Do you wish you could tighten loose, sagging facial skin without undergoing an invasive procedure, like a facelift? Today, there are many anti-aging solutions that don’t require you to go under general anesthesia and a scalpel. Today, our experts at Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL are discussing a safe, effective alternative to a facelift, a PDO Thread Lift. Here is what you need to know.
What Is Involved in a PDO Thread Lift?
A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical anti-aging treatment designed to rejuvenate and tighten loose, sagging facial skin without a scalpel or long recovery period. There are several types of thread lifts. However, the PDO lift is most commonly used to address concerns related to the cheeks and chin. PDO is sometimes referred to as polydioxanone. It is a special type of thread that has been used for years during cardiovascular procedures. It is perfect because it encourages collagen production.
What’s great about using PDO threads to lift the cheeks or chin is the effect collagen has on the skin. The threads stimulate collagen production and collagen volumizes the local area. Thus, you can lift sagging skin and augment areas experiencing volume loss simultaneously. If you’re wondering what happens during this procedure, you’re not alone. Here is what to expect from beginning to end.
Coming in for an Initial Consultation
Before your non-surgical anti-aging treatment can begin, you need to come in for an initial consultation. At this time, we will discuss your expectations for the results of this treatment, assess the quality of your skin and talk about your beauty goals. With this information, we can determine whether you are a good candidate for this treatment. We will discuss this in further detail in a minute.
We will also discuss your medical history to ensure you are healthy enough to receive this procedure. Furthermore, we will talk about any drug allergies you are aware of, discuss the cosmetic treatments you have had in an attempt to perfect your appearance and talk about the drugs and supplements you are currently taking.
Preparing for Your Treatment
Once we have determined this treatment is appropriate for you, we will provide you with a list of instructions you must adhere to so you are prepared for your treatment. You must adhere to these instructions to ensure your treatment and recovery go smoothly. Among the guidelines you must follow are:
- Drink enough water
- Avoid products with retinol
- Abstain from tobacco products for seven days
- Avoid drugs that thin your blood
- Avoid ginseng, vitamin E and fish oil supplements
Depending on your health and lifestyle, there may be special instructions for you to follow. For example, you may need to alter your diet temporarily. Finally, you must arrange for someone to drive you to and from your treatment session.
Coming in for Your Treatment
The third step is coming in for your treatment. It is important to have someone drive you because everyone responds to anesthesia differently. You may feel a little groggy after your treatment. The first thing we will do when you come in for your treatment is cleanse your face. After we remove excess oil and debris, we will numb the treatment area. The drugs we will use to numb your face will be determined during your initial consultation.
Typically, we combine a local anesthetic with a topical anesthetic. After roughly 10 to 20 minutes, your treatment area will be numb and we will mark the cannula insertion points with a temporary pen. Once we know how many threads we will use and where we will use them, we will insert the PDO threads into the foundational layer of your skin with a narrow cannula that houses and guides the thread. This can take 30 to 60 minutes.
Ending the Treatment
Once we have lifted your skin with the PDO threads, we will cut off the ends that weren’t used to tighten your skin. Then, we will remove the marks made with the temporary pen and give you a set of post-treatment care instructions. Adhering to these guidelines ensures you get the best possible results and Thread Lift Recovery Time quickly and comfortably. Among the guidelines you must adhere to are:
- Avoiding blood-thinning drugs
- Abstaining from alcohol and tobacco products
- Avoiding strenuous physical activity
- Avoiding chewing gum
- Maintaining a liquid diet or eating light meals
- Taking analgesics as prescribed
- Minimizing UV exposure and sweating
- Keeping head elevated above heart
- Avoiding rubbing or touching the treatment area
- Avoiding cosmetics
- Avoiding certain dietary supplements
- Using ice or cold compresses as necessary
What You Need to Know About Your Recovery Period
On paper, your recovery period will last around two weeks. However, most of the restrictions on your lifestyle last only 24 to 72 hours. When we give you your post-treatment care instructions, we will advise you regarding how long each restriction should be adhered to.
Note, you should only need to take analgesics for a week at the longest. It is also important to note that keeping your head elevated above your heart is crucial for a rapid, comfortable recovery. If you need to pick something up off of the floor, squat down to pick it up. Don’t bend over and avoid straining your muscles. If you keep your head elevated during the beginning of your recovery process, you will shorten your recovery period significantly.
What You Need to Know About the Results of Your Treatment
You will notice that your skin is lifted and tightened immediately after your session is complete. You will also notice that your skin is a little plumper and smoother during your recovery period. However, it takes roughly four weeks to enjoy the final results of the treatment. This is because part of how a PDO lift works is the stimulation of collagen production. Collagen is a protein that provides support and volume to your skin. It also retains moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions About PDO Lifts
Are There Multiple Kinds of PDO Threads?
Yes, there are multiple kinds of PDO threads. We will determine the appropriate type of PDO thread to help you achieve your cosmetic goals when we assess your skin quality and discuss your aesthetic goals during your initial consultation. We may use a combination of PDO threads to give you the healthy, youthful look you desire.
When Barb Threads Are Appropriate
Barb threads are appropriate when a client is looking for dramatic results. This type of PDO thread has tiny barbs running along the thread. These barbs hook into the skin tissue, providing immediate improvements for clients with moderate-to-severe skin laxity and wrinkles. The results of a PDO thread lift with barb threads last longer because more collagen and elastin are produced.
When Smooth Threads Are Appropriate
Smooth threads are more akin to sewing thread. These PDO threads are extremely fine and used both vertically and horizontally upon insertion. This creates a mesh in the foundational layer of the skin that supports it until extra collagen is produced. This type of PDO thread is appropriate for clients with mild-to-moderate cosmetic concerns who are okay with waiting approximately one month until the final results of the treatment are apparent.
How Long Do the Results of This Treatment Last?
The results of a PDO thread lift usually last a couple of years. However, they can last up to five years if you take care of your skin. Keep in mind, the results of a facelift are not permanent, either. With special care for your skin, the results of a facelift may last a decade.
What Can I Do to Enjoy Longer-Lasting Results?
You can enjoy longer-lasting results if you take care of your skin health after your treatment. We will discuss ways you can accomplish this in more detail during your initial consultation. The bottom line is you need to maintain the integrity of your collagen. To do this, stay hydrated, don’t smoke, keep alcohol consumption to a minimum, eat nutritious foods and minimize your consumption of unhealthy foods.
The durability of your results depends, in part, on how fast your metabolism is. If you have a strenuous job or train for and compete in athletic events regularly, your metabolism is probably fairly high. If your metabolism is high, your skin will metabolize the threads more quickly and the results of your treatment will diminish faster. However, you don’t need to quit your job or stop working out. You can receive other anti-aging treatments to complement a thread lift.
Which Treatments Complement a PDO Lift?
Many anti-aging treatments complement a PDO lift. The appropriate cosmetic treatments to help you extend the results of your non-invasive facelift depend on the nature of the concerns you are experiencing. We can give you a better idea of the best complementary treatment to address your unique concerns during your initial evaluation. Typically, Fractora is a great supplement to a PDO lift that helps to maintain the results.
Fractora
Fractora is a state-of-the-art wrinkle treatment that combines the benefits of laser and radiofrequency technologies. The energy produced by the Fractora device induces an incredible amount of collagen and elastin production.
Your skin sagged and wrinkled to the point you needed a PDO lift because it wasn’t producing enough collagen and elastin. An annual Fractora session will allow you to enjoy the results of your PDO lift longer because it helps your skin produce collagen and elastin at the rate it did when you were younger.
Am I a Good Candidate for a PDO Lift?
Most people who are looking to rejuvenate their facial skin without undergoing a facelift are considered good candidates for a PDO lift. Remember, we need to assess the quality of your skin, overall health and aesthetic goals to determine if this treatment will be appropriate for you. This treatment may be appropriate for you if any of the following apply to you:
- You don’t want surgery
- You want tighter skin
- You want to eliminate wrinkles
- You want to feel more self-confident about your countenance
- You want results that will last for years
- You want to eliminate fine lines
Get the Look You Want With a PDO Thread Lift
You can get the results of a facelift without undergoing an invasive procedure. The advancements in modern cosmetic treatments are amazing. Whatever cosmetic concerns you have, there is probably a non-invasive method that will work for you. Contact us today at Southeastern Institute of Restorative Medicine in Dothan, AL to book an appointment and see if a PDO Thread Lift Near Me can give you the young, healthy look you deserve.