A PDO Thread Lift, increasingly favored in the field of aesthetic medicine, offers a less invasive solution for those desiring facial rejuvenation without the need for significant surgical intervention. PDO Thread Lift utilizes Polydioxanone (PDO) threads that are strategically placed under the skin. These threads work to elevate and firm up drooping tissues, thus enhancing a youthful look.
Types of PDO Threads
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are absorbable sutures used in minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to lift and tighten the sagging skin. These threads come in different types, each with a specific purpose:
- Mono Threads: These are smooth, single filament threads without any barbs or cones. They are designed to stimulate collagen production, which plays a key role in maintaining skin elasticity and combating signs of aging. They provide a subtle lift but are primarily used for skin rejuvenation and tightening.
- Cog Threads: Unlike mono threads, cog threads have barbs that latch onto the skin tissue, allowing for an immediate lifting effect. The barbs create a scaffold-like structure that elevates the drooping tissues.
- Screw Threads: Also known as Tornado threads, these have one or two intertwined threads providing a greater degree of volume and are used for a better definition of facial contours.
- Mesh or Mono Threads: These are utilized to create a mesh under the skin (like a net). The net acts as a foundation for new collagen production. This type of PDO thread provides skin tightening and rejuvenation.
- Lifting or Barbed Threads: These are more substantial than mono threads and are used where more significant lift is required. They have tiny barbs along the thread that latch onto and lift the skin.
Mechanism of Action
- Immediate Lifting: During the procedure, the PDO threads are inserted into the skin using a thin needle. These threads have tiny barbs that can grab onto the skin tissue, enabling the practitioner to lift and reposition the skin immediately for a more youthful appearance.
- Collagen Stimulation: The introduction of the PDO threads into the skin stimulates the body’s healing response, which leads to the production of new collagen. Collagen is a protein that gives our skin its strength and elasticity. This process, known as neocollagenesis, helps to further enhance the lifting effect and improve skin texture and elasticity over time.
- Cellular Renewal: PDO threads also stimulate the synthesis of elastin and hyaluronic acid, two important components of our skin that decrease with age. Elastin contributes to skin elasticity while hyaluronic acid helps to maintain skin hydration. The increased production of these substances helps to rejuvenate the skin, making it look more youthful and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Dissolution and Absorption: Over a period of 6-8 months, the PDO threads will slowly dissolve and be absorbed by the body. However, the beneficial effects of the treatment, such as collagen stimulation and cellular renewal, continue even after the threads have dissolved, extending the aesthetic benefits of the procedure.
- Fat Lipolysis: Some research suggests that PDO threads may cause fat lipolysis, or the breakdown of fat cells in the treatment area, leading to a more contoured and refined appearance.
Ideal Candidates
- Early Facial Aging: Early facial aging often presents as fine lines, wrinkles, uneven pigmentation, dull skin texture, loss of volume in cheeks, and changes in skin color and appearance. This typically occurs due to a reduction in the production of collagen, a vital protein that imparts structure and flexibility to our skin. A thread lift can be an effective treatment for these early signs of aging. It works by inserting threads under the skin using a thin needle. These threads create a support structure that lifts sagging tissues, resulting in immediate lifting effect.
- Mild to Moderate Skin Laxity: Skin laxity, or loose skin, is a common issue that arises with age. It can be mild, where the skin starts to look less firm and ‘tired’, or moderate, where noticeable sagging occurs, particularly around the jowls, neck, cheeks, and eyebrows. The PDO (Polydioxanone) Thread Lift is an effective treatment for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity. The process entails the insertion of dissolvable threads into the skin’s subcutaneous layer using a fine needle.
- Non-surgical Preference: Those seeking to avoid surgical procedures like facelifts can opt for a PDO Thread Lift as it offers similar benefits but with less downtime and risk. A PDO Thread Lift is a procedure that requires minimal invasion, utilizing dissolvable threads to elevate and firm up the drooping skin. The threads are inserted under the skin with a fine needle, requiring no cuts or incisions. This results in less trauma to the tissues, significantly reducing the risk of complications such as scarring, bleeding, and infection.
- Visible Signs of Aging: If you’re looking to combat visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, a thread lift could be beneficial. It stimulates collagen production, which helps improve skin texture and elasticity. This procedure is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that can effectively address visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines.
- Desire for Long-lasting Results: The effects of PDO Thread Lifts can last up to 1-2 years, making it a good option for those who desire long-lasting results without repeated treatments. The effects of thread lift can last between 1 to 2 years, depending on individual factors such as the age, skin type, lifestyle, and the area treated. As the threads dissolve, they leave behind a network of collagen that supports the skin and maintains the lifted appearance. This process of collagen regeneration continues even after the threads have dissolved, which helps to sustain the results for a longer period.
- Thin Skin: Having thin skin can pose restrictions when contemplating a PDO thread lift, a non-surgical facelift treatment. This therapy involves the placement of Polydioxanone (PDO) threads beneath the skin to elevate and firm up drooping the skin tissues. Before deciding on a thread lift, it’s essential to have a thorough consultation with a qualified medical professional. They will assess your skin’s thickness and overall health to determine if you’re a suitable candidate for this treatment.