A thread lift uses a dissolvable stitch to tighten and lift the skin. This procedure is less invasive than a facelift and can be done in under 45 minutes without using a scalpel.
The biodegradable polyester suture is used in polydioxanone thread lifts (PDO). These thread lifts can be used to rejuvenate your skin, while others are more effective at lifting sagging hair.
Let’s look at the differences between PDO and other thread lifts and what you can expect from the procedure.
What is the difference between PDO threads?
PDO threads are one of three sutures commonly used in thread lifting procedures. The other sutures are made from polylactic acids (PLA) and polycaprolactone(PCA).
PDO threads are the oldest of all the three and have been used in surgeries since the 1980s. They are colorless polyester and will eventually break down in your body within 6 months.
These sutures trigger cells in your body, called fibroblasts, to produce more college. Collagen is the protein that gives skin structure and elasticity. The main cause of skin aging is the loss of collagen.
PDO threads are further broken down into three categories.
- Mono threads for PDO. Smooth sutures help you rejuvenate your skin and stimulate collagen production.
- PDO threads for cogs. They have barbs that attach to your skin like small fishhooks. This allows you to support and lift certain parts of your face.
- PDO threads. These threads are used to restore volume to sunken areas of the skin.
There are other types of threads.
PLA and PCA threads have a longer life span than PDO. They are more durable and stimulate collagen production. PLA threads can take 12 months to absorb, and PCA takes 12 to 15 months.
Each thread has its unique function. PDO threads perform better at revitalizing tissue, while PLA and PCA threads do better lifting sagging skin.
How long can a PDO thread lift take?
A 2019 study showed that a PDO Thread Lift immediately improved skin sagging. Six months later, however, the results showed a marked decline. After one year, there were no improvements.
A study was published in the Aesthetic surgery Journal. A surgeon with 16 years of thread lifting experience said he had seen results anywhere between 1 and 9 years. Results that last for 3 to 4 years are more common in younger people. People with low skin volume and elasticity may only experience benefits for one to two years.
PLA and PCA thread lifts last longer because the sutures are slower to dissolve.
The procedure
You will likely be asked to stop using alcohol and tobacco five days before your procedure.
- Advil and Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Green tea and green tea extracts
Your doctor will discuss the possible complications with you and offer advice regarding your recovery.
It is possible to vary the procedure that your surgeon will use. It will likely look like this:
- Your surgeon will wipe your face with alcohol while seated in a recliner. Your surgeon will apply a local anesthetic using a needle underneath your skin.
- The surgeon will make a small cut with another needle and insert a device known as a cannula through the small hole.
- The surgeon will place the thread and then pull the cannula out.
- The thread will be cut and secured in place by the workers.
After the procedure, you’ll be able to return home immediately.
Takeaway
PDO thread lifting is a procedure that uses dissolvable stitches to lift and rejuvenate sagging skin. Although it is a faster and cheaper alternative to facelift surgery and the results aren’t quite as dramatic, they can be done quickly and last much longer. The recovery time is short, and you can often return to work within a day.
