PDO Threads
PDO Threads are quickly becoming popular for being one of the most effective non surgical alternatives to a traditional facelift. What are they? How do they work?
PDO stands for Polydioxanone, it is an absorbable, monofilament suture. These medical grade threads are said to help increase the natural production of collagen and hyaluronic acid, which are necessary to maintain young, healthy skin. The procedure starts with lidocaine injections to the treatment site for numbing, then small, fine, sharp needles are used to thread the PDO through the subcutaneous tissue. They are then tightened to lift and anchor loose and sagging skin. The procedure is very versatile and can be used on any part of the face and neck. Many use PDO Threads to treat nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and sagging skin on chin and neck. It is best described by Arisa E. Oritz, MD “For skin lifting, clinicians implant threads subcutaneously. When tugged in the opposite direction, the barbs anchor in adipose tissue, increasing tensile strength while suspended in the dermis and overlying tissue. This produces a fibrous adhesion capsule that helps to solidify anchorage of the suture long term. Fibrosis has been shown to increase local collagen production.”
When considering a PDO Thread Lift, it’s important to consider all of the pros and cons of the procedure. Let’s start with the pros! Compared to a traditional facelift, PDO Threads have a much shorter recovery time. Most people can resume their daily activities the next day, if not the same day. Minor bruising, swelling and redness is expected for up to just one week following the procedure. After the healing process, you’re unable to feel the threads. It is quick, it takes less than an hour to perform the entire procedure and it is minimally invasive. And, it is more cost effective than the traditional facelift!
Unfortunately, just like anything else, there are cons. It is not a permanent fix all. The effects of a PDO Thread lift can be seen for up to as little as six months or as long as two years. Depending on your age, skin type, and genetics. It may be the most effective comparable treatment to a traditional facelift, but it is much more subtle.This is not a preventative procedure and will not help prevent signs of aging. Although rare, there are risks with serious complications that can occur during the procedure, such as facial nerve damage or damage to blood vessels. But take your time, do your research, and find a licensed professional who will be able to answer any of your questions and concerns.
How will this affect my skin long term? Great question! Facial Threading became very popular in the 1990’s, however the material used was not absorbable and had adverse effects on patients. Because of that, it was taken off of the market in 2009. They were able to extensively study the material and create absorbable threads made from PDO (polydioxanone) and the FDA approved them as an anti-aging treatment in 2011. Because they are so recent there are not a lot of studies available on this topic, however, it is believed by many medical providers that there should not be any long term effects because the thread is absorbable.
PDO threading is a great procedure that is definitely worth considering when looking for the best available anti-aging treatments on the market.