Polydioxanone (PDO) threads can help with many skin concerns such as sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles and volume loss. PDO threads are thinner-than-hair medical grade absorbable threads that can lift, tighten and volumize skin tissues. PDO threads are a great option for preventative measures or patients who are not yet ready for a surgical route to correct their skin concerns. The treatment is minimally-invasive and does not require anesthesia or incisions. The thread is introduced into the mid to deep levels of the subdermal layer and as it dissolves, promotes collagen and elastin. At Stiller Aesthetics, our providers use PDO Max thread and cannula products that are made to the highest standard.
PDO threads are a great option for many patients as they can lift, giving you the results of a facelift, add volume, similar to that of dermal fillers, as well as other additional benefits such as:
Most patients can benefit greatly from PDO threads whether you are looking for volume replenishing or lifted skin results. This treatment allows you to add volume to your skin, give lifted results similar to that of a facelift all the while promoting collagen and elastin as the sutures dissolve. During your consultation, your facial goals will be discussed and reviewed in detail. Some patients may have greater benefit from a surgical facelift which will be reviewed with our providers.
Smooth Threads
These are used to boost the health and appearance of the skin. Smooth threads tighten and smooth the skin, helping to minimize fine lines and wrinkles while building up the collagen and structural proteins of the skin. These can be used around the eyes, between the brows, around the mouth, for neck lines and more.
Volumizing Threads
Volumizing threads are used to restore volume by opening under the skin and filling the tissue with volume. These are a great option for people who do not yet feel comfortable with dermal fillers. Not only do volumizing threads help with volume support, they are also promoting collagen and elastin at a deeper level for additional skin improvement. These can be used for the cheeks, nasolabial folds, mentolabial folds and neck lines.
Lifting Threads
Lifting threads contain small barbs to help lift up the skin and support sagging skin tissue. These type of threads can be a great option for patients with are starting to have sagging skin tissue but are not yet ready for a surgical Facelift (link). A non-surgical PDO Facelift usually lasts about a year. The goal is that as the threads dissolve, they are promoting collagen and elastin to support the tissue and maintain a subtle lifted result even after they dissolve completely. Lifting threads are great to help enhance cheeks, improve nasolabial folds, lift jowls as well as define the jaw line and neck.
The process for PDO threads usually takes no more than 30 minutes to an hour.
If you are receiving smooth or volumizing threads, this takes usually no more than 30 minutes. Numbing cream will be applied to the treatment area and the threads will be placed. This treatment is usually painless and you will see immediate results although results will continue to improve over the next few months. There may be small areas of bruising or swelling however you can usually return to your normal daily activities.
If you are receiving lifting threads, depending on the number of treatment areas, this usually takes up to an hour. The treatment area is injected with lidocaine to help with the possible discomfort. A small opening is made with a needle for the thread to be inserted. The thread is placed via a cannula and the thread is then left suspended in place to lift the skin. When the threads are inserted, they cause the body to produce inflammation, which then signals the body to boost collagen production. This is how the targeted areas increase additional facial volume.
Smooth Threads/Volumizing Threads
You may experience a small amount of bruising and swelling to the area treated however, you may return to work and daily activities right away. The area treated may feel tight for the next week however there are no restrictions. It is best to refrain from touching or putting makeup to the injection areas for the first 24 hours after your treatment. For lasting results, patients may repeat this treatment a couple times a year. Additional post-care instructions will be given after your treatment.
Lifting Threads
You may experience swelling and bruising to the area treated after your lifting threads. Patients may also notice pleating where the skin was lifted however, this improves after a week. It is best to refrain from any exaggerated facial movements or applying pressure to your face for the first 3-4 days. The area treated may feel sore and tight for up to a week and it is recommended not to sleep on your face for 2 weeks after your treatment. You may return to your daily activities after your treatment however depending on the individuals swelling/bruising, you may not want to attend work directly after. A non-surgical PDO facelift may need to be repeated yearly depending on desired results. Additional post-care instructions will be given after your treatment.