PDO Threadlift

What makes PDO threads different?

PDO threads are one of three types of sutures commonly used in thread lift procedures. The other two types are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA).

PDO threads have been around the longest of the three and have been used in surgeries since the 1980s. They’re made from a colorless polyester that breaks down in your body after about 6 months.

PDO threads can be further divided into three categories:

PDO mono threads. Smooth sutures that help rejuvenate your skin by stimulating collagen production.

PDO cog threads. These threads have barbs that latch into your skin like small fishhooks, to provide support and lift parts of your face.

PDO screw threads. Made up of one or two intertwined threads, these are used to help restore volume to sunken parts of your skin.

Other types of threads

PLA and PCA threads are newer than PDO. They last longer in your body and tend to stimulate more collagen production. PLA threads take about 12 months to be absorbed and PCA takes about 12 to 15 months.

Each type of thread is best suited for a particular function. PDO threads are better at repositing and revitalizing tissue while PLA and PCA threads are better at lifting sagging parts of your skin.

Potential PDO thread lift complications

PDO thread lifts have a much lower risk of complications than facelift surgeries. There’s less risk of scarring, severe bruising, or bleeding when performed by a trained professional.

Minor complications occur in 15 to 20 percent of procedures but are usually easily corrected. Potential complications include:

visible sutures (especially in people with thin skin)

• Pain
• Minor bruising
• Infection
• Snapping of threads
• Accumulation of blood (hematoma)
• Inflammation
• Dimpling (orange peel-like skin texture)
• Hair loss
• Inflammation
• Salivary gland injury

What areas of the face can a PDO thread lift treat

A thread lift can treat most parts of your face that are experiencing signs of aging. The areas around your cheeks, jaw, neck, and eyes are among the most commonly treated areas.

Because the results of thread lifts aren’t as drastic as the results of facelift surgeries, thread lifts are commonly used together with other anti-aging procedures such as ultherapy or dermal fillers.

How long does a PDO thread lift last?

The authors of a 2019 study found that a PDO thread lift caused immediate improvements in skin sagging after the procedure. However, there was a noticeable decline in results 6 months later. Improvements were no longer apparent after 1 year.

In a study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, a surgeon with 16 years of thread lift experience says he has seen results last anywhere from 1 to 9 years. Younger people tend to have results that last 3 to 4 years. Older people with poor skin volume or elasticity tend to only see benefits for 1 to 2 years.

PLA and PCA thread lifts tend to last longer since the sutures take longer to dissolve.

The procedure

You’ll likely be advised to avoid alcohol and tobacco use at least 5 days before your procedure, along with anything else that may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, such as:

• Advil and ibuprofen
• aspirin
• omega-3 fatty acids
• green tea or green tea extracts

On the day of your procedure, your doctor will talk you through the potential complications and give you advice about your recovery.

PDO thread lift recovery and aftercare

Recovery from a PDO thread lift is minimal. You may have some swelling and bruising for the first 24 to 48 hours but you can return to most of your daily routines right away.

You should avoid rubbing your face as much as possible the week after your procedure to avoid accidently dislodging the thread. You’ll also likely be advised to avoid pursing your lips, smoking, and drinking through a straw for the first several weeks.

Other activities you may want to avoid for 1 to 2 weeks include sleeping on your side, intense exercise, and visiting saunas.

Sleeping with your head propped on a pillow can help you avoid accidentally rolling onto your face during the middle of the night.