What Are PDO Thread-Lifts and What Are the Benefits?
PDO (polydioxanone) threads are a popular cosmetic treatment used to lift, tighten, and tone sagging skin.
The procedure involves inserting tiny absorbable sutures into the dermis of the skin tissue in order to promote the production of collagen and elastin and stimulate a tight, lifted appearance. A local anaesthetic is administered prior to treatment to allow minimal discomfort, sometime a numbing cream can also be applied.
The minimally invasive procedure can be used to treat a variety of areas including the face, jaw line, neck, arms, abdomen, legs, and buttocks.
It is most effective for individuals showing signs of aging such as wrinkles or loose skin as it provides a lifting effect.
It can also help to reduce double chins or saggy cheeks and improve the skin tone and skin elasticity.
The benefits of the PDO thread lift include:
Instant results with no downtime;
Lifting and tightening of deep wrinkles and sagging neck skin texture
Improvement in facial contours and deep creases such as nasolabial folds
Jaw line and Jowl improvement
Immediate brightening of complexion;
Resulting in new collagen and elastin production lasting up to 12 months or longer for a youthful appearance.
While PDO treatments may produce excellent results with minimal risks and side effects, they are not necessarily suitable for everyone.
It’s important to discuss your individual goals with a qualified doctor or aesthetician before deciding if this type of procedure is right for you.
As we age the skin begins to sag - elasticity of skin becomes less and the facial elasticity loses its strength. Ageing causes facial collagen loss in areas such as the cheeks, jowls/jawline and the neck.
Thread lift and surgical sutures will lift sagging skin, improve skin texture and skin tightening on the face and body.
PDO Thread Procedure - Before and After Results
What are the different types of PDO threads?
PDO threads are a type of non-surgical facial and skin rejuvenation treatment that uses tiny barbed threads to lift and tighten the skin.
There are several different types of PDO threads that can be used for this purpose, each with their own unique set of benefits.
One of the most commonly used threads are PDO mono threads.
Mono threads are a single thread inserted into the skin to provide an immediate lifting effect while also grooming the face's contours.
The most popular of all, Multi-Threads, consist of multiple barbed needles protruding from one thread and are ideal for areas that require more intense volume correction.
Cog threads feature small hooks along their length which are designed to press against the tissue in order to hold it in place once inserted.
Screw or Spiral Threads have even more hooks along their length and are perfect for tightening large areas like sagging cheeks or necks.
Finally, Barbed Threads feature long barbs along the entire length that act like small anchors beneath the surface of the skin as they pull and tighten tissue over time.
What is the downtime associated with this PDO Thread Lifting?
A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure, so the recovery process is usually quite straightforward.
Immediately after the procedure, patients may experience some redness of the skin, bruising and swelling in the treated area and around the entry points, which usually subside within a few days. Minimal downtime is to be expected in comparison to a surgical face lift.
The threads can take a few weeks to soften completely, during which time the patient may experience some mild discomfort.
It’s important to follow Dr Chikes post-treatment instructions closely in order to maximize results and minimize any potential side effects or risks associated with the procedure.
Generally speaking, this includes avoiding activities that place too much strain on the face or neck, such as strenuous exercise and contact sports or lifting heavy objects.
It’s also beneficial to continue protecting your skin by using gentle products, avoiding direct sunlight and wearing sunscreen whenever possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about your recovery process following a PDO thread treatment, please contact the clinic right away.
Typically, patients will see visible lifting improvements within a few weeks once the inflammation has subsided and new collagen production is starting to kick in.
With consistent use of sunscreen and other skincare products designed for protection from environmental factors, these subtle improvements can last up to 18 months or longer.
What Areas Are Included with a Full Face PDO Threadlift?
A full face PDO thread lift is an innovative and non-invasive facial rejuvenation treatment that uses tiny barbed threads to lift, tighten and contour the skin.
The areas typically included in a full face thread lift include the cheeks, jawline, jowls and chin.
Each area will have specific types of PDO threads selected based on the individual's unique needs and goals.
The results from a PDO thread lift can be quite dramatic and many patients report feeling like they have undergone a “facelift without surgery” after their treatment.
It is important to note that it can take up to 6 weeks post-treatment for the final results to fully appear as the collagen production is being stimulated by the threads.
Frequently Asked Questions...
Are there any side effects to the PDO thread lift treatment?
PDO thread lift treatments are relatively safe and effective, but as with any cosmetic procedure there may be some risks or side effects to consider.
The most common issues associated with a PDO thread lift include pain, swelling, redness and bruising in the treated areas.
Most clients report that these issues usually subside within a few days following treatment. In rare cases, patients may also experience infection or minor nerve damage which can lead to temporary numbness or tingling.
This typically resolves on its own once the threads dissolve completely.
In some cases, dimpling of the skin may also occur due to uneven placement of the threads or poor absorption by the body.
Again, this is usually temporary and will eventually improve with time. Before undergoing a PDO thread lift procedure it’s important to discuss any potential side effects and risks with Dr Chike so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment plan.
It’s also beneficial to follow any post-treatment instructions given by Dr Chike for optimal results and minimal risk of complications.
The Non-Surgical Thread Facelift - who is suitable?
PDO threads have extremely high technology for easy thread lifting.
The thread lift of PDO provides effective results for anti-ageing without surgical intervention, which translates to less downtime at comparatively lower prices and also is much lower risk and less maintenance.
The procedure can help to remove signs of ageing including wrinkles, dreary skin and uneven elasticity whilst promoting new collagen and elastin growth.
It can raise tissues or creases and even reduce wrinkles and even improve your face shape.
How long does PDO threads last?
The results from a PDO thread lift treatment can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months, depending on the type of PDO threads used and the patient's lifestyle.
Generally speaking, threaded areas can look tighter and smoother for up to 12 months with regular upkeep.
This includes protecting skin from environmental factors such as sun exposure and pollutants, avoiding external stressors like excessive movement or stretching of the area, and using gentle skincare products as recommended by Dr Chike.
At around 12 months after treatment, collagen production starts to slow down which can reduce some of the visible effects of the threads.
However, this doesn't mean that all of the improvements made during treatment are lost—just less noticeable. In order to maintain desired results for longer periods of time it’s best to discuss touch-up treatments with Dr Chike.
Are PDO thread lift procedures better than Botox?
Both PDO threads and Botox, Botulinum toxin, are popular treatments for reducing facial wrinkles and fine lines, but each have their own unique set of benefits.
Botox works by blocking the nerve signals that cause muscle contractions which smooth out the appearance of wrinkles in the face.
PDO threads, on the other hand, work by gently lifting and tightening the skin to create a more contoured appearance.
When it comes to deciding between the two treatments, it is best to speak with your doctor who will be able to recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals.
In general, however, PDO threads tend to be better suited for those looking for more dramatic results to treat sagging areas while Botox may be more suitable for those who simply want to soften existing wrinkles rather than lift or reshape them.
How painful is PDO thread lift?
The pain associated with a PDO thread lift procedure varies depending on the area being treated and the type of threads used.
Generally speaking, most patients experience little to no pain during treatment as local anaesthetic injection is administered to the treatment area prior to inserting the threads.
However, some discomfort may be experienced as the skin is tightened and pulled to create your desired lifting effect. Following treatment, patients may experience tenderness or soreness in the areas where the threads were inserted.
This usually subsides within a few days and can be managed through over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen.
In rare cases swelling and bruising may also occur which should resolve within a week or two.
It's important to contact the clinic if any of these symptoms persist for more than two weeks for additional guidance.
How Long Does a PDO Threadlift Take?
A PDO threadlift is an in-clinic treatment that usually takes between 30 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the areas being treated.
During the procedure, small barbed threads are inserted into the skin using a needle, which provides an immediate lifting effect while also promoting natural collagen production over time.
During your initial consultation, Dr Chike will explain the plan prior to commencing the procedure.
Are PDO threads better than Dermal Filler?
The answer to this question depends on what your individual goals are.
Both PDO threads and dermal fillers can be used to achieve a more youthful, contoured appearance by filling out areas of the face that have lost volume due to age or lifestyle influences.
However, there are some key differences between the two treatments that should be considered before making any decisions.
Some patients prefer combined treatments of dermal filler and PDO threads. PDO thread lifts provide a longer lasting solution for restoring volume with results lasting up to 18 months compared to dermal filler treatments which typically last 6-12 months.
They also stimulate collagen production in the skin which can help improve texture over time.
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