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PDO Thread Lift and Smoothing Procedure

A PDO (polydiaxonone) thread lift uses absorbable surgical sutures placed into the subdermal layer of the skin to lift and tighten the skin and initiate collagen production. The insertion of the PDO thread instantly lifts the skin for immediate results and contracts fat tissue for skin tightening. Then it also stimulates collagen production so you continue to see results as the sutures are absorbed. 

 

One of the main causes of aging skin is the loss of collagen. Collagen gives structure and elasticity to the skin. A collagen thread lift revitalizes and rejuvenates tissue, and tightens and smooths the skin. You see fewer wrinkles and lines, and improved skin elasticity and texture.

Is PDO Threading Safe?

The procedure is FDA-approved and is safe and efficient. There are few serious side effects or risks, and no reported cases of allergic reactions or sensitivities. PDO threads have a much lower risk of complications than a facelift surgery. Around 15% of patients might see minor complications that might include:

  • visible sutures (especially in people with thin skin)

  • pain

  • minor bruising

  • Inflammation

  • Hair loss

  • Accumulation of blood

 

There is always a risk of infection with any procedure and you should let us know, or see a doctor, if you see redness and swelling, any pus, or if you develop a fever. 

 

How Does a Non-surgical Face Lift Threading Work?

Threads are carefully and strategically inserted just below the surface of the skin. The body doesn’t recognize the threads and this stimulates a healthy wound healing response. There is then a natural occurrence of the body producing collagen, elastin, and tissue. After about 6-9 months, the body will absorb the surgical threads.

 

There are two main types of PDO threads -  floating non-barbed threads and floating barbed threads. Different collagen thread lifts use different sizes, shapes, lengths, thicknesses, quality and tensile strength. We offer both smooth threads and lifting threads. We use FDA-approved, minimally-invasive threads that are specifically developed to customize for individual treatment goals. Your injector can discuss the best types of threads to achieve the results you are looking for and to balance the face for a natural look. 

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What Areas Can a Thread Lift Treat?

A PDO thread facelift can treat most parts of your face. Areas that can be treated with threads are:

  • Cheeks

  • Jaw and jaw line

  • Neck

  • Marionette lines

  • Jowls 

  • Eyebrows

  • Nasolabial folds

  • Fox eye thread lift

 

Threads enhance areas that are sagging due to multiple factors; loss of volume, elasticity, and collagen. We always start with a consult to address concerns and will select which threading procedure is right for you. 

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Benefits of PDO Threading

This cosmetic procedure is a less invasive treatment than a facelift and is often less expensive. You can see a noticeable improvement soon after as collagen is stimulated. There will be a lift in sagging skin and rejuvenation in the treated area. You will see fewer fine lines and wrinkles, an improved texture of your skin, and restored volume. ​​​

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How Long Do PDO Threads Last?

You may notice immediate improvement of sagging skin. Clients typically continue to see results for about twelve months and may then start to see a decline. Peak treatment results are typically seen around 1-2 months after the procedure. 

 

Younger clients will likely see the effects of the treatment for longer than older clients. Your skin volume and elasticity will also play a role in how long you can expect to see improvement in the signs of aging of your skin. Thickness and quality of the threads and your body’s rate of metabolism also play a role in how long you can expect to see results.

 

Come see us again after about 12 months and we can determine if you will need a second treatment for long-lasting results. After a second treatment clients often won’t need another treatment for three years. Your age is a leading factor in how quickly it produces new and healthy collagen, determining how long you will see results.

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How to Prepare for Your Thread Lift Treatment

Avoid alcohol, tobacco use, NSAIDS, and increased caffeine for about three days before your procedure. To get the best results, and if it is approved by your doctor, you can also avoid taking these supplements for a few days before the procedure:

  • Ginko

  • Omega-fatty acids or fish oil supplements

  • Vitamin E

  • Advil and ibuprofen

  • Aspirin

  • Green tea or green tea extracts

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What to Expect in a PDO Thread Face Lift

You will be given a local anesthetic and numbing agent in the treatment area. There is a needle used for the procedure but it is small so the anesthetic is just used to make sure you feel no discomfort. 

 

After confirming the anesthetic has taken effect, PDO threads will be precisely inserted in the treatment area. Just below the surface of the skin they will anchor the skin and lift the skin upwards. Excess threads will be cut off. 

 

The treatment may be as quick as 45 minutes depending on the area you are having treated. You can expect the procedure to take about 45 minutes to one hour.

 

Recovery After a PDO Thread Face Lift

You’ll be able to return to your normal routine quickly after your treatment. You may experience some slight swelling and bruising for 1-2 days and may feel a bit more tender so consider taking some downtime. Some other things to be mindful of:

  • Avoid rubbing your face so you don’t dislodge the threads. 

  • Avoid drinking through a straw, smoking, or pursing your lips.

  • Try not to sleep on your side for a few weeks and you may want to prop your head up on a pillow. This is so you don’t put too much pressure on one side of your face. It is best to sleep on your back.

  • Avoid saunas, running, jumping, and intense exercise for 3-4 weeks afterward.

  • Hold off on any dental treatments for 1-2 weeks.

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Who is This Procedure For?

Anyone wanting to see a lifting effect, similar to a facelift, without the costs or complications associated with a major surgery. Results will be more subtle than you would see with a facelift, but is a great alternative if you don’t want to commit the time or money to a traditional facelift.  You may also choose this treatment to improve jowling and sagging of the jaw or tighten the jawline, tighten the skin and improve skin laxity, correct uneven pigmentation, and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

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It is a great procedure for those showing mild to moderate signs of aging. You may also be interested in finding out more about dermal fillers which achieve similar results. Book a consultation to see which procedure might be right for you. 

 

You should not get PDO threads if you’re pregnant or nursing or have an active infection. If you have a chronic disease or are on blood thinners, you should also avoid the treatment.

How to Get Started with PDO Threads in Ferndale, MI (Metro Detroit)

It is important to use a licensed medical provider for a PDO thread lift to see the best results and avoid complications. This treatment is offered for new and existing clients with a licensed medical provider at our Ferndale, MI medical spa. 

 

If you’re a new client with us, your first appointment will be a consultation. We will go over what you’re trying to achieve, provide a full facial balancing consultation, make recommendations, and create a customized treatment plan for you. 

 

New and existing clients can book online. You are required to enter your credit card information before you can book your appointment. You will receive an email after booking with a link to our “Patient Portal”. You can change, cancel and fill out new patient paperwork in the Patient Portal. Make sure you check your spam folder if you do not receive the email. 

 

If you need additional help or do not see an appointment that works for you, please call us at 313-992-6659 or email us.

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