Have you been considering a facelift but keep reconsidering due to the time, money, and discomfort associated with this surgery? Do you want to correct loose skin, lines, and wrinkles with a non-invasive technique that can provide long-lasting results? If this sounds like you, a PDO threadlift could be the treatment you’ve been waiting for! We’re proud to provide this service to our patients at Restore Center for Aesthetics in Munster, IN.
How Long Does a PDO Threadlift Last?
A PDO thread lift is designed to lift and firm the skin with durable surgical threads originally used as sutures. These body-friendly threads can be safely injected into the skin and tightened to achieve desired anti-aging results within minutes. While they sit in the skin, these threads stimulate collagen production and help reinforce the skin’s natural structure. Even after they safely dissolve, the skin will continue to exhibit results for 8-14 months in total.
During a typical treatment, we carefully place the threads under the skin, leaving the ends on the exterior. Each thread is outfitted with small barb-like anchors that help hold the thread in place with zero discomfort. Once the thread is anchored into the skin, we can pull gently on the exposed end to manually lift the skin. When we have created your ideal image and addressed your concerns, we can sever the end, making the injected thread invisible.
A normal appointment takes just 20-60 minutes to complete, making it one of the fastest anti-aging treatments available. Once the threads dissolve 7-8 months after treatment, your skin will be exhibiting the benefits of collagen growth. This often includes, but is not limited to, decreased lines and wrinkles, tighter skin, a smoother texture, and a brighter complexion.
Which Concerns Can Be Treated?
With this simple treatment, we can treat many of the same concerns addressed by a traditional facelift. Here are some of the aging concerns we can correct with a PDO threadlift.
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Static wrinkles are caused by the breakdown of collagen proteins in the skin. These proteins are essential to the skin’s smooth, youthful appearance, but collagen production slows and the existing framework in the skin begins to deteriorate in the mid to late 30s. This causes fine lines and wrinkles, which can appear in most areas of the face, jawline, and neck.
Unlike dynamic wrinkles, which are formed by repeated muscle movement during facial expressions, static wrinkles can be treated by lifting and tightening the skin. A threadlift provides this instant lift while also encouraging new collagen growth, which helps enhance and prolong the final results of treatments for most patients.
Loose Skin
Skin laxity is also connected to collagen breakdown. This concern usually appears around the mouth, under the eyes, along the jawline, and in the neck. Mild skin laxity may begin to develop in your late 20s to early 30s, and moderate to severe skin laxity could make you look older or heavier than you actually are. For many patients, this can lead to low self-esteem when they examine their areas of concern.
A PDO threadlift can address mild to severe skin laxity in patients who want an alternative to traditional surgery. During your appointment, we can easily tighten the threads to achieve maximum lift while keeping your skin looking smooth and soft. The post-treatment collagen production adds additional lift, providing long-lasting results for the vast majority of our patients.
Face Shape
As you grow older, the general shape and contour of your face may change. As we tighten the skin, we can also make subtle adjustments to the shape of your face. This may include enhancing the cheekbones, smoothing the jawline, or rounding the chin. With these small changes, you could see years taken off your appearance in just one simple appointment.
How Natural Will My Results Look?
When considering facelift surgery, many patients want to know how natural their results will look. The same goes for a threadlift–even though this treatment is non-invasive, it still involves noticeable changes to your skin and face. At our professional office, you’ll experience the full attention of our experienced staff as we work with you to create your ideal results.
We work carefully to insert and tighten each thread based on your specific concerns, skin type, and signs of aging. Since we can see the results of your treatment immediately, we are able to ensure that your skin is not pinched or dimpled. This means that once we cut the ends of the threads, they will remain totally invisible beneath the skin until they dissolve, giving you an effortless, natural finish.
Is This Treatment Comparable to a Facelift?
A PDO threadlift is often compared to a surgical facelift due to its dramatic anti-aging results. While the methods are quite different, there are undeniable similarities between the results that can be achieved with these two options. Patients considering a facelift may benefit from learning more about this non-invasive option, especially if their aging concerns are mild or moderate.
A facelift offers results lasting 10-20 years and is currently the longest-lasting procedure available for aging concerns. On the other hand, a threadlift can provide results that last 8-14 months, but patients can schedule follow-up treatments to maintain their ideal results and combine this treatment with other anti-aging services. This treatment is also significantly less expensive than a facelift, making it more broadly accessible to patients.
Finally, the downtime associated with a threadlift is zero, compared to at least 2 weeks of downtime for a facelift. This allows patients to return to their normal routine immediately and provides them with a completely flexible treatment plan. Final results may include firmer skin, reduced skin laxity, and minimized lines and wrinkles, making the threadlift a viable option for most patients who may consider a facelift.
Am I an Ideal Candidate?
A good threadlift candidate is over 18 and displays noticeable signs of aging in the skin. They should complete an initial consultation with our doctor to determine their candidacy. In general, they should be healthy and free from any serious medical concerns before pursuing treatment. Good candidates should also have clear, informed expectations about the results they can expect to see after treatment.
This treatment may not be ideal for patients with any diagnosed bleeding disorder. It is not designed to correct dynamic wrinkles, which are caused by habitual muscle movements over time. This concern is often treated with a neurotoxin product like Botox. PDO threads cannot significantly affect the appearance of fat deposits under the skin. If needed, this specific concern can be addressed with Kybella treatments at our office.
Our doctor can recommend a threadlift treatment plan that fits your needs. If you’re unsure about your candidacy for treatment, our doctor will evaluate your skin and areas of concern during your initial consultation.
What Can I Expect?
Here is a brief overview of a typical threadlift treatment process.
Consultation
To begin, you will meet with our skilled doctor for a one-on-one consultation. This appointment is brief, but it allows us to examine your areas of concern in person and determine the best treatment plan for you. If your treatment plan includes a threadlift, we will answer any questions you have about this treatment and give you instructions to follow as you prepare for your first appointment.
Preparation
While preparing for this treatment is fairly easy, it’s important to examine your skin closely for signs of irritation or infection prior to the injection process. In order to avoid unnecessary irritation, you should stop using certain exfoliating or resurfacing skin care products and treatments prior to your appointment. You should also limit your sun exposure and stop taking blood-thinning medications to ensure a smooth, hassle-free treatment and recovery process.
Treatment
Before your appointment, we recommend that you wash your face and neck thoroughly and remove all makeup. One of our staff members will be available to answer questions before beginning the treatment process. First, we will clean the target skin and inject a small amount of anesthetic into the planned injection sites. This will ensure your comfort throughout the appointment.
Next, we will use a thin, hollow needle or cannula to inject each thread into the predetermined areas. As we remove the needle, the thread will anchor into place. We can then use the exposed end to adjust the tension of each injected PDO thread. We will sever the end of each thread, causing it to disappear into the skin without a trace. This means that no one will be able to tell that you had this treatment performed unless you choose to share this information.
After the threads are placed in the skin, we will allow you to admire your newly lifted skin. You should notice a difference in your appearance right away, but your results will continue to develop and improve for several months. We will provide you with instructions for recovery before you leave our office and begin your zero-downtime recovery period.
Recovery
While your skin heals, you should continue to avoid any unneeded irritation to the injection sites. In addition, you should not touch or rub the treated skin or injection sites for at least 1-2 weeks. Similarly, you should avoid sleeping on your side or face, pressing the skin, or having any treatment that would disturb the threads before they are fully settled into the skin. Our doctor will let you know when you can resume regular treatments and skincare routines.
Over the first 2-3 months, you should begin to notice the benefits of fresh collagen production. You may see that your skin has a new glow or exhibits fewer lines and wrinkles. By the time the threads dissolve, there will be approximately 100% more collagen in the treated skin than there was before your first appointment. This makes a PDO threadlift one of the most effective anti-aging treatments available today!
Results
After your skin heals, your results will continue to improve even after the PDO threads dissolve. New collagen will preserve your skin’s list, lasting up to 14 months after treatment. You can prolong these results with additional anti-aging treatments, and many patients choose to pursue follow-up PDO threadlift appointments 1-2 years after their first treatment in order to preserve their desired results.
Contact Us for More Information!
While a facelift was once the only reliable way to turn back the clock and restore youthful skin, you now have the option of using a PDO threadlift to smooth, tighten, and rejuvenate your skin. With this treatment, you can enjoy instant results that improve over time, an easy treatment process, a zero-downtime recovery, and long-term collagen regeneration in your areas of concern.
If you’re ready to learn more about this transformative treatment option, contact our team of professionals at Restore Center for Aesthetics in Munster, IN to schedule your initial consultation today! We look forward to helping you reach your cosmetic and anti-aging goals!
