PDO Thread Lifting

The PDO Thread Lifting offers several benefits, especially for those looking for a non-surgical way to rejuvenate their facial appearance. Here are the key benefits:

1. Minimally Invasive

The procedure requires only small entry points where the threads are inserted, reducing the need for surgical incisions. This results in minimal scarring, faster recovery, and fewer risks compared to traditional facelifts.

2. Immediate Results

The threads provide an instant lift to sagging skin, and patients can see some results right after the procedure. The full effect improves over time as collagen production is stimulated.

3. Collagen Stimulation

As the threads dissolve, they stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen, which enhances skin elasticity and provides long-term improvement in skin texture and firmness.

4. Quick Procedure with Minimal Downtime

The procedure usually takes less than an hour and involves little recovery time. Many patients can return to their regular activities shortly after, with only minor swelling or bruising.

5. Natural-Looking Results

The lift provided by the PDO threads is subtle and natural, enhancing the facial contours without the “pulled” appearance sometimes associated with surgical facelifts.

6. Customisable Treatment

The procedure can be tailored to specific areas, allowing for a personalised approach to lifting the cheeks, jawline, neck, or brow.

7. Long-Lasting but Not Permanent

The effects of the PDO Thread Lifting typically last between 12 to 18 months, making it an attractive option for those seeking temporary, reversible results without the commitment of surgery.

8. Low Risk of Complications

Since the threads are made from polydioxanone (PDO), a material commonly used in medical sutures, they are biocompatible and dissolve naturally within the body, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or infections.

9. No General Anaesthesia Required

The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, eliminating the risks associated with general anaesthesia and making it a safer option for more patients.

10. Can Be Combined with Other Treatments

PDO Thread Lifts can be combined with other non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers, Botox, or laser therapy to further enhance the overall aesthetic result.

These benefits make the PDO Thread Lifting an appealing option for individuals seeking a non-invasive way to rejuvenate their facial appearance with minimal downtime.

You can expect to see immediate results after a PDO Thread Lift, as the threads physically lift the skin as soon as they are inserted. However, the overall effect continues to improve over the following 3 to 6 months due to the stimulation of collagen production, which enhances the skin’s firmness and texture.

Timeline of Results:

• Immediately after the procedure: You’ll notice a subtle lift in the treated areas.
• 2-3 weeks: Swelling and bruising, if present, will subside, and the lifting effect becomes more refined.
• 3 to 6 months: Collagen production peaks, providing additional tightening, improved skin texture, and long-lasting support.

The final results typically last 12 to 18 months as the threads gradually dissolve, but the collagen buildup can extend the effects beyond that period.

Most patients typically only need one session of the PDO Thread Lifting to achieve the desired results. The procedure provides an immediate lift and stimulates collagen production over several months.

However, the effects last for about 12 to 18 months, and after that, some patients may choose to undergo additional sessions to maintain or further enhance the results. The exact number of sessions may depend on factors such as:

• The degree of sagging or skin laxity prior to the procedure
• Age and how quickly your body breaks down the threads
• Desired level of enhancement
• Collagen response (as it varies from person to person)

In some cases, touch-up treatments or combining the thread lift with other aesthetic procedures (like fillers or Botox) can be recommended to optimise or prolong results.

The PDO Thread Lifting procedure typically takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The duration can vary slightly depending on:

• The number of threads used
• The areas being treated (e.g., jawline, cheeks, neck)
• The complexity of the individual case

Since it is a minimally invasive procedure, the overall time is relatively short compared to surgical facelifts, and patients usually experience little downtime afterward. Many people return to normal activities the same day or the day after the procedure.

The PDO Thread Lifting is suitable for individuals who are looking for a minimally invasive way to address mild to moderate sagging or skin laxity, especially in areas like the face and neck. It is best suited for:

Ideal Candidates:

• People in their 30s to 50s: Those who are beginning to notice signs of ageing, such as sagging cheeks, jowls, or loss of skin firmness, but aren’t ready for a surgical facelift.
• Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity: The procedure is most effective for those with some skin sagging but not extensive enough to require surgery.
• Those seeking natural-looking results: Individuals who prefer a subtle lift without the "pulled" look or major alterations to their appearance.
• Healthy individuals with good skin quality: People with generally good skin elasticity and no major medical conditions that could affect healing or collagen production are ideal candidates.
• Individuals not wanting surgery: Those who prefer non-surgical solutions with minimal downtime or aren’t candidates for surgery due to medical reasons.
• People seeking gradual, long-lasting improvement: Since the threads stimulate collagen production, the results improve over several months, making this a good option for those wanting a more natural and progressive enhancement.

Who May Not Be Suitable:

• Individuals with severe skin laxity: If skin sagging is too advanced, a traditional facelift may be more appropriate for achieving the desired result.
• People with certain medical conditions: Conditions that impair healing or cause poor skin elasticity may reduce the effectiveness of the procedure.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women: The procedure is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to the lack of safety data.
• Those with very thin or damaged skin: Extremely thin or weakened skin may not hold the threads well, impacting results.

It’s important to consult with a qualified provider who can evaluate your skin type, facial structure, and overall health to determine if the PDO Thread Lifting is the right option for you.

The PDO Thread Lifting is generally safe and minimally invasive, but like any cosmetic procedure, it comes with potential risks and side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but understanding them can help you make an informed decision.

Common Side Effects

• Swelling and Bruising: Mild to moderate swelling and bruising at the insertion points are common and typically resolve within a week.
• Tenderness or Discomfort: Some tenderness or soreness around the treated areas is normal and subsides within a few days.
• Redness: Slight redness may occur near the entry points but usually fades within a few hours to days.
• Temporary Asymmetry: Swelling or thread positioning may cause slight asymmetry initially, but this typically resolves as healing progresses.
• Skin Dimples or Irregularities: Some patients may experience puckering, dimpling, or rippling of the skin, which usually improves as the skin settles.

Possible Risks

• Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the thread insertion sites, which can usually be treated with antibiotics.
• Thread Migration or Extrusion: Threads may shift or become visible under the skin, requiring adjustment or removal.
• Nerve Damage: Rarely, nerve injury can occur, leading to temporary numbness or changes in sensation.
• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, an allergic response to the polydioxanone (PDO) threads is possible.
• Hematoma or Bleeding: Excessive bleeding or hematoma (blood collection under the skin) can occur in rare cases.
• Scarring: Small scars at the thread insertion points are uncommon but possible.
• Unsatisfactory Results: Results may not meet expectations, especially if there is significant skin laxity. Additional treatments or a surgical procedure may be needed to achieve the desired outcome.

Minimising Risks and Side Effects

• Choose a qualified practitioner: Ensure your provider has experience and expertise in performing thread lifts.
• Discuss your medical history: Be transparent about any health conditions, allergies, or medications that may affect healing.
• Follow aftercare instructions: Avoid strenuous activities, facial massages, and sleeping on your face for a few days to allow proper healing.

Most side effects are mild and resolve on their own, with patients often resuming normal activities within a day or two. For concerns or persistent symptoms, consult your practitioner promptly.