What Is a PDO Thread Lift?

Male patient with lines drawn around his face and gloved surgeons marking the linesIt’s a known fact that as we age, our skin loses some of its elasticity, causing it to sag or droop. While it’s completely natural, many people dislike the effect this has on certain parts of the body, especially the face. Facelifts were created to combat this aging effect, but like many, you may not like the idea of undergoing surgery. In your research to find a nonsurgical alterative, you’ve probably stumbled across PDO thread lifts. What exactly is this technique? Does it provide the same results as a traditional facelift?

Thread Lifts 101

A thread lift involves using temporary dissolvable sutures, or ‘threads,’ to visibly but subtly help tighten and lift the skin in the face. A thread lift can treat most parts of your face that are experiencing signs of aging, including your cheeks, jaw, neck, and eyes.

Thread lifts are minimally invasive, requiring only small incisions to insert the threads under your skin—this allows for both an efficient procedure and a fast recovery time. The procedure itself can typically be performed in under an hour, requiring a local anesthetic to help combat any discomfort. Afterwards, you may have some minor swelling or bruising for the first 24 to 48 hours. You can return to your usual activities right away, but should avoid rubbing your face, sleeping on your side, and exercising strenuously for 1 to 2 weeks.

What Is PDO?

Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifts use a biodegradable polyester suture and are one of three different types of sutures that can be used in thread lift procedures. PDO threads work in multiple ways to help tighten skin: First, the sutures themselves pull and lift the skin once they’re inserted. Second, the presence of these sutures in your skin can contract fat tissue for further skin tightening and promote collagen production. Collagen is what gives your skin its structure and elasticity, and as you age, your natural production slows down, causing wrinkles or sagging skin. This boost in collagen production can aid your skin even after the threads begin to dissolve.

Are the Results Permanent?

While a huge benefit to thread lifts is that they are less invasive than surgical facelifts, the downside is that results aren’t as permanent. While there will be some stimulated collagen production, the threads themselves have the greatest lifting effect and unfortunately will eventually dissolve. The exact timeframe will vary, but results can last anywhere from 1 to 9 years. Because of this, PDO thread lifts can eventually be redone or combined with other anti-aging procedures.

Where Can I Go for PDO Thread Lifts?

If you’re interested in receiving PDO thread lifts, it’s important to see a reputable and experienced professional for the procedure. You can feel confident trusting Dr. Manik S. Bedi and Nina Vital, PA-C, at Tampa Surgical Arts. Both of these experts have extensive experience helping people look and feel their best, so you can rest assured that you will be in the most capable and caring hands.

The first step in the PDO thread lift process is to schedule a consultation with Tampa Surgical Arts, to occur either in person at our fully equipped clinic or virtually. Contact us today to get started.