PDO Thread Lift
PDO Thread Lift
Many facial rejuvenation procedures are billed as nonsurgical facelift alternatives. PDO thread lifts from Decoris Aesthetics in Westlake Village, however, are the only non-surgical procedure that can remove or reduce wrinkling and fine lines by literally lifting the face. They are a frequent choice of people who want the effects of a facelift without surgery.
A PDO thread lift employs dissolvable sutures to lift and tighten facial skin but, unlike a surgical facelift, it also works to rejuvenate the epidermis from within. The minor inflammation created by the procedure stimulates the skin’s production of two key substances: collagen and elastin which, together, add rejuvenating plumpness, moisture, and elasticity. While these substances are naturally produced, our bodies make less and less of them as we age. Thread lifts give the body the gentle shove it needs to produce more of these natural skin rejuvenators.
While the results of a PDO thread lift itself last for about six to eight months, repeated use of the treatment will continue to help keep the skin looking younger and fresher and may even prevent the formation of new wrinkles. Moreover, in combination with facial fillers and Botox, as well as other treatments, recent research indicates it can make an enormous difference overall.*
What is PDO Thread?
PDO is an abbreviation of polydioxanone, a synthetic fiber that, when used as a suture, is fully absorbed by the body within approximately six to eight months. PDO thread has been in wide use since the 1980s, including in some heart surgeries. It remains the most widely used thread for lifts, perhaps because of its proven ability to stimulate the production of rejuvenating proteins and its generally high degree of safety and effectiveness.
Getting Ready for a PDO Thread Lift
Preparation is much the same as for other minor procedures. Clients before a thread lift need to stay away from NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) such as aspirin, Advil (ibuprofen), and Aleve (naproxen), as well as any other medications that may tend to thin out blood.
Several supplements are also believed to have an impact on coagulation. Most providers tell clients to avoid fish oil and garlic supplements in particular but it may be safest to cut out all of the non-essential supplements you are currently taking before the procedure. If that is an issue for any reason at all, please feel free to ask one of our medical professionals.
There’s more. If you are a smoker or use tobacco products, you will need to stop them before the procedure and for a time afterward as these have been shown to significantly increase the risk of complications. Frankly, you should quit these products permanently if you possibly can because they are bad both for your appearance and, of course, your health. It may also be advisable to avoid alcohol for a few days prior to a thread lift as it may contribute to drier skin.
Since PDO thread lifts are typically done using only topical anesthesia, patients may be allowed to drive themselves home but it may not always be the ideal choice. Feel free to ask a member of the Decoris Aesthetics team for a recommendation on whether or not to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home.
PDO Thread Lift Recovery
Because a PDO thread lift is non-invasive, the recovery period is relatively minimal. Some providers suggest clients give themselves 24 hours of rest after a procedure though others suggest simply avoiding all strenuous exercise for a few weeks following the procedure.
At first, you will need to avoid touching your face or otherwise putting any pressure on the facial area, including by lying down on it, until you have had time to heal. You will need to wait for a day or two, probably 48 hours, before washing your face. Especially in the immediate aftermath, you will need to avoid moving your facial muscles. You also want to avoid exaggerated facial movements of any kind as much as possible for a time following the procedures. It is also best to sleep on your back during recovery.
Most thread lift providers do suggest continuing to avoid alcohol and discontinuing smoking for some time to ensure proper healing. With regard to smoking, the best advice is to quit permanently as it tends to accelerate the aging of skin and, of course, can have much more serious health consequences as well. You may also want to wait roughly a month or more following the procedure before visiting a dentist.
We should add that, since we’re all different, the best things to do during the recovery period will vary from person to person. Much of the advice you may find online can be contradictory, so please ask our Decoris Aesthetics expert aesthetic and healthcare providers, as well as your family physician, if you have any questions.
Decoris Aesthetics Can Help!
Ready to Put the Best Face on Your Life?
As a top med-spa, the Decoris Aesthetics team in Westlake Village has provided expert aesthetic and wellness care for all kinds of people, and we are here to help you. If you are interested in a PDO thread lift or any other procedure, please get in touch with us today.
