Although both of these procedures target wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin, they are targeted for different treatment areas. The PDO Thread Lift targets the cheeks, jowls, neck, and areas around the eyes, while the Soft Thread Lift targets the midface, lips, neck, above the eyes and jawline.
PDO threads are one of three types of sutures commonly used in thread lift procedures. The other two types are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA). PDO threads have been around the longest of the three and have been used in surgeries since the 1980s.
Threads can come as either mono-directional or bi-directional. To achieve effective lifting of facial tissue the bi-directional threads are preferred as they provide immediate anchoring to the tissue and the thread cannot move either way due to the two-way direction of the barbs.
Silhouette Soft PLLA: Poly-L-Lactic Acid material are also used as surgical sutures, and have greater longevity than PDO, averaging 12 months before dissolving. Thus, they can stimulate collagen for a longer duration. Once dissolved, the material breaks down into glucose, carbon dioxide and water.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Patients typically need between one and four treatments for best results. Many patients chose to prolong the effects of PDO threading for several years with annual maintenance treatments.
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.
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.
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.
If you're bothered by low-hanging jowls but aren't ready for surgery, a polydioxanone (PDO) thread lift might be the solution you need. At Yco Facial Plastic Surgery, our skilled surgeon Mario Yco, MD, provides PDO thread lifts, which can revitalize your facial aesthetic without the risks of surgery. Dr.
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.
PDO Threads Non-Surgical Face Lift, to lift, tighten and contour. PDO threads are excellent for defining of the jaw line as well as lifting and tightening sagging skin of the jowls. Even with slight swelling immediately after treatment, immediate results in this patient can be seen.
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.
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.
Threads are an excellent option in correcting certain problem areas, especially if there is some laxity, drooping, or sagging of skin. On the other hand, fillers are designed to address the fine lines you want gone (or at least reduced in appearance).
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.
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.
Will the procedure be painful. Thread correction refers to low-traumatic methods and is considered a relatively painless procedure. However, even a small puncture requires anesthesia.
Within six to eight months, you'll experience your final results. Results do vary among patients, but most people enjoy results that last for 18 months or longer.
A total of five cases of incomplete facial paralysis (2.6%) were reported immediately after thread lifting. In three of the cases, the unilateral eyebrows were weakened, and the temporal branch of the facial nerve was damaged.
The most common complication observed is unmanageable pain, thread extrusion, dimpling, sensory abnormality, and foreign body reactions. According to a report by Kaminer et al, patients experienced postprocedural side effects, including swelling, bruising, extrusion of thread, and ear numbness.
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.