When some people hear about the results of PDO thread lifts they can’t help but wonder, what’s the catch– Do PDO threads really work? We have the answers to questions you’ve wondered about the PDO thread lift, including how they work and if they’re right for you! 

What Are PDO Threads?

PDO stands for polydioxanone, a dissolvable material used in sutures for wound closure. Before entering the cosmetic world recently as a revolutionary facial lifting treatment, PDO threads have been used safely for decades in surgical procedures. They were first used in pediatric heart surgery for valve malformations. The surgeons were excited to find that the sutures (stitches) caused the tissues to strengthen by increasing collagen production!

 When used for aesthetic purposes, PDO threads really do work! Here are a few things you should know about how they achieve both instant and long-lasting results.

How Do PDO Threads Work Gilbert, AZ

How Do PDO Threads Work?

A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that involves barbed threads passing through the surface of your skin to lift the tissue. The barbs on the threads act to suspend the tissue which overall lifts areas of the face including cheeks, jawline, and neck.  

Achieving the lifted look with threads involves two processes. First, they contract fat tissue where they are placed, resulting in instant skin tightening. Then, after being placed, they begin to absorb and trigger the body to produce collagen which maintains the lifting outcome over the first 6 months. They also trigger a boost in your natural collagen production that can improve your skin’s firmness for up to 2 years!

PDO before and after Gilbert, AZ
PDO before and after Gilbert, AZ (1)

Where PDO Threads Can Be Used

  • Cheeks
  • Eyebrows/eye lif/fox eye lift
  • Jawline
  • Neck
  • Nose
Where are PDO Threads Used Gilbert, AZ

Will PDO Threads Work for Me? 

PDO threads are most effective for those who are close to their ideal weight and show mild signs of aging. These signs include mild to moderate skin laxity, uneven skin texture, and excessive wrinkles on the face and neck. If you have significant skin laxity, threads are less likely to give you dramatic benefits. Patients with good soft tissue volume, less facial fat, and a mild to moderate amount of skin to be lifted will benefit the most from thread lifts. However, if you do have a higher amount of facial fat, you may be a good candidate for Kybella, a safe and quick treatment that permanently destroys fat cells to give you a more sculpted look.

 If you are looking for a natural-looking lift and do not have the time or money for a surgical face-lift, you are likely a particularly good candidate for PDO threads. 

Threads are a great tool in the large toolbox of cosmetic procedures offered here at Onyx Integrative. If you are unsure if threads are a good match for the look you are trying to achieve, contact us for an initial consult to see what treatment is suited best to your skin goals. PDO threads are also ideal to be used in combination with other treatments such as fillers, neuromodulators, kybella, and microneedling treatments — all of which are offered at Onyx Integrative.

What to Expect for your PDO Threads Appointment, Gilbert, AZ

What Should I Expect for my PDO Thread Appointment? 

Your appointment starts with an in-depth assessment of your facial structure and consultation about your skin goals to determine together the best treatment plan for you. Then, the doctor will discuss the areas that are suitable for PDO threads and the number of threads needed to achieve your desired result.

Each treatment area is first numbed with lidocaine. Then, the threads are inserted with a blunt cannula that glides beneath the skin along areas of your face and/or neck. The appointment length depends on the consult and area but typically lasts no longer than an hour.

Over the next 7-14 days, your treatment areas may feel sore and tight. There may also be some bruising and swelling afterward, which can be expected. The lifting effects will be immediate, and after about 5 weeks, you will see the full result. The threads dissolve over a 6 month period, leaving new collagen in their place. Results can last up to 2 years, however, many people benefit from touch-ups prior to 2 years.

More questions?

At Onyx Integrative, we welcome any and all questions regarding PDO threads. Feel free to give us a call at 480-531-2557 or email us at info@onxyintegrative.com.