What is PDO Thread Lifts?
PDO (Polydioxanone) thread lifts are a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to lift and tighten sagging skin on the face and body. They involve the insertion of biodegradable threads made of PDO material into the subcutaneous tissue, which is the layer of skin just below the surface.
PDO threads have tiny barbs or cones that allow them to grip the skin and provide a lifting effect. Once inserted, these threads stimulate collagen production, promoting natural tissue regeneration and improving skin texture and elasticity. The threads also provide immediate mechanical support, giving an immediate lifting effect.
A skilled and qualified medical professional should perform the procedure. Local anesthesia is commonly administered to numb the treatment area, ensuring patient comfort during the procedure. The threads are inserted using a thin needle or cannula, and once in place, they are gently pulled to lift the skin.
PDO thread lifts are commonly used to address concerns such as sagging cheeks, jowls, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and loose skin on the neck and jawline. They can also lift and tighten body areas, including the buttocks, breasts, and abdomen.
The treatment mainly addresses the issues caused by weakening facial support structure, which results in saggy and loose skin.
Why does the facial support structure weaken as we age?
The facial support structure weakens as we age due to a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Here are some key reasons:
- Decreased muscle tone: The muscles in our face also play a role in supporting and strengthening the facial structure. These muscles tend to weaken and lose tone with age, contributing to sagging skin and a less-defined facial contour.
- Bone resorption: Over time, there is a natural process of bone resorption, where the bones in the face lose density and volume, leading to changes in facial structure and a loss of support for the overlying soft tissues.
- Collagen and elastin use: Collagen and elastin are essential proteins that provide strength, elasticity, and support to the skin. As we age, our body’s natural production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to a loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin. This results in sagging and drooping of facial tissues.
- Fat redistribution: Fat pads in the face change with age. Some areas may experience fat loss, resulting in a hollowed appearance, while others may accumulate fat, leading to a more rounded or sagging appearance. These fat redistribution changes can affect the overall support and contour of the face.
- Gravity and external factors: External factors such as repeated facial expressions, exposure to sunlight (UV radiation), smoking, and lifestyle choices can contribute to the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers. Additionally, the downward pull of gravity over time can exacerbate the effects of aging on the facial support structure.
The aging process is individual and can vary from person to person. Genetic factors, overall health, and lifestyle choices can influence the rate and extent of facial support structure weakening.
What are the various types of PDO Threads?
Several types of PDO threads are available, each designed to target specific areas of the face and body. The best types of PDO threads include:
- Cog Threads: Cog threads have bidirectional barbs or cones that provide a firmer grip on the tissue and a more powerful lifting effect. They are typically used for areas with significant sagging, such as the mid-face, lower face, and neck. Cog threads are effective in creating a more dramatic lift and rejuvenation.
- Mono Threads: Mono threads are smooth threads inserted in a straight or wavy pattern to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. They target smaller areas or precise locations, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and specific acne scars.
- Smooth Threads: These threads have a smooth texture and are primarily used for stimulating collagen production and improving skin texture. Smooth threads, such as fine lines and wrinkles, and improving overall skin quality are often used when lifting is not the primary goal.
Does PDO Thread Lifting hurt?
PDO thread lifting is generally well-tolerated by most patients, and discomfort during the procedure is typically minimal. However, the level of pain or discomfort can vary depending on individual pain tolerance, the area being treated, and the techniques used. Here are some things to consider regarding pain and discomfort with PDO thread lifting:
- Local anesthesia: A local anesthetic is usually applied or injected to numb the treatment area before the procedure, which aids in minimizing any potential pain or discomfort during the insertion of the threads. The anesthesia ensures the process is as comfortable as possible for the patient.
- Sensations during the procedure: While inserting the threads, you may feel pressure, tugging, or mild discomfort. However, the process should be smooth. If you experience significant pain, you must communicate with your medical professional so they can adjust the procedure accordingly.
- Post-procedure discomfort: After the PDO thread lifting procedure, some patients may experience mild discomfort, tenderness, or bruising at the treatment site. These symptoms are typically temporary and subside within a few days. Your medical professional may recommend over-the-counter pain medications or apply cold packs to help manage any post-procedure discomfort.
- Individual pain tolerance: It’s important to remember that pain perception varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience minimal discomfort, while others may have a lower pain tolerance and perceive more discomfort. Open communication with your medical professional about your comfort level can help ensure the procedure is adjusted accordingly.
What are some advantages of PDO Threads?
PDO thread lifts offer several advantages as a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. Here are some critical advantages of PDO threads:
- Minimally invasive and non-surgical: PDO thread lifts provide a non-surgical alternative to traditional facelift surgery. The procedure involves minimal incisions or punctures, reducing the risks, downtime, and recovery associated with surgery.
- Quick procedure with minimal downtime: PDO thread lifts are typically performed as outpatient procedures and can usually be completed in under an hour, depending on the treatment area size. The downtime is relatively short compared to surgical options, and most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days.
- Immediate and long-lasting results: PDO threads provide an immediate visible lifting effect due to the mechanical support they offer to the tissue. As the threads dissolve over time, they stimulate collagen production, further enhancing the results. The benefits of collagen stimulation can continue to improve the skin’s texture and firmness for several months after the procedure.
- Customizable treatment: PDO threads are available in various types, including smooth, barbed, screw, cog, mono, and tornado threads; this allows for a tailored treatment approach to address specific concerns and achieve desired results in different face and body areas.
- Natural-looking outcomes: PDO thread lifts deliver natural-looking results by providing subtle lifting and rejuvenation. The procedure aims to restore and enhance the natural contours and features of the face without the over-tightened or “pulled” appearance that can sometimes occur with more invasive surgical procedures.
- Collagen stimulation and long-term benefits: PDO threads provide immediate lifting effects and stimulate collagen production. Increased collagen leads to improved skin quality, increased firmness, and enhanced texture, which can persist even after the threads have dissolved.
- Versatile application: PDO threads can lift and tighten various face areas, including the cheeks, jawline, neck, and eyebrows. They can also be applied to other body parts, such as the buttocks, breasts, and abdomen, for lifting and rejuvenation.
PDO Threads work best in the hands of a skilled professional. It’s best to choose Imagine MedSpa! Notify them and experience the facial lifting of a lifetime.
