Humans have yet to discover the magical serum to wash off the effects of aging from their skin, but we are making significant progress in this direction. Just take a look at the new PDO thread lift treatment! Aesthetic MedSpa Reno offers you one of the most effective ways to improve the appearance of wrinkles and lift sagging skin without going under the knife. The thread lift promises younger and more elastic skin in less than 45 minutes.
How is this possible? While the PDO thread lift procedure is new, PDO threads on their own have been used for many years in surgery. PDO, also known as polydioxanone, is an absorbable and biodegradable polymer used for suturing incisions following surgeries and for treating gynecological disorders. This colorless polyester is perfectly safe to use and has now found its way into our bodies as PDO threads.
What is a PDO thread lift?
A PDO thread lift is an aesthetic treatment that allows for a facelift without undergoing surgery. It is a minimally invasive technique that inserts dissolvable threads into your face. The threads will then be “pulled” to obtain the tightening effect. Thus, your skin will be lifted mechanically without any need for surgical procedures. Moreover, PDO threads contract the fat tissue for a more taut look to your skin. The threads will also trigger fibroblasts for improved production of collagen and facilitate skin renewal at the cellular level. All this without an invasive facelift and its frightening risk of complications.
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.
What to expect during the procedure?
Thread lifts are used exclusively to treat parts of your face that show signs of aging. They can be inserted to lift your cheeks, eyes, forehead, jaw, and neck. It is important to remember the thread lift procedure is non-invasive and you shouldn’t expect to have the same long-lasting results as a facelift, However, since the procedure isn’t drastic, it can very well be combined with other anti-aging treatments like dermal fillers.
The Aesthetic MedSpa Reno thread lift is a simple procedure that can be performed in 45 minutes and requires minimal recovery time. The procedure is performed by our highly trained professionals that 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.
How long do the effects of a PDO thread lift last?
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 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.
Are there any risks with PDO thread lifts?
Unlike facelift surgeries, PDO thread lifts come with significantly fewer risks. However, like any procedure that involves the use of a needle, it is natural to expect some bruising and swelling. Furthermore, some pain and discomfort are to be expected in the first 48 hours. 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 that 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.
If you have any questions regarding the PDO Thread Lift procedure, don’t hesitate to contact Aesthetic MedSpa Reno for a consultation. We’ll discuss the procedure, address questions, and provide you with more information specific to your goals and situation.
