PDO Lifting Threads in Portland
“Mini Facelift” without Fillers
PDO Lifting threads are a newer technology in the field of Aesthetic medicine, designed to provide subtle lift and stimulate collagen production for a firmer, more youthful appearance. They help improve skin texture, elasticity, and mild sagging and skin laxity with minimal downtime. Lifting threads are an attractive option for those seeking an alternative to facelift surgery because they are minimally invasive and require significantly less downtime.
This office exclusively uses PDOMax Threads.
What are PDO Threads?
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are made from the same material as absorbable sutures that are used in surgery. When placed under the skin the threads stimulate collagen production, improving the skin’s texture, elasticity, and firmness over time.
Barbed threads are used to lift sagging jowls, cheeks, marionette lines, and tighten the neck and jawline. Smooth threads can be placed almost anywhere on the body and are ideal for strengthening and tightening the skin, and creating volume without the use of fillers.
How do PDO Threads lift and tighten sagging skin?
Barbed PDO lifting threads are used to lift the cheeks, jowls, and marionette lines, and to tighten the neck and jawline. The process involves using a blunt tipped cannula to insert the threads under the skin. Once inserted, the threads create a supportive structure that provides immediate lift while also encouraging natural collagen production over several months. PDO Max threads are versatile and can be used on various parts of the face and body, including the cheeks, jawline, neck, and abdomen.
Once in place, the threads can be manipulated to provide an immediate lifting effect. Over time the material slowly dissolves, just like dissolvable stitches do. While at the same time stimulating the body’s natural healing response. This process encourages the production of new collagen which contributes to improved skin texture, elasticity, and volume, and retains the lifted result even though the thread has dissolved away.
Types of PDO Threads
Barbed threads are laser cut to create a tiny barbs on the surface of the thread. When inserted under the skin, these barbs hook onto the skin tissue (like velcro), which enables the threads to lift sagging areas. They are useful for lifting drooping cheeks, jowls, and neck skin, and can even create a lifted eyebrow.
Purpose: Lift and reposition sagging skin.
Common Areas: Cheeks, jawline, neck, and eyebrows.
Key Benefits: Provides an immediate lifting effect.
Improves skin structure by stimulating collagen production.
Long-lasting results (up to 18 months).
Barbed threads are ideal for patients looking for a non-surgical facelift or a defined jawline.
Smooth threads are thin, straight threads without barbs. These threads do not lift the skin but instead work to improve the skin’s texture and firmness. Smooth threads are often used for fine lines, wrinkles, and overall skin rejuvenation. They can be used almost anywhere to strengthen the integrity of the skin. These are typically placed under the skin in a basketweave pattern.
Purpose: Stimulate collagen for smoother, firmer skin.
Common Areas: Under the eyes, lip lines, forehead, neck, and décolletage.
Key Benefits: Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Improves skin elasticity and hydration. Subtle, natural-looking results.
Smooth threads are a great option for patients looking to address early signs of aging or enhance skin quality in delicate areas.
Multi-threads are multiple smooth threads packaged together for significant volumization. These threads are used to treat areas that require significant volume restoration or collagen boost, like the nasolabial folds, or smile lines around the mouth. They are almost like a “filler replacement” and can be used to volumize certain areas instead of using fillers.
Purpose: Add volume.
Common Areas: Nasolabial folds, smile lines, and temples.
Key Benefits: Provides a volumizing effect in areas with significant tissue loss. Enhances skin elasticity and firmness. Suitable for treating larger areas.
Multi-threads combine the benefits of smooth threads with an added boost of volume, making them ideal for patients who need more pronounced volume restoration.
Results of PDO Lifting Threads
PDO lifting threads and smooth threads used to reduce smile lines and lift and tighten the cheeks. Smooth threads reduce the appearance of fine lines around the mouth. Some redness and bruising is seen in the After photo that will reduce in a few days.
Lifting threads were placed along the jawline and neck to reduce the jowls and improve neck laxity. A total of 6 threads used on the Right side. After photo was taken 2 weeks after initial treatment.
Lifting threads were placed along the jawline and neck to reduce the jowls and improve neck laxity. A total of 5 threads used on the Left side. After photo was taken 2 weeks after initial treatment.
PDO Lifting Threads FAQ
PDO Lifting Threads are made from the same material as absorbable sutures that are used in surgery. When inserted under the skin they provide subtle lift and stimulate collagen production in the areas of treatment. They are a good option for those who want a subtle lift without the risks of surgery.
While I describe threads as a “mini facelift”, they are not a direct alternative to a surgical facelift, and will not produce the same dramatic results as a surgical facelift. They are, however, a good option for those who want to avoid the risks of surgery, and are looking for a subtle, natural-looking improvement in skin firmness and contour, with minimal downtime.
The number of threads needed depends on your treatment area and desired outcome. To tighten the jowls and jawline it is typically 10 or more threads per session. To tighten the neck and jawline is typically 6 – 10 threads, or more, per session. To treat specific areas, like a brow lift or under eyes, is fewer threads but varies person to person.
For most people PDO thread lift results last about 12 – 18 months before a touch-up treatment is needed, the same duration as facial fillers. Some people even enjoy results for up to 24 months after treatment. Like all aesthetic treatments, maintenance sessions are needed to preserve and extend the results over time.