PDO Threads
As we age, our facial support structure weakens and we begin to lose a lot of facial volume from our elastin breaking down and collagen reducing. This results in the development of jowling, hollowness around eyes, laugh lines as well as marionette lines. The non-surgical thread lift, also known as PDO threads or a thread facelift, is an effective way to lift loose skin without having surgery.
What is a Non-Surgical Thread Lift?
The non-surgical thread lift is a procedure in which threads are inserted just below the surface of the skin in order to lift and strategically reposition the skin. Because the threads are a foreign element that your body doesn’t recognize, they stimulate a wound healing response, which in turn promotes the natural production of collagen, elastin, and binding tissue. The natural production of these regenerative elements are what allow your own body to maintain the results of your thread lift.
Dr. Wu uses PDO threads, typically used for surgical stitching. PDO threads are dissolvable, they are naturally absorbed by your body about 6-9 months following your non-surgical thread lift.
PDO threads can address most areas of the face such as the cheeks, jowls, neck, eyebrows, jaw line, areas under the eyes and around the nose, crow’s feet, and marionette lines. They can also be used to lift the tip of the nose as well as to give the nose an overall smoother and straighter appearance with the thread lift nose job.
There are different types of PDO Threads
Mono Threads
Mono threads are a single PDO smooth filament made without barbs. They are typically inserted in a mesh-like pattern to achieve maximum tightening effects. With mono threads the main goal is really to tighten the skin, rather than to lift it. Mono threads are typically used to address forehead lines, superficial facial wrinkles, as well as sagging skin on the neck. They are a great way to revitalize and volumize the skin through collagen production, and effectively address textural irregularities. That being said, they can also be used on all parts of the face, arms, legs and body, and are particularly effective in treating atrophic acne scars and can also improve the appearance of cellulite.
Screw Threads
Screw threads are a collection of 122 threads that have been intertwined around the insertion needle. They help reverse sunken areas by offering skin tightening, support, and lifting.
Cog Threads
Cog threads are similar to mono threads but the primary difference is that they have barbs that attach to the underside of the skin. They offer support to the area that is being lifted. They also promote collagen production around the threads and their barbs. Cog threads are typically used to address the mid-face, jawline, neck, eyebrows, and nose.
InstaLift Threads
We also perform the InstaLift at PSC, which is another type of thread lift treatment. Instead of using PDO threads, this treatment uses softer, cone shaped threads. The InstaLift typically provides subtler results as the the threads provide less lift, however they stimulate more collagen production over time, meaning that the treatment can offer longer lasting results.
The InstaLift is also a Health Canada approved thread lifting treatment.
The type of thread used or thread lift treatment that you get is really dependent on your particular needs. When you come in for your complimentary consultation we can discuss which threads and treatment will give you the best possible result.
What to Expect During the Non-Surgical Thread Lift Treatment
The non-surgical thread lift treatment can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. We will first administer a local anesthetic to the areas being treated, so that you feel no discomfort.
Your provider will then insert the threads just below the surface of the skin with a fine needle or cannula. Once in, the threads will be manipulated in such a way so as to tighten, lift, as well as position the tissue to address your needs and give you the best and most natural looking result. Patients describe the sensation during this part of the treatment as being a bit strange but not painful.
Following your non-surgical thread lift procedure you can expect to have some bruising, swelling, and soreness in the treated areas. Your skin may also feel tight. You’ll need to give yourself about 2-3 weeks for all tenderness to fully subside and for everything to heal.
You may also see some dimpling, in other words, the skin may not appear as smooth as you would expect it to be immediately following treatment. This is completely normal and will improve on its own over the next 2-3 weeks. You may even hear what has been described as a “pop” under your skin, this would be a result of the barbs of the threads being embedded in your tissue.
Extra strength Tylenol and icing the treated area for about 2-3 days following your thread lift will help to minimize any soreness or discomfort, as well as swelling or bruising.
You’ll need to take care not to put any pressure on your face for about 2-3 weeks following your treatment. You’ll also need to avoid strenuous exercise and excessive sweating, the sun, dental appointments, and extreme facial expressions for about 2-3 weeks.
The Best Candidates for a Non-Surgical Thread Lift
The non-surgical thread lift is not a replacement for neurotoxins and fillers. They’re another means of achieving facial rejuvenation and preventing sagging all while delaying the need for a surgical facelift. Some patients will require the volume that can be mainly achieved with dermal fillers. Others may require wrinkles to be softened with the use of neurotoxins.
An ideal patient for a non-surgical thread lift would be someone between 40 to 55 years of age with moderate laxity of the cheeks and chin, as well as with well-developed but drooping malar pads. These patients are typically not interested in a more invasive surgical procedure.
How Much Does a Non-Surgical Thread Lift Cost?
The price of a non-surgical thread lift is dependent on the area that is being treated. Typically the cost ranges between $1500 – $3000. Most individuals will need 1-2 treatments to start spaced 1 month apart. These would then be followed by yearly maintenance treatments. You will receive a firm quote during your complimentary consultation.
How Long Does a Non-Surgical Thread Lift Last?
At The Plastic Surgery Clinic and MD Beauty Clinic we use PDO threads. PDO threads can last anywhere from 6-9 months, depending on a variety of factors such as their thickness and how quickly your body metabolizes them. However, because the threads stimulate the natural production of collagen, elastin, and binding tissue in your body, the results of your non-surgical thread lift will last for months after your PDO threads dissolve. In other words, your result will last for about a year if not a little longer.
InstaLift results can last anywhere from 18 months to 3 years, due to the amount of collagen that the treatment stimulates into production in the body.