What You Should Know About PDO Lifts and Smooth Threads
As the world of cosmetics procedures moves into a revolution fueled by advanced technology and the desire for a natural appearance, PDO lifts and smooth threads are being more frequently used. This innovative technique achieves the results of a facelift without the dangers of cosmetic surgery.
This type of procedure is one of the safest and most effective methods to correct skin laxity without having surgery. It provides a sleek and contoured face and neck and a smooth complexion.
There Are Two Types of PDO Threads Procedures
The polydioxanone (PDO) threads and sutures have a long history in the medical field. They have been used for various reasons to create a mechanical pull underneath the skin and attach tissues. The threads are made of protein and are thinner than hair. There are two major procedures that utilize these threads, smooth and lifting.
Smooth Threads
During this procedure, smooth threads are inserted into the skin in a hashtag formation to stimulate blood flow to the affected area. It works to tighten and repair the skin naturally by promoting the production of elastin and collagen. The results include the correction of fine lines and wrinkles as well as crepey skin.
PDO Lifting Threads
This procedure works to create a lifting effect similar to a facelift. It helps achieve a youthful V-shape that will create a more defined jawline. The results are seen immediately and continue to progress for more than six months after the initial procedure.
The body absorbs the threads in approximately 4 to 6 months. The results can last for one or two years depending on the person’s condition and lifestyle. During the procedure, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and/or dermal fillers may be used to achieve better results. These components create a scaffold underneath the skin to produce immediate results as well as long-term benefits.
The dermal and fatty tissue is lifted and tightened with natural results that don’t make you look like you’ve had work done.
What Are the Benefits of Threads?
There are many benefits of using threads no matter your age. This minimally invasive procedure is ideal for those who want to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, lift their sagging skin, improve the profile of their jawline, and enhance the quality of their skin texture.
This treatment is popular amongst those that want to stay away from cosmetic surgeries and are seeking a more natural look. Older patients do very well with threads utilized along the neck for a smoother and lifted effect. They may also opt for smoothing out crow’s feet around the eyes.
Younger patients frequently use the procedure to lift brows and achieve cat eyes or chiseled cheekbones. It also works well to create a more defined jawline.
For patients of any age, it helps to reduce laugh lines and open up hooded eyelids. Dr. Shannon Callan at Sol Aesthetics will carefully examine you to determine which threads are appropriate for you and if they should be combined with fillers.
Treatment Areas
Threads are not limited to the face and neck. In fact, the procedure can be performed in different parts of the body to strategically improve the appearance of aging skin. These areas include but are not limited to:
Neck
Jawline
Mouth Area
Upper and Lower Cheeks
Marionette Lines
Crow’s Feet
Eyebrows
Under Eyes
Nasolabial Folds
Abdomen
Arms
Buttocks
Forehead
Brow Lift
As you can see the areas covered by this procedure are extensive. After an initial consultation, your provider Shannon Callan, will determine which areas are appropriate for threads. Sometimes, the best treatment plan is one that combines different therapies.Shannon believes in achieving the best results with as few treatments as possible to accomplish a natural look.
How Should I Prepare for the Procedure?
Our experienced team at Sol Aesthetics will provide you with all the information you need to know to prepare for the procedure and the instructions you will need afterward. During your initial consultation, you must discuss current medical conditions and any medications you are taking.
To avoid complications, you must stop taking certain substances such as anticoagulants, blood thinners, fish oil, aspirin, alcohol, and multivitamins.
What Can I Expect on the Day of the Treatment?
Your provider will prepare your skin by making sure there are no residual products from lotions, makeup, and other products. Before starting the procedure, we will apply a local anesthetic and topical numbing substance to the area. Although the procedure is not typically painful, the numbing agents will help you be the most comfortable as the threads are inserted and pull on the tissues underneath your skin.
After the anesthetic has been activated, the procedure begins by inserting the first thread through cannulas, sharp-tipped needles, or blunt tip needles. The threads act like anchors once they reach the layer of the skin that will be used to create a lift. The typical session includes about six threads, which makes it a fairly quick treatment.
What Will I Feel During and After the Procedure?
The procedure shouldn’t be painful. You will likely feel a slight pinching sensation as the threads are inserted and pulled underneath the skin. If barbed threads are used, some patients ma18y feel a pulling sensation after the procedure, but they can expect it to gradually go away in approximately two weeks.
After the treatment, there may be minimal bruising, which is another reason why it is important to stop taking medications such as aspirin one week before treatment. You can expect to look like yourself the very next day as the swelling and bruising go away. The skin will heal completely in about one week.
What Realistic Results Can I Expect?
You may see a slight immediate improvement, however, the definite results will start to appear in about four weeks after the procedure. The skin will continually improve as the new elastin and collagen are produced. Results will peak in about 4 to 6 months.
The procedure is a great preventative measure to avoid sagging skin and wrinkles from appearing.
How Long Do the Results Last?
A study published by the National Library of Medicine concluded that threads provide immediate improvement of sagging skin and wrinkles that last for six months to one year after the procedure.
Another study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, details the results from a surgeon’s 16-year experience with threads. He saw results last from 1 to 9 years. The report indicated that younger patients can expect results to last 3 to 4 years. Older patients that present with poor skin elasticity see results last approximately 1 to 2 years.
Each individual is unique and has different skin types and lifestyles that may influence how long results last.
Start Your Rejuvenation Journey Here
If thread lifts sound intriguing to you, Shannon Callan of Sol Aesthetics will conduct a thorough assessment to see if you are a good candidate for the procedure. As a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN, NP-C) with a background in Emergency and Aesthetic Medicine, Shannon Callan has the expertise to safely provide the best natural results that will help you look your best.
Call our Aesthetics today to schedule your initial consultation!
