non-surgical face-lift
PDO Thread Lift
A PDO thread lift has a much lower risk of complication than a face-lift surgery, with less risk of scarring, bruising, or bleeding when performed by the experienced clinicians at The Look Lab.
Polydioxanone (PDO threads)
Polydioxanone (PDO threads) are commonly used for cardiothoracic surgery, but they are also an effective alternative to a face-lift. The ability of PDO threads to be absorbed by hydrolysis within 4 to 6 months without creating scar tissue is a great advantage. When the suture threads are placed in your body, they trigger the fibroblast cells to produce more collagen, replacing the protein that provides the skin with its structure and elasticity. This newly generated skin structure will hold for 12 to 15 months.
When we are younger, our faces resemble a beautiful V-shape. As we age, tissues weaken as gravity pulls down on the face, so the V-shape is lost. PDO threads create a framework that supports the tissues and keeps them in the V-shape, or if needed, lifts the tissue, and repositions the skin to return the face to its former V-shape.
PDO Thread Lift Benefits:
• Smooth cheeks and mid-face
• Lift brows
• Tighten neck
• Lift jowls
• Firm body areas
PDO threads are divided into 3 categories:
• PDO smooth or mono threads – Smooth sutures that rejuvenate skin by stimulating collagen production.
• PDO barb or cog threads – Barb threads latch on to the skin like fishhooks, providing lift and support for the face.
• PDO twist or screw threads – Two intertwining threads that restore volume to sunken areas of the skin.
Effective For:
Prior to PDO Thread Lift
A week before a PDO thread lift, you should begin avoiding any NSAIDS, such as aspirin, Motrin and Aleve. These medication cause blood thinning that can complicate the procedure. You should also avoid any supplements such as Vitamin E, Omega-3, and garlic. There are a few things that you can take to help with swelling and bruising, such as arnica capsules and pineapple juice.
The PDO Thread Lift Procedure
After the area is numbed, a preloaded PDO thread cannula is inserted into your skin to stimulate collagen where there is volume loss or folding skin. It can also be placed where needed to pull or tighten skin, such as on the neck or brow. The cannula is then removed, and the thread is cut and left beneath the skin to be fully absorbed within four to six months. Typically, there is an immediate lift or glow to the treated area. Within a month or two, new collagen will begin growing between these threads, further lifting, and tightening the skin. The procedure typically takes no more than 60 minutes, depending on the size and location of the treatment area.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery is minimal, with bruising and swelling typically lasting no more than 24 to 48 hours. You can immediately resume daily activities. For one week following the procedure, avoid rubbing your face which can dislodge the thread. Propping your head on a pillow as you sleep can help to prevent you from rolling onto your face.
Activities to avoid following procedure:
- Rubbing face
- Sleeping on side
- Pursing lips
- Drinking with a straw
- Smoking
- Intense exercise
- Saunas
- Facial massages
- Eating large or difficult to chew food
Oral and topical arnica can help with the bruising and pain at insertion points. If you are still experiencing pain after two weeks, talk to your doctor at The Look Lab. Your body will gradually absorb the sutures over the next several months, however the lift and skin tightening results will last an average of 9 to 12 months. Some studies show thread lifts lasting between one and three years, depending on age, skin elasticity, or skin volume.
Locations
8787 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Suite 206 Scottsdale, AZ 85255
3545 E. Indian School Rd. Suite C Phoenix, AZ 85018
7805 Clayton Rd. Clayton, MO 63117
Locations
8787 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Suite 206
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
3545 E. Indian School Rd. Suite C
Phoenix, AZ 85018
7805 Clayton Rd.
Clayton, MO 63117
Phone
Hours
Tuesday-Saturday: 10am-6pm