As the quest for rejuvenation with minimally invasive procedures continues full force, Polydioxanone, or PDO thread lifts are becoming increasingly popular across the world. While they are not a substitute for conventional facelifting, there is scientific evidence that these absorbable sutures promote increased levels of Type 1 collagen and transforming beta growth factor (TGF-β1). 1 Based on these histopathologic findings and several clinical studies2,3,4, confirming that PDO thread lifts are a safe and effective procedure with a high satisfaction rate and a low complication rate, Dr. Gupta felt comfortable offering this procedure to her patients. She has performed numerous PDO thread lifts over the past year with a 90% patient satisfaction rate. She promotes this technique as a “skin lift” for suitable candidates in all age groups, and there is an instantaneous, noticeable improvement of skin tone and definition of the cheeks, jawline, and neck, especially when combined with fillers, Botox/Dysport, Dermafirm, and/or PRP.
PDO is a synthetic suture material that the body absorbs over 6 months. This suture comes pre-loaded on a cannula, which facilitates accurate and safe placement of the thread (Diagram 1) in the dermis layer of the skin. There is no bruising or any injury to blood vessels or nerves. For maximal patient comfort, Dr. Gupta prefers to pre-anesthetize the entry points as well as the tunnels through which the threads will pass. The cannula is removed and the thread remains as a collagen stimulator. Some PDO threads have fine barbs on them, which help to grasp and lift the skin in the direction desired. Thus, there is an immediate lift upon insertion of the threads. Long term, the threads incite a healing response in the body, resulting in bundles of collagen being produced around the threads as they dissolve (See Diagram 2). This fortified skin matrix leads to enhanced skin tone and a natural skin lift that may last 12-18 months. With the concurrent use of fillers, Botox/Dysport, Dermafirm or PRP, the results may be enhanced and even prolonged.
The procedure takes about 30 minutes to perform. There is no down time and most patients return to work the next day. PDO threads can be safely placed in many locations on the face (see Diagram 3) and placement location is individualized for each patient.
References:
- Kim JH et al. Investigation in the cutaneous change induced by face-lifting monodirectional barbed polydioxanone thread. Dermatol Surg. 2017;43:74–80
- Lee H et al, Outcome of facial rejuvenation with polydioxanone threadfor Asians, J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2018 Jun;20(3):189-192.
- Suh DH et al, Outcomes of polydioxanone knotless threadlifting for facial rejuvenation. Dermatol Surg. 2015 Jun;41(6):720-5.
- Ali YH, Two years’ outcome of threadlifting with absorbable barbed PDO threads: Innovative score for objective and subjective assessment, J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2018 Feb;20(1):41-49.
Schedule an appointment Online
BEFORE/AFTER GALLERY: PDO THREAD LIFTS
Age: 48 Years
Condition: Heavy Upper Lids, Mild Mid-face Volume Loss, Mild Laxity of Jawline
Solution: Laser Upper Blepharoplasty, Radiesse Cheek Volume Restoration, Preventative PDO Threadlift in Cheeks, Midface, Jawline, Neck: Note improved eyelid and jawline contouring.
Age 55:
Condition: Deflated Cheeks; Lower Facial and Neck Laxity; Deflated Lips; Neck Platysmal Bands
Solution: PDO Thread Lift with Dermafirm in Jawline and Neck; Lip and Cheek Filler, Botox for Neck Bands: Note improved cheek and lip volume, sharpened jawline and improved neck bands with firmer skin.
Age: 65 years
Condition: Jawline and Neck Skin Laxity
Solution: PDO Thread Lift with Dermafirm in Jawline and Neck
Age: 75 Years
Condition: Fullness and Loss of Definition of Jawline
Solution: PDO Thread Lift of Jawline with Dermafirm: Note improved skin tone and tightening of the jawline.
Age: 79 Years
Condition: Diffuse loss of facial volume with descent of the midface, pronounced laxity of jawline and neck, and lip lines
Solution: Restoration of cheek and jawline volume and lip lines with fillers, PDO thread lift with Dermafirm in cheeks, jawline, neck: Note rejuvenated, uplifted look after volume restoration and skin lifting and firming.
Age: 65 Years
Condition: Mild laxity of jawline and moderate laxity of neck skin
Solution: PDO Thread Lift with Dermafirm in Jawlilne and Neck
