Benefits of PDO Thread Lifts in Cleveland, OH

A Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lift is a procedure that uses biodegradable polyester sutures to produce a subtle but visible tightening and “lift” to the skin. Instead of removing loose facial skin by way of facelift surgery, the skin is suspended by stitching up portions of it, having the effect of pulling the skin back slightly and therefore lifting and tightening the face. A PDO thread lift takes approximately 45 minutes, and while there may be some swelling and bruising for a day or so after the treatment, most people can return to the majority of their daily routines straight after the procedure. 

As well as being ideal for lifting and tightening the skin, thread lifts also help to combat aging by provoking the body’s “healing response” and causing it to increase collagen production in the treated areas. Collagen plays a vital role in the aging process as collagen levels fall as we age, causing the skin to become thinner and weaker and more prone to wrinkling.

Because the results of thread lifts aren’t as dramatic as those of facelift surgeries, thread lifts are commonly used together with other anti-aging procedures such as ultherapy (non-surgical ultrasound therapy) or dermal fillers.

Those areas most commonly treated with PDO thread lifts are around the neck, jaws, cheeks and eyes. They are a versatile way of rejuvenating the skin and as such can treat virtually any area of the face, such as:

• Neck
• Jowls
• Jaw line
• Naso jugal folds
• Nasolabial folds
• Crow’s feet
• Under eye area
• Eyebrows
• Cheeks
• Marionette lines

PDO threads have been used in surgeries since the 1980s and are one of three types of sutures commonly used in thread lift procedures. They are made from a colorless polyester that breaks down in the body after about 6 months. The other sutures are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA).

There are three categories of PDO thread:

• PDO mono threads – These are smooth sutures that help revitalise the skin by stimulating collagen production.

• PDO cog threads – Threads that have barbs which latch into the skin to provide support and lift parts of the face.

• PDO screw threads – These consist of one or two intertwined threads used to help restore volume to hollow areas of the skin.

Each type of thread is best suited for a particular function and selecting the right thread for the right patient is vital if their expectations are to be met and the desired outcome reached. PDO threads are better at rejuvenating tissue while PLA and PCA threads are better at lifting sagging skin. Since the response to the treatment relies on the condition of the skin, it is important that the skin being treated is not too thin as there may be more likelihood of bruising, having the sutures become visible or having a rippling effect on the skin.

As with many cosmetic procedures, results will vary between patients, but generally speaking the threads will remain in place for around six to eight months. Once they have dissolved the results may remain for a further three to six months; in younger people they can last for 3 to 4 years whereas older people with a poorer skin volume or condition may only see benefits for 1 to 2 years. If you would like to know more about PDO thread lifts or any of the other services available at Wellness Center of Greater Cleveland call us or schedule an appointment online today! We serve clients from Cleveland OH, North Olmsted OH, Olmsted Falls OH, North Ridgeville OH, Bay Village OH, Lakewood OH, Berea OH, and Brooklyn OH and we look forward to meeting you!