A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical treatment that uses biocompatible sutures to fight the signs of aging. In under an hour, patients will see this minimally invasive treatment provide a taut, revitalized look. These fine threads are inserted subdermally using a hypodermic needle. When strategically anchored at various points, the treatment kick-starts your body’s healing response and activates the production of collagen. As a result, the treatment creates a lifting effect and provides a smoother skin texture for the face, neck, and jawline. Dr. Brian Arslanian and his excellent staff are here to help you look and feel your best with a procedure that doesn’t require surgery, extensive scarring, or a long recovery. See how you can benefit from this treatment by scheduling your consultation at our Brookhaven office at (678) 894-9200. Or, you can easily make an appointment online.
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About PDO Thread Lifts
As we age, our facial tissues change due to lowered levels of collagen and elastin. These elements keep our skin looking firm and youthful. Without them, the skin begins to sag, and wrinkles and folds emerge. Luckily, there are a variety of non-surgical treatments to correct soft tissue laxity, and patients no longer need to resort to more invasive measures. [1] Today, patients can turn to a PDO Thread Lift for outstanding results.
PDO stands for polydioxanone, a dissolvable, sugar-based polymer thread used for surgical sutures. When exposed to water, the thread slowly dissolves. This means that over time, the thread slowly dissolves as it reacts to the water naturally present in the skin, while the skin remains in a more youthful position thanks to an influx of new, healthy collagen. A PDO Thread lift uses these sutures to suspend skin to combat the signs of aging, and to stimulate collagen production. These threads come in two textures:
- Barbed: Designed to latch and lift. These threads are created with 360 degrees of tiny barbs, which allow these threads to anchor underneath the skin and pull sagging tissue into a more youthful position.
- Smooth: The threads are inserted underneath the skin to firm and tighten. Over time, the threads increase collagen production while smoothing away lines and wrinkles.
After the thread is inserted, the skin reacts by triggering a healing response at the cellular level. As a result, fresh supplies of collagen are produced, skin is rejuvenated, and lines and wrinkles are diminished.
What PDO Threads Can Treat
- Drooping brows
- Descended volume in the cheeks
- Jowls
- Upper neck
- Jawline
- Nasolabial folds
- Crow’s feet
Benefits
You can look forward to a new rejuvenated look at half the cost and time that more invasive alternatives require. PDO Thread Lifts offer instant improvement in just one session.
Advantages of PDO Thread Lifting
- Produces instant, natural-looking results for a rejuvenated appearance
- Stimulates collagen production to maintain supple looking skin
- Allows patient to enjoy a quick procedure that can be performed in under an hour
- Uses biodegradable sutures that the body naturally absorbs over time
- No downtime
Candidates
A PDO Thread Lift is perfect for patients who desire to make mild to moderate adjustments to their facial appearance. [1] In particular, it has provided many patients not ready for surgery the chance to address signs of aging with a gentler alternative. Dr. Arslanian and his staff will be at your side to determine if this treatment is right for you. A PDO Thread Lift patients should be free from underlying health conditions and have realistic expectations for what a PDO Thread Lift can do for you
Personal Consultation
Brian Arslanian, MD, FACS has created a practice where every patient feels as special as they are. His state-of-the-art facility offers cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries that help patients from all over the Metro Atlanta area achieve beautiful results.
Dr. Arslanian is here to listen to your concerns openly and discuss them honestly. He will examine the areas you’d like to treat, paying special attention to skin laxity and texture. During this time, please feel free to voice your aesthetic concerns, and raise any questions you may have. If Dr. Arslanian feels a PDO Thread Lift will achieve your intended goals, he’ll discuss how the treatment will meet your needs, and everything involved in the process.
To schedule your one-on-one meeting at our Brookhaven office, please call (678) 894-9200. Busy or out-of-state patients shouldn’t feel left out! We can also meet you virtually. Simply fill out your details, attach a few photos, and we’ll be in touch to schedule a time to chat online.
Preparation
Arslanian Plastic Surgery will develop an appropriate preparation plan that meets the demands of aging skin. Below are general help tips to follow for a streamlined process.
- Hold off on alcohol and smoking before your treatment. Both of these habits dry out the skin, cause excessive bleeding, and delay healing.
- Adjust your intake of aspirin, blood-thinners, and certain supplements as instructed
- Ensure that you are not having an active outbreak of cold sores, acne, or infections. Otherwise, your appointment may need to be postponed.
- Arrive at your appointment with a clean face
Procedure
Your PDO Thread treatment will take place in under an hour. And, as soon as you’re done, you are free to resume your day. We’ll start by disinfecting the treatment area and administering local anesthesia. Next, we’ll insert the specialized needle and PDO threads underneath the skin, creating an anchor point. [1] The needle is then taken out, but the thread is left in place. At this point, Dr. Arslanian will then manipulate the thread to create the desired effect. The end of the thread will be trimmed so that no thread is visible. This process is repeated until all the necessary threads are in place, and the desired results are achieved.
Recovery
As soon as this fast treatment ends, you can continue your day. PDO threads are biodegradable and biocompatible, so there is little risk of complications or side effects. [2] However, you may feel mild swelling, bruising, tightness, and discomfort for about a week or two. [1] This is normal and can be easily solved with OTC pain relievers. Some patients may notice resistance when moving other facial muscles, but this should improve within three weeks. The skin may be sensitive to the touch, so please be gentle on your face for the next week.
Results
Your new, younger appearance will appear in a few weeks once the thread dissolves, the healing process closes, and collagen production has been activated. When this happens, you’ll see significant improvements to your facial complexion for up to six months. [2] You can choose to have additional treatment after a year to keep your results for much longer.
Corresponding & Complementary Procedures
PDO Thread Lift is just one of the exciting anti-aging treatments we offer. Patients curious about other treatments will have the chance to learn more at their consultation. Other anti-aging treatments for the face include:
Facelift
A facelift brings substantial, long-term results to the face by removing excess skin, repositioning underlying tissues, and pulling the skin taut.
PRP Facelift
A PRP Facelift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses injections of PRP to renew the skin’s surface. Platelet-Rich Plasma, PRP is derived from a sample of the patient’s own blood, and contains helpful growth factors and cytokines. Patients can look forward to smooth, glowing skin.
Cost of PDO Thread Lifts in Atlanta, GA
Each patient has their own unique circumstances and aesthetic goals. Therefore, the cost of a thread lift will vary slightly from patient to patient. Those interested in assistance funding their procedure are encouraged to check out our financial page to learn more.
FAQ
What is a PDO Thread?
A polydioxanone (PDO) thread is a dissolvable suture used to lift and firm the skin. Once placed in the skin, it stimulates collagen production for younger, firmer skin.
Can the PDO Threads break?
PDO Threads are biodegradable strings designed to withstand facial movements. Despite this, there is a slim chance the thread may come apart because of excessive facial movement. However, it should not be a cause of concern and should not affect your results.
Are thread lifts painful?
Unlike more invasive surgeries, thread lifts are performed using extremely fine needles to place the threads underneath the skin. Topical numbing creams ensure that the patient remains comfortable during the procedure, and any discomfort following the thread lift session can be managed with over the counter pain medication.
References
- Myung, Y., & Jung, C. (2020). Mini-midface Lift Using Polydioxanone Cog Threads. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.1097/GOX.0000000000002920
- P Bernardini, MD, F. (2019, June 19). Is There a Role for a Noninvasive Alternative to Face and Neck Lifting? The Polydioxanone Thread Lift. Academic.oup.com; Aesthetic Surgery Journal. https://academic.oup.com/asj/article/39/8/NP362/5520644?login=true