As we age, our skin naturally loses elasticity and collagen, leading to sagging, wrinkles, and a less youthful appearance. While surgical facelifts have long been the go-to option for those seeking significant skin tightening, many people are now opting for non-surgical treatments with minimal downtime. PDO threads and smooth threads are two popular choices for achieving a lifted, rejuvenated look without the need for invasive surgery.
In this blog, we’ll explore what PDO and smooth threads are, how they work, their benefits, and what to expect during and after treatment.
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are absorbable sutures used in non-surgical facelifts and skin-tightening procedures. These threads are placed under the skin to create a lifting effect, tightening sagging areas while stimulating the body’s natural production of collagen. Over time, the threads dissolve, but their collagen-boosting effects continue to improve the skin’s structure and elasticity.
PDO threads come in two main types:
Lifting (Barbed) Threads: These threads have tiny barbs that anchor into the skin, physically lifting and repositioning it. They are often used for areas such as the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
Smooth Threads: Unlike barbed threads, smooth threads don’t lift the skin but instead focus on stimulating collagen production. They are ideal for improving fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture.
What Are Smooth Threads?
Smooth PDO threads are thinner and placed in a mesh-like pattern beneath the skin to create a collagen-supporting framework. These threads don’t provide a dramatic lift but are highly effective in addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture issues. Common areas treated with smooth threads include the forehead, under the eyes, around the mouth, and neck.
Smooth threads are often used to enhance volume in areas that need rejuvenation but don’t require the structural lifting provided by barbed PDO threads.
How Do PDO and Smooth Threads Work?
Both PDO and smooth threads work by triggering the body’s natural healing response. When the threads are inserted into the skin, the body recognizes them as foreign materials and begins to produce collagen around them. This collagen production helps to improve skin firmness and elasticity, leading to smoother, tighter skin over time.
PDO lifting threads also physically lift the skin, which creates an immediate improvement in appearance. As the threads dissolve, the skin maintains its new position due to the collagen buildup around the insertion sites. The results from PDO thread treatments can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the individual and the treatment area.
Key Benefits of PDO and Smooth Threads
Non-surgical: No need for anesthesia, incisions, or long recovery times.
Collagen stimulation: Boosts the skin's natural collagen production, improving texture, firmness, and elasticity.
Minimal downtime: Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two.
Natural-looking results: PDO threads provide a subtle lift and rejuvenation that doesn’t look overdone.
Long-lasting effects: Results can last up to 18-24 months, depending on the treatment area and type of threads used.
Customizable: Threads can be tailored to each patient’s needs, whether lifting or smoothing is required.
What to Expect During Treatment
The PDO thread treatment is relatively quick and minimally invasive. Here’s what to expect:
Consultation: A trained provider will assess your skin, discuss your concerns, and determine the best type of threads for your needs.
Numbing: A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area to ensure comfort during the procedure.
Thread insertion: Using a thin cannula, the threads are inserted under the skin. The entire process typically takes less than an hour, depending on the number of threads used and the area being treated.
Post-treatment: Some swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort may occur, but these symptoms usually subside within a few days. Most patients can return to their daily activities immediately.
Recovery and Results
One of the main advantages of PDO thread treatments is the minimal recovery time. You may experience some swelling or bruising for a few days, but most patients resume normal activities within 24-48 hours. Over the next few months, as the body produces collagen around the threads, the skin will continue to improve, becoming firmer and more youthful.
While the immediate effects of the lifting threads are visible right after treatment, the full results, especially with smooth threads, develop gradually over the following 3-6 months.
Ideal Candidates for PDO and Smooth Threads
PDO and smooth threads are suitable for individuals who are starting to notice the early signs of aging, such as sagging skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of skin elasticity. These treatments are best for those who want to avoid surgery or who prefer a more subtle and natural result. However, they may not be ideal for individuals with severe skin laxity or significant sagging, in which case a surgical facelift might be more appropriate.
Combining PDO Threads with Other Treatments
PDO and smooth threads can be used in combination with other non-invasive treatments for enhanced results. Popular complementary treatments include:
Dermal fillers: To add volume to areas such as the cheeks, lips, or jawline.
Botox: To smooth dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions.
Microneedling or skin boosters: To further boost collagen production and improve skin texture.
Conclusion
PDO threads and smooth threads offer an exciting, non-surgical option for those seeking to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate their skin. Whether you want to address sagging in the lower face, smooth out fine lines, or improve skin texture, these treatments can be customized to meet your aesthetic goals. With minimal downtime and long-lasting results, PDO threads provide a natural-looking solution for skin aging.
If you're ready to explore the benefits of PDO threads or smooth threads, schedule a consultation today to see how this innovative treatment can work for you!
Comments