Stage 4 of Facial Sculpting: Tightening With PDO Threads
And now, last but certainly not least, we are on Stage 4 of Facial Sculpting: Tightening With PDO Threads! As I explained in my very first blog post, “The 4 Stages of Facial Sculpting,” I do facial sculpting procedures in stages, instead of all at once. All together, the process takes anywhere from 6-12 months.
There are several benefits to this approach, especially for you, as the patient. For one, you don’t have to pay all at once! Your payments can be spread out throughout the year. This method also gives your body optimal recovery time and more time for me, as your Aesthetic Nurse Injector, to assess our next plan of action 😁.
The other three stages of the process are stage 1 (Kybella™), stage 2 (BOTOX®), and stage 3 (Dermal Fillers). I’ve attached the links to them, so that you can catch up after reading this 😉.
What Are PDO Threads?
As part of the natural process of aging, our skin will eventually start to weaken. This is the result of our body starting to produce less elastic tissue (elastin). Unfortunately, this is what causes that dreaded loose skin. This usually manifests itself around the mouth, jowl, cheek and neck area. The goal of PDO thread lifts is for you to regain your beautiful facial structure through lifting and tightening that loose skin, especially in the neck area. My patients love them because they are able to reduce the signs of aging without having to go under the knife 🔪, which is what a typical facelift would require. This is far less invasive and provides a temporary lift in case you’re still exploring the option of undergoing a facelift procedure in the future.
Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are inserted through a thin tube right underneath the skin. The threads then attach to the surrounding tissue, setting a new framework. Once they are in place, I will then give them a little tug to lift the skin and set the sutures in place. Over the coming months, the body will begin to generate new collagen and elastin surrounding the thread. Which, in turn provides even better results over time as well as help to rejuvenate the skin tone and texture due to the influx of new collagen and elastin production! This takes up to six months to fully form, so your results will actually look very natural. There will be no need to worry about those dreaded “Did you just get surgery?” questions 🙄.
Why Is ‘Tightening’ Stage 4 Of Facial Sculpting?
Similar to the reasoning for Stage 3, tightening is important, but we need to clear the way first. We are able to eliminate most of the fat in stage 1 (KYBELLA®). And we then get rid of the wrinkles in stage 2 (Botox®). But more often than not, these two steps aren’t enough to wipe out that annoying loose skin, though. After Stages 1-3 are finished, the lower face/neck will need a little ‘pick-me-up’ that fillers and botox can’t accomplish alone. PDO Threads can take 5-10 years off of the face after a quick 30 minute session with me, Aesthetic Nurse, Jennifer Perry. We need to ensure that the dermal fillers, Botox® and Kybella™ have worked their magic before we come in with the final touch - PDO Thread Lift.
How Long Is The Recovery Time For PDO Thread Lift Tightening?
Due to the nature of the procedure, recovery time is actually very quick. Most of my patients are able to return to work and their other daily activities immediately. Other than some mild bruising and redness (which can easily be covered), there are very little side effects. If the bruising begins to darken, don’t hesitate to contact me (or your injector) right away. Again, this procedure is an extremely safe and effective temporary alternative to a surgical facelift.
Facial Treatment Areas:
eye brows
mid-face
cheeks
jawline
neck
How Long Does The PDO Thread Tightening Last?
PDO thread procedures are made to last relatively long term. They typically will climax at around six months post-treatment, and will slowly decline from there. Once the previous threads are totally dissolved, you can go through the treatment again! Essentially, the PDO Threads are made of the same material as modern sutures, so they are safe for your body to absorb.
Am I An Ideal Candidate For Tightening With PDO Threads?
PDO thread facelifts are ideal for both men and women who are noticing light sagging, loose or excess skin around the neck, mouth, eyes and lower face. If you are looking to fix these issues with a treatment that is minimally invasive, and easy on the wallet, then a PDO thread lift is definitely right for you!
Where Can I Get a PDO Thread Lift?
Art of Injection® offers PDO thread lifts in the 4 Stages of Facial Sculpting. Jennifer Perry is a Registered Nurse, RN First Assistant, and top Aesthetic Nurse Injector at this facility. Book an appointment to see Jennifer at Body + Beauty Lab in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania! Jennifer would be thrilled to talk with you about your goals for facial sculpting!