We’re all looking for the next, most effective way to reverse aging and turn back the clock.

The challenge is that we are constantly shown an endless amount of products and procedures that claim to be the next best thing on a daily basis. How do we know which are real, which are fake, and which ones will actually work?

If you keep up on the latest and greatest in the cosmetic and beauty industry, you have, no doubt, heard of a PDO Thread lift. It’s quickly becoming the newest procedure in the beauty industry.

But what exactly is it? Is it eyebrow threading? How does it work?

Well, today is your lucky day! We plan to address all that and more in the article below, so read on!

What Are PDO Threads?

PDO Threads are an alternative procedure to traditional facelifts. They are minimally invasive, and a great solution for patients who are not ready for a more invasive procedure.

Traditional facelifts can result in a dramatic improvement in your appearance. However, they include anesthesia, surgery and stitches.

With a PDO thread, your results will be temporary, and not as drastic, but it will have much less healing time.

In addition, patients who undergo PDO threading will start to see a gradual improvement in their fine lines and wrinkles. This is because, over time, PDO threads will start to increase your skin’s natural collagen production.

What Does PDO Even Mean?

You’re probably saying to yourself “I’m familiar with threading. But what the heck is a PDO?!” We’re glad you asked!

PDO is the abbreviated name of the material of the thread. The full name is Polydioxanone.

PDO is a cutting-edge absorbable plastic polymer. The material is flexible, and lightweight, and plays a major role in making the PDO threading process minimally invasive.

PDO threadlifts are also called PDS threadlifts. This is because the technical name for the threading involved is a “suture”.

Three Types of Sutures

In general, there are three different types of sutures.

The first type is a mono suture. These are the most basic of PDO threads and are singular, smooth threads that provide just a small lift to the face.

The next type is a cog suture. These threads have a “barb” texture. This texture helps to increase collagen production in the face and makes for a better lift as a result.

The third type of suture is a screw thread. This type of thread is actually made up of one or two threads that weave together. The main purpose of this interwoven thread is to provide more skin volume to the treatment area.

If patients are only searching for basic skin-tightening and rejuvenation, then a mono thread procedure is the perfect fit for them. Those that are seeking a more intense lift, more volume, and more collagen production, may prefer a cog or screw PDO threads procedure.

How The Procedure Works

Prior to the treatment, the doctor draws thread insertion points and endpoints on the patient’s skin. The goal here is to clearly mark the area for threading, as well as the direction the threads will enter the skin.

After the doctor chooses the insertion points, the patient takes a local anesthetic at the insertion sites. This ensures that the insertion sites are thoroughly numb before beginning the procedure.

The doctor then inserts the threads into the skin using a tool called a cannula. Think of the cannula as a “hollow needle” that holds the threads. Multiple threads can go through one insertion point using the cannula.

The cannula enters through the tissue below the outer layer of the skin. The thread enters through until it reaches the endpoint. Once the thread reaches the endpoint, the doctor releases it from the cannula, and then removes the cannula.

The time the procedure takes, and the number of threads, can vary depending on the results a patient is after, and the area of treatment. Typical procedures can require anywhere from one to fifteen threads at a given insertion point.

After the procedure, the excess thread will be cut off, and the doctor massages the threads into place to ensure that there is no skin dimpling occurring.

What Is Recovery Like?

People often ask “do PDO threads hurt?” That’s the best part. Since the entire threading process is minimally invasive, recovery is very quick. Most patients can return to normal activities one day after the procedure.

As mentioned above, patients can resume their normal work schedule and other activities one day after the procedure. The only lingering effects will be some bruising and local soreness.

This usually resolves within a week after the procedure.

Who Are PDO Threads For?

Like many cosmetology and beauty procedures, PDO threads aren’t for everyone. Sure, we know some of you may think you need them, but we encourage patients only to explore this option if they are a good fit.

The ideal candidate for a PDO threading procedure is someone who is looking to reverse the beginning signs of aging. These would include minor wrinkling or skin that is just beginning to sag.

If you are experiencing more significant signs of aging, such as loose facial skin, you may want to see about having a traditional, more invasive facelift done to remedy those issues.

Side Effects of PDO Threads

As mentioned before, the threading procedure is minimally invasive keeping the side-effects to a minimum.

Patients may experience some minor swelling and bruising after the procedure. They may also feel some soreness and minor “puckering” of the skin.

If the procedure is done properly, and the threads are placed in the correct deep tissue layer of the skin, the threads will be undetectable after the initial inflammation goes down. This will take somewhere between five and seven days.

If, after that time, you still feel the threads, it may mean that the threads were placed too close to the surface of the skin.

Don’t worry. There’s no cause for alarm. If the threads were placed too close to the surface of your skin, they will just dissolve over time.

The threads are biodegradable. They will dissolve completely after about 6 months. This occurs no matter where in the skin the threads have been placed.

What Does Threading Address?

You may be wondering “does PDO threading work?” or “what skin conditions do they work on exactly?”

Here is a list of just a few of the conditions using PDO threads can alleviate.

One of the concerns PDO threads can solve for you is Jowls. Jowls can sometimes require a more traditional facelift, but if they are caught early enough they can be treated by lighter, more minimal facial procedures

Some of the lighter, non-surgical treatments for jowls are fillers and ultherapy, in addition to PDO threading.

Another concern PDO threads can solve is wrinkling.

Wrinkling, and fine lines in the face, occur throughout the aging process. They are caused by elastin and collagen breaking down in the skin.

In addition to the natural aging process, this breakdown of collagen molecules accelerates by exposure to the elements, general wear and tear on the skin, and lack of sunscreen use.

Smile and laugh lines can also improve using PDO threads. The scientific name for these is nasolabial folds, and they occur in all people over time.

They are no need to worry and are not considered a medical issue. However, they may cause cosmetic issues if they are larger or unusually deep.

There are several treatments to choose from to treat these. In addition to PDO threading, patients can explore chemical peels and other non-surgical options like microdermabrasion, dermal fillers, and other injectables.

That Is The Skinny

Now you know all you need to know about PDO threads. We’ve covered what they are, who they’re for, and how they are performed. The only question left to cover is “where do I go for a consultation?”

Feel free to contact us at Indulgence Medical Day Spa to set up a consultation appointment. You can contact us via our website, or give us a call directly. We’re always happy to help.

If you’d like more questions answered about PDO threading, or any other of the beauty procedures we offer, feel free to browse the resources provided in our blog.