Polydioxanone (PDO) Threads

Polydioxanone threads come in several types, each serving specific purposes. The PDO thread selected for the thread lift procedure will depend on the targeted area as well as the desired effect. This will be discussed during your consultation so you can understand how the thread will help with skin tightening and facial rejuvenation.

There are various types of PDO sutures, but the main threads are:

• PDO mono threads – singular, smooth sutures that provide a slight lift and contribute to collagen production
• PDO cog threads – barbed sutures that allow for a superior lift due to the presence of small fish hooks that latch into the skin and provide better lifting
• PDO screw threads – unlike a barbed suture, this type of thread has one or two intertwined sutures that improve the aspect of sagging skin and add volume to the treated area

For skin tightening and rejuvenation, mono threads are often enough. If you want longer-lasting effects similar to those of facelift surgery, you should opt for cog or screw threads.

Many treatments use a combination of threads, such as bi-directional barbed threads or mono threads, to achieve optimal results, targeting both the deeper and surface layers of the skin. At Aesthetics MedSpa in Reno, our team uses the highest quality polydioxanone threads to ensure safe, effective results tailored to each client.

The Aesthetic MedSpa Reno thread lift is a simple procedure that can be performed in 45 minutes and requires minimal recovery time. The procedure also known as a “lunchtime facelift” is performed by our highly trained professionals who know how to expertly insert PDO threads effectively and safely. A PDO thread lift costs anywhere between $1500 and $2500 depending on the complexity of the procedure and the type of threads used.

• For at least 5 days before the procedure, the patient should avoid alcohol and tobacco. Furthermore, to decrease the risk of bleeding or bruising, it is recommended to avoid ibuprofen, aspirin, green tea, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• On the day of the procedure, the patient’s skin is marked for insertion and direction of the threads. Insertion points will be anesthetized. PDO threads will be attached to a blunt tip needle called a cannula, which will then be inserted through insertion points and the tissue beneath the skin. Once it reaches its destination, the thread will be anchored and the cannula will be pulled out. The excess threads will be cut off.

The professional can insert multiple threads through the same insertion point. However, the treatment can’t include more than 15 threads. The threads will then be massaged into the skin to avoid any signs of dimpling.

The patient will be able to resume their usual activities 1 week after the procedure. There may be minimal signs of the procedure in the days to come, like swelling and bruising, but as soon as these start to subside, you will be able to notice the results.

PDO threading is a versatile option for skin lifting and rejuvenating many areas of the face and neck. Whether you’re looking to address loose skin, improve skin texture, or boost the production of collagen, PDO threading can help! Here are some of the most popular areas where PDO threads work their magic:

• Cheeks: Restore volume and reduce nasolabial folds (smile lines).
• Jawline: Define and sculpt for a more contoured look.
• Neck: Smooth and tighten skin for a more youthful profile.
• Eyebrows: Achieve a subtle brow lift for a refreshed, wide-eyed appearance.
• Under the eyes: Improve hollows and fine lines with mini-series smooth threads or non-barbed threads.
• Arms: Lift and firm the upper arms, tackling that stubborn “bat wing” effect.
• Abdomen: Improve skin texture and elasticity, especially after weight loss or pregnancy.
• Thighs and buttocks: Subtly lift and smooth these areas for a toned look.

Thanks to the numbing cream applied beforehand, most clients find PDO threading relatively comfortable. Some may feel slight pressure or a pulling sensation, but discomfort is minimal. If you’re concerned about pain, our specialists in Reno will ensure you feel at ease throughout the treatment, making PDO threading a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

PDO threading is suitable for most skin types and a variety of skin concerns, particularly for those experiencing signs of skin laxity (loose skin) or age-related skin concerns, like mild to moderate wrinkles and loss of facial volume. During your initial consultation, our Reno team will assess your skin type, discuss your aesthetic goals, and create a treatment plan personalized to your needs. Whether it’s your first time exploring cosmetic treatments or you’ve tried other options, PDO threading offers a gentle, non-surgical approach that’s adaptable to your unique skin.

The PDO thread lift technique can fight the effects gravity and aging have on our face for months and even years after the procedure. While a study mentions that the effects of a PDO thread lift can last up to a year, some cosmetic surgeons claim that successful thread lifts can be noticed for up to 9 years.

Unlike invasive facelift procedures, PDO thread lifts will not guarantee permanent results. However, the shorter recovery time and minimal risks make them a better candidate for fast skin rejuvenation. The effects of a PDO thread lift often depend on the patient’s age and health. Younger people may enjoy the lift for up to 4 years, while older people, with poor skin elasticity, will probably need a second procedure in 1 or 2 years.

Like any cosmetic procedure, PDO threading has minor risks, but severe side effects are rare. The most common side effects include temporary bruising, mild swelling, or redness around the treated areas. In most cases, the side effects are minimal and resolve in less than one week. In more severe cases, there may be a risk of dimpling, asymmetry, or under-correction, but these reactions are usually of low intensity and can be corrected with a simple procedure.

15 to 20 percent of the patients who undergo thread lifts can experience visible threads, minor bruising, snapping of threads, hematoma, inflammation, alopecia, infection, or salivary gland injury. If the threads become visible or move around, they can be easily removed and replaced with new threads.

To avoid any complications and facilitate a fast recovery, it is recommended to avoid using moisturizers and dental treatments for a few weeks following a thread lift and sleep on your back for the first two weeks to avoid rolling over onto the sutures. It is also best to avoid saunas and high-intensity workouts for at least one week after the procedure.

Our Reno team takes extra care to ensure your safety and comfort, providing comprehensive instructions before and after your treatment.

The short answer is, not really! Right after your PDO thread lift, you might feel a slight tightness or awareness of the threads as your skin adjusts to the lift. This is completely normal and usually fades within a few days as the threads settle and your body begins to produce collagen.

The polydioxanone threads used in the procedure are ultra-thin and designed to integrate seamlessly with your skin. Since these are dissolvable threads, they gradually break down over time, leaving behind firmer, more youthful skin.

In rare cases, you might feel a thread if it’s placed close to the surface, but an experienced provider will ensure this doesn’t happen. Overall, the sensation is minimal, and you’ll likely forget they’re even there—except for when you admire the gorgeous, lifted results in the mirror!

PDO threading is a non-surgical facelift that delivers natural-looking results without the downtime or scarring associated with traditional facelift surgery. Unlike a surgical facelift, which requires incisions and recovery time, PDO threads are inserted with minimal invasiveness. This nonsurgical facelift offers many of the same lifting and tightening benefits as a surgical facelift but without the need for anesthesia or prolonged recovery. It’s a fantastic option for those seeking an effective anti-aging treatment that fits into a busy schedule, giving you a youthful lift with fewer risks.

Absolutely! PDO threading works wonderfully when combined with other aesthetic treatments like dermal fillers or Botox to enhance facial volume and refine contours. During your initial consultation in Reno, our specialists can discuss a customized treatment plan to ensure you achieve your desired look. Combining treatments can provide even more dramatic results, making PDO threading a versatile and flexible addition to your beauty routine.

PDO thread lifts are likely more versatile than you think and can be used on various parts of the body where sagging and skin laxity can become an issue. 

PDO threads for the under-eye area can minimize signs of aging. It can reduce puffiness, tighten, and gently lift the skin for a more youthful appearance. 

PDO threads for neck rejuvenation can be a fantastic option for minimizing lines and reversing mild sagging.

PDO threads for jowls is another game-changer that not many people are aware of. It has an instant lifting effect that can transform your face.