from a PDO thread lift is straightforward:

First 24-48 Hours

1. Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
2. Sleep with your head elevated.
3. Avoid touching the treated areas.

For 1-2 Weeks After

1. Avoid strenuous exercise.
2. Minimize excessive facial movements.
3. Skip facial treatments and saunas.
4. Steer clear away from alcohol.

Long-Term Care

1. Maintain a consistent skincare routine.
2. Use sun protection daily.
3. Stay hydrated.

Proper aftercare ensures optimal results from your non-surgical facelift.

Results and Longevity

PDO thread lift results vary among individuals, with initial results appearing immediately after the procedure. Peak results typically show 1-2 months after treatment when collagen production reaches optimal levels.

Results can last 12-18 months, depending on several factors, including the type and number of threads used in your treatment plan. Your skin condition plays a significant role in how long results last, with healthier skin often maintaining improvements longer.

Your lifestyle choices, including sun exposure, smoking habits, and skincare routine, also impact longevity. Many patients choose maintenance treatments every 12-18 months to preserve results from their face lifting threads. This significantly ensures continuous rejuvenation and a sustained youthful appearance.

Choosing a Provider

The success of your PDO thread lift depends on your provider’s skill. When selecting a practitioner:

• Verify credentials and specialized training
• Review before-and-after photos
• Read patient testimonials
• Schedule consultations with potential providers
• Ask about their experience with complications

PRICK’D Med Spa: Premier PDO Thread Lift in St. Louis, MO

Looking for the best PDO thread lift in St. Louis, MO? PRICK’D Med Spa offers exceptional thread lift treatments with remarkable results. Their approach is both effective and client-centered.

The PRICK’D Thread Lift is versatile and tightens aging skin for a natural, youthful lift. Results are immediate, with new collagen forming over time for continuous improvements.

PRICK’D Med Spa’s skilled practitioners ensure comfortable treatments with optimal results. Their PDO thread lift service has helped countless clients achieve their aesthetic goals without surgery.

Book Your Thread Lift Consultation with Us Today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a PDO thread lift painful?

With proper local anesthesia and skilled technique, most patients experience only mild discomfort during the procedure and minimal soreness afterward.

How long is the recovery time after a PDO thread lift?

Most patients return to normal activities within 48 hours, though minor swelling and tenderness may persist for up to one week.

Can PDO thread lifts be combined with other cosmetic treatments?

PDO thread lifts work exceptionally well when combined with complementary treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, or laser therapy for comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Are PDO thread lift results permanent?

While not permanent, PDO thread lift results typically last 12-18 months as the threads dissolve and your body builds new collagen in their place.