What is a PDO Thread Lift?

The PDO Thread Lift is an FDA approved, injectable treatment which lifts and tightens sagging skin, using threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO) - absorbable sutures that were initially developed for use in cardiac surgery procedures. PDO threads are a safe, minimally-invasive alternative to traditional surgical procedures such as full face, jaw, brow, and neck lifts.The PDO lift is best suited for men and women who are unwilling to tolerate the long downtime of a facelift surgery and prefer a more natural looking result.The primary benefits of PDO threads over surgical facelifts are lower cost,shorter procedure and healing time, and less risk of scarring.

Not your Mother's Thread Lift!

The original thread lift of the 90's became associated with undesirable side effects such as infections and thread breakage. These procedures required over-pulling the skin due to limitations in the technology, and required 'anchoring' and tying the permanent suture into the scalp, temple, and brow region.  This resulted in several days of downtime. 

Because these threads could only be pulled in one direction, results were often suboptimal or unnatural. However, today's thread lift procedure is radically different. This is an injectable procedure with the ability to lift the skin in two directions.  Since the threads are made of absorbable suture material, there is no breakage, and there is no need to anchor them into the deep tissue.  Except for some mild swelling and soreness, there is minimal downtime. 

What Areas Can Be Treated with PDO Threads?

PDO threads can be used to treat almost any area of the face, to improve skin texture and laxity.  At Riva, we often combine PDO threads with other services, such as fillers, or laser treatments to achieve optimal results. 

PDO Threads can be used to treat:
-    Cheeks
-    Crow's feet/wrinkles around eyes
-    Eyebrows
-    Jawline/jowls
-    Lips
-    Nasojugal folds
-    Nasolabial folds
-    Neck
-    Undereye area
-    Wrinkles around mouth


What are the Results of the Procedure?

Once inserted into the subdermal layer of the skin, the threads produce 3 effects:

-    Immediate 'Lift' of the skin
-    Collagen Stimulation to improve skin texture, fine lines and elasticity
-    Skin Tightening, by causing fat tissue to contract

After a PDO thread lift, your skin is immediately lifted.  Over the next several months, your skin cells will be stimulated to produce new collagen, rejuvenating the skin's texture and firmness.  Fat tissues will contract, slimming and tightening the face.

The PDO threads will dissolve after about 6 months, but the results of the treatment can last up to 18 months. Repeating the procedure 6 months after the first procedure is recommended for even longer lasting results.

Your results will depend upon the technique, thread type/size used, and the goals established for your procedure.  Depending on your needs, your Riva provider may focus on skin rejuvenation, skin lifting, or both. 

How is the Procedure Done?

The treatment area is numbed with a local anesthetic.  Using a cannula (blunt tip needle) the PDO threads are inserted into different layers of the skin, anchoring the skin and lifting it upwards. The excess threads are cut off.  Since the procedure can be uncomfortable, patients have the option of using nitrous oxide. 
The procedure normally takes around 30 minutes, but can vary depending upon the areas treated.

What are the Risks and Possible Side Effects?

Common (Temporary) Side Effects:
-    Mild swelling
-    Bruising
-    Soreness
-    Dimpling of the skin

Other Possible Side Effects:
-    Extended Dimpling of the skin
-    Asymmetry
-    Prolonged Pain
-    Thread migration
-    Thread extrusion
-    Surface depression

Rare Side Effects:
-    Infection
-    Granuloma
-    Nerve Damage
-    Damage to Salivary Glands

What Aftercare will I need?

For two weeks following your procedure, do not open your mouth widely or have any dental treatment performed.  For three days, avoid air travel, heavy exercise, and steam rooms/saunas/hot tubs.  Sleep on your back to reduce swelling and prevent thread misalignment.

For more information about PDO Threads or to schedule your consultation, call Riva MEDSPA at (757) 278-9888.