A thread lift is a procedure that uses a dissolvable suture to tighten and lift your skin. It’s a less invasive procedure than facelift surgery and can often be performed in approximately 45 minutes without needing to go under a scalpel.

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Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifts use a biodegradable polyester suture. They’re best suited for rejuvenating your skin while some newer types of thread lifts are better at lifting sagging skin.

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Let’s take a look at what makes a PDO thread lift different from other thread lifts and what you can expect during the procedure.

 

What makes PDO threads different?

PDO threads are one of three types of sutures commonly used in thread lift procedures. The other two types are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA).

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PDO threads have been around the longest of the three and have been used in surgeries since the 1980s. They’re made from a colorless polyester that breaks down in your body after about 6 months.

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The presence of these sutures in your skin triggers cells in your body called fibroblasts to produce more collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its structure and elasticity. Loss of collagen is one of the main causes of aging skin. 

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PDO threads can be further divided into three categories:

• PDO Mono threads - Smooth sutures that help rejuvenate your skin by stimulating collagen production.

• PDO Cog threads - These threads have barbs that latch into your skin like small fishhooks, to provide support and lift parts of your face.

• PDO Screw threads - Made up of one or two intertwined threads, these are used to help restore volume to sunken parts of your skin.​

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What areas of the face can a PDO thread lift treat

A thread lift can treat most parts of your face that are experiencing

signs of aging. The areas around your cheeks, jaw, neck, eyebrows

and eyelids are among the most commonly treated areas.

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Because the results of thread lifts aren’t as drastic as the results of

facelift surgeries, thread lifts are commonly used together with other

anti-aging procedures such as skin boosters or dermal fillers.

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The procedure

You’ll likely be advised to avoid alcohol and tobacco use at least

5 days before your procedure, along with anything else that may

increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, such as:

• Ibuprofen

• Aspirin

• 0mega-3 fatty acids

• Green tea or green tea extracts

 

On the day of your procedure, your practitioner will talk you through the potential complications and give you advice about your recovery.

The exact procedure your practitioner will follow can vary. In general, it will probably look something like this:

1. As you sit in a reclined seat, your practitioner will disinfect your face with alcohol. They’ll apply a local anesthetic with a needle under your skin.

2. Your practitioner will make a small incision with another needle and then insert a device called a cannula into the small hole.

3. Your practitioner will anchor the thread into place and pull out the cannula.

4. They’ll finish by cutting the thread and making sure it’s secure in place.

 

You’ll be free to go home shortly after the procedure.

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