PDO thread lift treatments and how they work

Dissolvable PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are safely inserted underneath the skin and are then tightened and pulled back, re-suspending areas that are sagging. This gives the skin a lifted, boosted and rejuvenated appearance. This has in recent years become a more and more popular overall service. A PDO thread lift is a procedure that uses dissolvable sutures to rejuvenate and lift sagging skin. It's a cheaper and faster alternative to other major and more mainstream types of skin / aesthetic treatments.

A thread lift is a type of procedure wherein temporary sutures are used to produce a subtle but visible "lift" in the skin. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your treatment will begin. The PDO threads are inserted via blunt tip needles, called cannulas, or sharp-tipped needles. PDO Thread Lift Treatments can be invested in from specialist clinics right across all areas of the UK.

How they work

A few different kinds of PDO thread lift are available, but this one is used on your midface region from your chin to your cheeks. It also uses a particular kind of thread. PDO stands for polydioxanone. It is used for its ability to stimulate natural regenerative properties of the body. This is the same kind of thread used for cardiovascular surgeries. In general, used in a treatment, PDO is a contemporary alternative to invasive surgery.

The threading part of the process

After marking is complete and numbing agents are active, the threading process will begin. The PDO thread is contained in a thin, hollow cannula and inserted into the skin’s sub-dermal layers. The thread grabs at loose tissue inside the skin and is repositioned as the needle is removed, which lifts the skin tighter. Depending on how much work is to be done, this part of the treatment may last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.

How to measure if your treatment has been a successful one

During the first part of your recovery period, you will start to notice that your skin has a more plump texture and a reduction in wrinkles. As time goes on, results will continue to get better. It will take approximately four weeks to fully enjoy procedure results, including diminished wrinkles and fine lines, elevated skin laxity, and a noticeable difference in skin texture.

There are some benefits to also take note of

Several benefits come with this treatment that, as a prospective patient, you may find appealing. For one, this treatment is long-lasting. This means that results can be enjoyed worry-free for two years or more. Another great benefit is the short recovery period. Since this treatment is not a surgical procedure like a traditional facelift, you have a comparatively minimal downtime of only two weeks. Furthermore, this treatment stimulates and sustains your skin’s collagen production for years, meaning you will benefit from gradual, natural-looking results.

Barbed and non-barbed threads

Barbed PDO threads are strong threads with strong lifting capacity. They anchor the skin and lift it up. 4-8 threads on each side are needed. Non-barbed PDO threads are fine threads with a small lifting capacity. There are used for skin tightening and rejuvenation, where skin lifting is not needed. These threads are much cheaper than barbed PDO threads. These PDO threads can be used where lifting is not needed and we will work by tightening the skin. For example, these are very useful in the arms and abdomen.

How the procedures also tend to work

PDO threading starts with the application of a topical numbing cream and a lidocaine injection in the treated area. That way, medical providers ensure the patient doesn’t feel any discomfort. The medical provider inserts a hypodermic needle or cannula (blunt-tipped needle) containing a PDO thread into the treatment area. The procedure lasts for 30-45 minutes. After the needle is removed, the PDO thread stays under the skin to support and lift the area. The body reacts to the perceived injury by building more collagen.

This process counters collagen loss, the main cause of skin aging. The number of PDO threads per treatment depends on the treatment area size and how much lifting and tightening it needs. Some areas require as few as six threads, while others as many as 20. PDO threads dissolve within six months, but the lifting effect is visible for at least one year.

Overall – what to take away from this

Today, we can choose from a range of cosmetic treatments to counteract the skin changes that come with aging. A PDO thread lift is one of them. This procedure effectively treats sagging skin and restores attractive facial contours without the use of a knife and general anaesthesia. Weigh the pros and cons of this popular alternative to face lifting surgery to determine if it’s the right step for you. After all, there are some other treatments you can look too – there is Botox and there are other fillers too. That said, this can be a no brainer in no end of ways in terms of what it can do for you and your overall appearance.