Are you looking for a way to keep your face looking as young as possible without invasive procedures? PDO threads might be the perfect solution if you see early signs of aging but aren’t ready for surgery.
In this piece, you’ll find what PDO threading involves, how it compares to traditional facelifts, and whether it can prevent you from requiring facelifts in the future.
What Are PDO Threads and How Do They Work?
PDO threads stand out as a breakthrough in non-surgical facial rejuvenation. These medical-grade sutures have evolved beyond their surgical roots to become the lifeblood of modern aesthetic treatments.
PDO Threading Explained in Simple Terms
PDO stands for Poly-Di-Oxanone, a biodegradable material doctors have used for decades in all kinds of surgeries. Your body naturally dissolves these threads while they create positive changes to your skin.
The treatment takes less than an hour and is straightforward. Your Beauty Vault provider starts by numbing the area. They then use fine needles or cannulas to place the threads beneath your skin in the subdermal layer. These threads create a supportive framework for your facial tissues right away.
You’ll find three main types of PDO threads, each with its own purpose:
- Mono threads: Smooth sutures that boost collagen production.
- Cog threads: These have tiny barbs that hook into your skin like fishhooks and give the most important lifting power.
- Screw threads: These intertwined threads help restore volume to hollow facial areas.
Your Beauty Vault provider will choose specific thread types that match your facial features and beauty goals.
Collagen Stimulation and Skin Tightening Mechanism
PDO threads work their magic in two ways. They lift sagging tissues immediately by providing physical support. It starts what doctors call a “selective inflammatory response, which activates fibroblast cells that produce fresh collagen around the threads. Collagen gives your skin structure and elasticity—qualities that fade as we age.
The latest research shows PDO threads improve blood flow in treated areas. Better circulation leads to healthier skin over time. The threads dissolve gradually and leave behind new collagen that supports your skin. The long-term benefits come from triggering your body’s natural healing response.
How Long Do PDO Threads Last Under the Skin?
The threads stay under your skin for six to nine months before they completely dissolve. During this time, they keep stimulating collagen production while supporting your facial structure.
The physical threads tell only part of the story. After they dissolve, the new collagen framework maintains the lifting and tightening effects. This explains why results last longer than the actual threads.
Results typically last 12 to 18 months for most people. Your age, skin type, and lifestyle habits affect how long you’ll see benefits. Younger people with elastic skin might see results for three to four years. Those with less skin volume or elasticity usually enjoy benefits for one to two years.
PDO Thread Lift vs Surgical Facelift: What’s the Difference?
Understanding how PDO thread lifts stack up against traditional surgical facelifts will help you make the right choice for facial rejuvenation. These treatments take two different paths to fight facial aging – one with minimal invasion and the other through surgery.
Invasiveness and Recovery Time Comparison
The main difference between these procedures is in how they’re done. Surgical facelifts need general anesthesia and cuts around your ears and hairline to remove extra skin. PDO threading is simpler; it just needs local numbing and thin needles to place threads under your skin without major cuts.
Recovery times tell a similar story. After a PDO thread lift, you can expect:
- Some mild swelling and bruising for two to seven days
- Back to work in one to three days
- Looking social-ready within a week
A surgical facelift recovery looks quite different:
- More noticeable swelling and bruising for two to three weeks
- You might need drainage tubes for several days
- Time off work for two to four weeks
- Full recovery takes two to three months
Expected Results: Subtle vs. Dramatic
The most important difference lies in what each procedure can do. PDO thread lifts give you subtle improvements, so they’re great if you want moderate changes without looking too different. The best results show up two to three months later as your body makes more collagen.
Surgical facelifts create bigger, longer-lasting changes. They work better for advanced aging signs, including loose skin and deep wrinkles that PDO threads can’t fix.
Results last differently, too. PDO thread effects typically stay for one to three years, depending on the thread type and your body. Surgical facelift results last 7 to 10 years, though you’ll still age naturally.
Your choice depends on whether you want subtle enhancement with quick recovery or dramatic changes that need more downtime. Let your age, skin condition, and goals guide you.
Who Should Consider a PDO Thread Lift?
Your suitability for PDO thread lifting depends on several factors. Your age, skin condition, and specific concerns all help determine if this non-surgical option will give you the results you want and minimize or even eliminate the need for a facelift in the future.
PDO Facelift for Signs of Aging
PDO threading works great as a preventative measure when you first notice signs of aging. Your skin naturally shows stress from decreased collagen production, chemical pollution, and environmental exposure.
The treatment helps people in their 30s and early 40s who see the first signs of sagging and fine lines. PDO threads boost collagen production while providing subtle lifting and tightening effects. This proactive step might delay the need for more invasive procedures later.
By your mid-40s to early 50s, collagen and elastin levels drop further. This can cause deeper folds, slight jowls, or drooping around the eyes. PDO threading effectively addresses these moderate concerns while boosting collagen to slow down sagging, meaning that a surgical facelift might become unnecessary.
Your 50s typically bring more advanced collagen loss. PDO thread lifts can still create noticeable improvements without surgery, especially in redefining contours in the lower face where volume loss becomes more obvious.
Best Skin Conditions
Your skin’s condition matters more than your actual age. The best candidates have:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity.
- Overall healthy skin without much sun damage.
- No active infections or skin conditions.
- Good skin quality that isn’t too thin or leathery.
Maximizing Results: Combining PDO Threads with Other Treatments
Your rejuvenation results will improve when you combine PDO threads with other treatments. This approach targets multiple facial aging signs at once and promises better outcomes than single treatments alone.
PDO Threads with Botox or Fillers
PDO threads and Botox work together perfectly by targeting different facial aging aspects. Clinical studies show that Botox relaxes overactive muscles, causing dynamic wrinkles, while PDO threads provide support and boost collagen production. The combination effectively tackles both muscle activity and skin laxity.
Your PDO thread treatment plan becomes more effective when you add dermal fillers to restore volume while keeping lifted contours. Studies show that 90% of patients looked younger one year after these combined treatments. The threads first lift sagging tissue before fillers add lost volume, which prevents an overfilled look.
Ultherapy and PDO Thread Lifting Synergy
The results are also better when you pair Ultherapy with PDO threads. Ultherapy uses high-intensity focused ultrasound that tightens deep skin layers, while PDO threads work on surface tissue. This combination targets multiple skin depths for complete rejuvenation.
Both treatments use different methods but aim for the same goal—better skin firmness and facial contours. Many doctors suggest this combination if you want more noticeable non-surgical lifting effects.
Post-Procedure Care for Longer-Lasting Results
The right aftercare plays a vital role in getting the best PDO thread lift results. These steps help optimal healing:
- Sleep with your head elevated for at least the first week.
- Avoid facial massages for up to two months.
- Limit excessive facial expressions and extended chewing for two weeks.
Touch-ups every 12 to 18 months help maintain long-term results. You should also use skincare products with sun protection, hydration, and antioxidants to complement the treatment.
Ask the Beauty Vault Team About Avoiding Facelifts by Using PDO Thread Lifts
PDO thread lifts bridge the gap between non-invasive treatments and traditional surgical facelifts, though the results are more subtle. Your age, skin condition, and aesthetic goals should shape your choice. The Beauty Vault team in West Hollywood can help you decide if this approach matches your facial features and aesthetic goals. Schedule a consultation today by calling them at (323) 800-6770 or filling out a contact form.
FAQs
Q1. How long do the effects of PDO threads typically last?
The effects of PDO threads generally last between 12 to 18 months. However, this can vary depending on factors such as age, skin type, and lifestyle habits. Some patients may experience results lasting up to three to four years, particularly those with good skin elasticity.
Q2. Are PDO thread lifts suitable for everyone?
PDO thread lifts work best for individuals between their late 30s and early 60s with mild to moderate skin laxity. They are most effective for those with overall healthy skin and good elasticity. However, people with severe skin laxity, significant sagging, or very thin skin may be better candidates for surgical facelifts.
Q4. What are the common side effects of PDO thread lifts?
Common side effects of PDO thread lifts include temporary dimpling, bruising, and swelling. These usually subside within a few weeks. In rare cases, complications such as thread migration, local infections, or thread visibility may occur. It’s important to choose an experienced provider, such as those at Beauty Vault, to minimize these risks.
Q5. Can PDO threads be combined with other cosmetic treatments?
Yes, PDO threads can be effectively combined with other treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, or Ultherapy for enhanced results. This combination approach can address multiple aspects of facial aging simultaneously, potentially creating more comprehensive rejuvenation than single treatments alone.
