PDO Threads

About the Procedure

 

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 provides better lift and increased collagen production. Screw threads have 1-2 intertwined threads that 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.

 

Before treatment, the patient's skin will be marked for insertion and direction of the inserted threads. Once marked, the insertion points will be thoroughly anesthetized. Multiple threads can be inserted through the same point in the skin. PDO threads are attached to a long cannula. The cannula will be pushed through the tissue beneath the skin. When the thread has reached its predetermined endpoint, the thread will be released and the cannula removed. This process will be repeated until the desired lift has been achieved, with as many 1-15 threads inserted depending on the treatment area and concern being addressed. Any extra thread will be trimmed. The threads will be massaged to ensure the tissue is smooth and no dimpling is present.

 

Recovery is minimal after a PDO thread lift procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activity within 1 week postoperatively.

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The goal of a PDO thread lift is to reposition facial and neck tissues to restore and rejuvenate youthful proportions and appearances to the face.