Praised for its innovative and subtle approach, the PDO thread lift marks another long stride in the field of aesthetics.
Our physician-led team at South Jersey Aesthetics in Cape May Court House and Gibbsboro, NJ has had great success restoring loose skin and other concerns with this treatment — and we have the before and after pics to prove it!
But what exactly is PDO thread lift, and why are so many flocking to it? What issues does it treat?
Keep reading to learn more so that you can make a confidently informed decision on this revolutionary procedure.
What Exactly Is a PDO Thread Lift?
Here’s the short answer: PDO thread lift procedures involve the insertion of fine sutures into the skin to lift sagging areas and restore a youthful appearance. PDO stands for polydioxanone, which is a type of synthetic polyester filament that is often used in sutures. Polydioxanone is absorbable by the body, typically within four to six months. When the threads are absorbed, they are replaced by collagen, which naturally mirrors their function: supporting tissues to create a firm, taut appearance of the skin. There are different kinds of threads used in this procedure, some of which can stimulate collagen growth more than others. As for how the actual process works, certain details vary on a case-by-case basis, but the general framework is as follows:- Patient and provider determine the area to be treated
- The area is then cleansed and anesthetized (local)
- The provider creates an entry point in the skin and then inserts the threads
- The threads are pulled, attaching to tissue and creating the desired amount of lift
What Areas Can a PDO Thread Lift Treat?
This treatment is well-suited to restore a firm, youthful appearance to the neck, jawline, and cheekbone areas. Jowls, crow’s feet, and wrinkles are concerns that PDO thread lifts can address effectively. Smaller and less (naturally) flat surfaces, such as the area between the nose and the lips, the undereye area, and more, can still be addressed with PDO thread lifts. Though these applications are less common, PDO thread lifts can also be performed on other areas of the body, including the stomach, arms, legs, and knees. Thanks to the nonsurgical, well-tolerated approach, it’s possible to perform PDO thread lifts on most surfaces of the body, so long as there is enough excess tissue.Why Choose a PDO Thread Lift Over a Facelift?
To be clear, surgical facelifts and PDO thread lifts are not in the same category when it comes to how comprehensive and dramatic of a change they can create. It’s like the difference between vacuuming the carpet and calling a company to deep clean it; both are important and appropriate in different scenarios. Still, for people who want to make some changes but don’t experience more severe signs of aging that might necessitate a surgical facelift, PDO thread lifts are a great in-between option that cost less, are less invasive, and can pair nicely with other treatments. On the other hand, if you have more significant issues to address (and/or if you are looking for more dramatic results), then there’s always the classic facelift option.Who Is Eligible for a PDO Thread Lift?
Thanks to the nonsurgical nature of PDO thread lifts, they are well-tolerated and appropriate for the majority of people with sagging and/or excess skin. However, as with any procedure, there are still some factors that can render you ineligible for this procedure due to safety and efficacy concerns. For example, ongoing skin infections and/or inflammatory reactions should be resolved before you go in for a PDO thread lift. People with blood clotting disorders may also not be well suited for PDO thread lifts. Other factors that can render you ineligible for this procedure include, but are not limited to:- Using blood thinning medications
- Compromised immune system
- Hemophilia
- Chemotherapy
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Abnormal wound healing
- Allergies
