PDO Threads

VOLUME REPLACEMENT/SKIN SMOOTHING/SKIN LIFTING

Thread lifts have become a minimally invasive alternative to the facelift for patients who are not ready to undergo more aggressive treatment options. Although the effects from a thread lift will be temporary and not as dramatic as a facelift, improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles can be seen gradually as the procedure stimulates natural collagen production. PDO sutures are a type of material used for thread lifts. PDO, which stands for polydioxanone, is an absorbable polymer that is flexible and durable for minimally invasive thread lifts. PDO thread lifts, sometimes referred to as PDS thread lifts, come in a variety of textures.

There are three main textures of PDO sutures: mono, cog, and screw threads. Mono threads are singular, smooth sutures that are anchored to the face that provide a small lift to the face. Cog threads have a barbed texture that provide better lift and increased collagen production. Screw threads have 1-2 intertwined threads which provide volume to the treated area. For patients who only desire skin tightening and rejuvenation, mono threads may be sufficient. Patients who desire more lifting and volume will better benefit from textured cog or screw threads.

Your forehead, jowls, under-eye area, cheeks and eyebrow are all parts of your face that can be considered for a thread lift. You can choose to target just one area or several at once.

Thread lifts don’t require general anesthesia, you also don’t have to consider taking recovery time off from work, although some recommendations will be made.

Results vary and may last from 1-3 years. EBGlō recommends that you get additional therapies such as Botox, Hialuronic Acid (filler) or biostimulators (Sculptra or Radiesse) to boost the effects of your thread lift.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The thread lift procedure works in two ways. The first is fairly straightforward. By threading thin, dissolvable sutures underneath your skin, your doctor is able to pull your skin tight around your forehead, neck, or torso. Invisible, painless “barbs” grab on to your skin and make sure that the thread grips your underlying tissue and muscles as the thread is pulled tight.

Once a barbed thread is inserted, your body’s healing response is triggered. Even though you’re not injured by the threads under your skin, your body detects a suture material and stimulates collagen production in the affected area. Collagen can fill gaps in sagging skin and restore a more youthful elasticity to your face.

THREAD LIFT PROCEDURE

The procedure for thread lift may be slightly different depending on the area you’re targeting as well as your provider’s preferences. The basic technique is usually the same.

You’ll be asked to recline in the room where your procedure is being performed. Alcohol, as well as topical anesthetic, will be applied to your skin as it’s prepped for surgery.
A thin needle or cannula will be used to insert the threads underneath your skin. Inserting the threads can take 30 to 45 minutes.
After the threads are inserted, the method of insertion will be removed. You may feel light pressure or tightening under your skin.
Within a few minutes of the needles being taken out, your procedure will be complete and you’ll be free to go home.