Does a PDO Thread Lift Really Work?

Threads are becoming more popular as they are another way to treat aging concerns in a non-surgical manner, but are they worth it? If you are thinking about having threads, there will be some things you will want to know and consider before going through with it. Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lift is a procedure that is supposed to lift areas of the face or sagging skin.

PDO Thread Lift – Are They Worth It?

The PDO thread lift procedure is performed in under 45 minutes and utilizes dissolvable sutures to tighten and lift the skin. PDO threads are colorless and usually break down in the body after about 6 months. The threads are placed under the skin and pulled to have a lifting effect on the face while also promoting collagen production. With age, collagen production significantly decreases which is one of the culprits for loss of structure and elasticity in the skin.

PDO threads can be good for focused areas like a brow lift or smaller areas, but if you are wanting to have full face correction this is unlikely a good method. PDO thread lifts offer temporary lifting and do not remove skin or restructure tissue if there is significant laxity. PDO threads should also be done by an experienced provider and doing the research on their credentials is very important.

PDO Cons and Risks of Complications

Although the risk of complications is much lower than any surgical procedure, minor complications can still occur. A few common complications include visible sutures (affects those more with thin skin), snapping threads, bunching, and dimpling. Another common complaint is with one side being tighter than the other.

With any procedure out there, there are cons and risks of complications. We have encountered some patients who have visited Utah Facial Plastics who have had a PDO thread lift from another office who are unhappy with results, felt like the cost was not worth the treatment received, or they have been short lasting.  We have also seen patients with some of the complications listed above. When some of these complications happen, the threads likely will need to be surgically removed, creating more room for complications and scarring.

Non-Surgical Facelift

Another term commonly used for this treatment is a liquid facelift. This treatment utilizes a combination of Botox and fillers like Juvederm,  Voluma, or Sculptra for total face rejuvenation. A liquid facelift is an effective anti-aging treatment that provides individuals with impressive results by softening lines and re-volumizing areas, but like most of these non-surgical procedures, it simply cannot replace surgery.

Radio Frequency Devices

FaceTite is a device that delivers radiofrequency (RF) energy beneath the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen production for firmer, tighter skin. This was one of the first non-surgical RF devices Utah Facial Plastics acquired as a non-surgical option for mild-moderate face tightening.

Visible results are apparent approximately one week after treatment, with 60-70% of results apparent by week six. Tightening and contouring of the face continues for up to 9 to 12 months post-treatment with results lasting up to 5 years. However, improvement is typically 40-60% of what can be achieved with a facelift surgery.

Facelift

Whether you are the right candidate for a MACSlift (mini facelift) or a traditional facelift, both of these surgical procedures lift and tighten the underlying tissue and muscle (SMAS) along with removing any excess skin that is causing sagging. When the SMAS and the skin are properly addressed during either of these surgical procedures is what provides patients with long-lasting, comprehensive results. As mentioned above, there aren’t any non-surgical alternatives at this time that can provide individuals with surgical results, so depending on your particular situation, a facelift may be worth it. It’s best to get information on all options of treatment from a well-accredited professional before receiving a procedure.

 

For more information about surgical or non-surgical facelift options, please contact Utah Facial Plastics Layton, Draper offices at (801)776-2220.