The results of dermal filler are visible immediately while those of a PDO thread lift is fully visible when the body starts generating collagen. The results of dermal fillers can last between 6 to nine months while those of a PDO thread lift can last between 12 to 18 months.
- For an instant flash of youth, we'd recommend opting for fillers, with visible results within a week, rather than the PDO Thread lifts which can take slightly longer for the full results to show once the new collagen and elastin in the skin has formed.
Dermal filler injections provide results that last 6 to 18 months. Thread lift results last for about 3 years.
PDO threads do not have the most dangerous complications compared to fillers. Filler complications such as skin necrosis and blindness from injection inside blood vessels and arteries. But, thread lifts also have complications. It is less safe to get this procedure done if you are still smoking.
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.
The ideal thread lift candidate is usually in his or her late thirties to early fifties, whereas most patients over the age of about 55 will benefit more profoundly from facelift surgery.
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.
This treatment can benefit your appearance in two ways. The first is that PDO threads will physically lift your skin into a tighter position when the threads are inserted into the sub-dermal layers of the skin. The physical lift will reduce sagging skin and help you achieve a younger appearance.
Absolutely. Jowls are one of the primary indications of thread lifting and often times our very first course of action when treating the jowls, and we'll get into the details as to why that's the case, but there are a number of treatment options out there that can effectively tighten the area.
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.
You'll notice some lifting and tightening almost immediately, and because this treatment stimulates collagen production, your skin will keep improving in appearance in the weeks to come. A follow-up treatment every 12 months is the best way to maintain your results.
Dermal fillers: A dermal filler, like Restylane® or Sculptra®, can be used with a thread lift to provide an even fuller appearance and a larger lift result, closer to that seen in a surgical treatment or liquid facial.
Many plastic surgeons say that Juvederm and Restylane are the most durable and longest-lasting fillers available. Both contain hyaluronic acid and are good for smoothing wrinkles and lines. Hyaluronic acid carries 1,000 times its weight in water and makes the skin look young, supple, and soft.
Do they lift like a facelift? Never. However, they do provide a bit of a lift or give the illusion of lifting. Cheek fillers also provide volume to the face.
Among the most commonly used dermal fillers is Restylane. It is extremely beneficial for mature skin, and can provide a natural lift.
How Often Should You Have Treatment? The results of this treatment can last for six to 12 months at a time, so how long the results of your treatment lasts will determine how often you should have treatment. Many patients opt to have regularly scheduled PDO thread lifts once or twice a year.
The area that needs treating (jowls may need repositioning and require 6-8 cog threads per side). The number and shape of thread needed (1 PDO cog thread is longer and has had more costly engineering than 1 short smooth mono), so 4 cog threads will cost more than 10 smooth monos.
The thread lift may do an excellent job of pulling the jawline, jowls and chin right back up close to the bone, instead of drooping. The thread lift creates a much more youthful-looking facial profile without the need for dramatic surgery, which for the cost, can be worth it for men and women alike.
Neck Lift. Neck lift surgery (platysmaplasty) is the most effective, but also most invasive, treatment for jowls. It may be the only option available to patients with severe jowls or substantial laxity.
In the absence of complications, thread lifts look and feel relatively undetectable. In some cases, people have reported being able to feel the thread after it's inserted or noticed bumpiness at the surface of their skin, says Dr. Lee. Realistically though, some results can only be achieved with a surgical face-lift.
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. This can happen if the threads break, for example.
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.
It is very unlikely for a PDO thread to snap. Sometimes a thread can slip a bit out of place under the skin and sounds and feels frightening to the patient. There are no ramifications to this, other than if the thread slips enough, you will lose some of the lifting benefit.
Can a thread lift be reversed? Yes, it can be reversed, although this is not recommended. Speak to your surgeon about the possibility.