What is a Polydioxanone (PDO) Thread Facelift?

Polydioxanone (PDO) thread creates facelifts use a biodegradable polyester suture. They are best suited for rejuvenating your skin. A thread lift is a procedure that uses a dissolvable suture to tighten and lift your skin. It is less invasive than facelift surgery and can often be performed in under 45 minutes without needing to go under a scalpel.

PDO threads are one of three types of sutures commonly used in thread lift procedures. The other two types are made from polylactic acid and polycaprolactone. The PDO threads have been around the longest of the three and have been used in surgeries since the 1980s. They are made from colorless polyester that breaks down in your body after about 6 months. As the thread layers under your skin, it triggers cells in your body to produce collagen! Collagen is what gives your skin elasticity and a youthful appearance.

There are three types of PDO threads:

PDO mono threads that are placed under the skin to rejuvenate it by stimulating collagen
PDO cog threads have barbs that latch into your skin like small fishhooks to provide support and lift parts of your face.
PDO screw threads are made up of one or two intertwined threads these are used to help restore volume into sunken parts of your skin.
PDO thread lifts have a much lower risk of complication than facelift surgeries. There is less risk of scarring, severe bruising or bleeding when performed by a trained professional.

What areas of the face can a PDO thread facelift treat?

The areas around your cheeks, jaws, neck, and eyes are among the most treated areas.

The procedure:

Prior to the facelift treatment, it is advised that you 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 Advil, ibuprofen, aspirin, omega-3 fatty acids, green tea, or green tea extracts.

You are seated in a reclined position and your face is swabbed with alcohol. I mark off the areas that will receive a thread with a special pencil. I apply a local anesthetic with a needle under the skin, creating a tunnel for the thread placement. I insert the threads and gently move the skin upward and finish with trimming the thread and making sure it is secure in place. After all threads are placed your face again is wiped with alcohol and a special gauze covers the insertion point.

PDO thread lift recovery and aftercare

You may have some swelling or bruising for 24-48 hours. Avoid rubbing your face for the first week to avoid accidentally dislodging the thread. In addition, pursing your lips, drinking with a straw, or smoking are not advised.

Avoiding sleep on your side, intense exercise, or visiting saunas for the next 2 weeks. I recommend sleeping with your head propped with a pillow that can help you avoid accidentally rolling onto your face during the middle of the night.