Results from a thread lift aren't meant to be permanent. Successful effects typically last from 1 to 3 years. Like other dissolvable dermal fillers, such as Botox, the threads used in the procedure will eventually be absorbed by the tissue underneath your skin. After a thread lift, you can resume your normal routine.
Patients who undergo the PDO thread lift can expect the threads to dissolve under the skin within about 9 months. We encourage patients to follow up with our office within 9 months of their first PDO thread lift procedure to maintain and continue collagen growth production.
When the sutures begin to dissolve, it is likely you will notice the gradual return of sagging features. However, there is evidence to support that collagen is produced in the tissues surrounding the threads, which can lead to a longer lasting effect.
Most thread lifts last 18 months or longer, and once the effects wear off, you can schedule another treatment to maintain beautiful, youthful skin.
If the thread has become extruded it may be possible to simply remove it, otherwise you may have to have it surgically removed, possibly through a facelift incision.
Complications: Although thread lift is considered minimally invasive, some sutures and cuts are required. There is still a risk of complications such as bruising, thread breakage, thread extrusion, fever, and infection.
Thread lifts generally last between 12 and 18 months. However, this is dependant upon the individual patient and their age, lifestyle, skin type and how quickly their body breaks down the sutures. The procedure itself delivers immediate results.
Patients can rest assured knowing that their threads are not only effective for skin tightening but are also incredibly safe. The materials used in these products have been used in medical procedures for many years. As we mentioned, it is unlikely for PDO threads to slip out of place.
The authors of a 2019 study found that a PDO thread lift caused immediate improvements in skin sagging after the procedure. However, there was a noticeable decline in results 6 months later.
A PDO thread can tighten and lift your skin, making you look younger. Apart from lifting sagging skin, it can make your hollow cheeks rounder. They stimulate your body's production of collagen and elastin. While the elastin keeps your skin firm, collagen adds volume to your face.
Do not take a shower or wash your hair for the first 24 hours. Avoid hot showers for one week. When washing face after 24 hours, gently wash the required area with cleanser (recommended by your injector) and water. It is fine to shampoo and wash over the entry point and to towel off the area.
Many patients opt to have regularly scheduled PDO thread lifts once or twice a year. Your results may last longer depending on the condition of your skin, your age, and how well your body responds to polydioxanone threads; younger patients may find that results last for a little over a year.
Previously placed threads are not removed. We explain to patients that a threadlift is not meant to be a one-off procedure but must be repeated. The patients are given realistic expectations so they are not disappointed when sagging recurs.
The changes in the PDO thread after injection into the body can be observed over time. The thread retains its shape for 12 weeks, becomes fragmented by 24 weeks, and is fully disolved by 48 weeks. If the maintenance of thread shape is important, the effect will last for 12-24 weeks.
PDO Thread Lift Complications do occur and dimpling, puckering and thread visibility are often the most troubling to patients and physicians. These complications can be applied to PDO, PCA and PLLA threads. Most providers choose PDO threads as they are dissolvable, therefore making this problem only temporary.
When a thread lift uses the highest quality threads and is performed correctly, you should not be able to see or feel the threads after the procedure. With the new dissolvable sutures, even if the threads are placed more superficially so you can feel them, it will be a temporary problem.
Fortunately, because the threads placed under the skin during a thread lift are so small, the patient will not feel any of this happening. Most people cannot feel their sutures at all once the skin has healed around them.
A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) confirms PDO thread lifts do work, stating thread lifts indisputably lift and shape facial soft tissues. Another study published by the NIH indicates this therapy yields around a 90 percent success rate.
Avoid any direct pressure to the face and area where the sutures were placed for one week after the procedure (for example, sleeping face down, excessive chewing, talking, yawning, smiling and other facial movements during the week after your procedure.
How can you tell if a PDO thread broke? You may feel the puncture points used to insert the threads for a few weeks as they heal. There may also be a feeling of tightness from the pulling of the skin. In some cases, the threads can migrate or move.
It is my understanding that the PDO threads that are used to lift (barbed) will need to be redone every 6 months or so as they do come loose. The other types of PDO threads need to be done once a month.
You will probably see some initial firming and lifting right after your procedure, with your thread lift face results continuing to take shape over the next three weeks or so. As your body begins to naturally generate collagen, your tightened, lifted outcomes should continue to improve for the next few months.
On average, patients require between 2 – 4 threads on each side of the face for a mid-face thread lift. An additional 2 – 4 threads may be needed for the lower face and/or neck.
PDO, or polydioxanone threads, dissolve after only six to nine months. Contrastingly, PLLA, or Poly L. Lactic Acid threads, dissolve after 12 to 18 months. PCL, or polycaprolactone threads, are the most durable of the three.
Results from a thread lift aren't meant to be permanent. Successful effects typically last from 1 to 3 years. Like other dissolvable dermal fillers, such as Botox, the threads used in the procedure will eventually be absorbed by the tissue underneath your skin. After a thread lift, you can resume your normal routine.