Aging skin isn’t just an issue for the elderly; every year after we turn 20 we lose 1% of our skin’s collagen. That percentage can double after we turn 30. Like any other aspect of aging, preventing skin damage is more effective than trying to reverse it, and one of the best ways to do both is through thread lifts.
What are PDO Threads?
PDO threads have been used for decades in various surgical procedures, with their most recent use in the aesthetic field. After insertion, the thread absorbs into the body over four to six months. There have been no reports of allergic reactions or long-term complications.
The key to PDO’s success is its ability to stimulate the body’s natural collagen formation, essentially prompting the skin to heal itself. The threads are made of a biodegradable, synthetic, non-animal polymer and are inserted beneath the skin to tighten and restructure aging skin.
Dr. Izadi’s actual patient. Subject to copyright. Results may vary.
What can thread lifts do?
PDO threads can contour the face and body, reduce wrinkles, lift and tighten skin, and increase collagen production. This explains their rapid rise in popularity globally.
At Pristine Wellness Center, I often pair thread lifts with a preparatory PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) facial to rejuvenate the skin on both a surface and structural level.
Why expertise matters
Unfortunately, many untrained practitioners now offer PDO thread procedures. To address this, the UK-based APDOT (Association of PDO Thread) was established in 2016 to standardize training, technique, and product quality for patient safety.
Not all threads are equal
Choosing the right type of thread is essential. Non-absorbable threads, like contour threads (popular in 2004), are less common now due to complications. Aptos threads are invasive, non-absorbing, and require long downtimes. Silhouette Soft threads use PLA with molded cones and are among the most expensive, despite issues like weak tensile strength, cone repositioning, granuloma formation, and puckering.
Among absorbable threads available in the U.S., PDO threads are shorter-lasting, PLLA is often too stiff, and PLC can be too soft. PLACL threads, made from a blend of PLC and PLLA, are considered ideal for long-lasting results.
Benefits of thread lifts
Thread lifts offer shorter recovery time, less pain, and lower cost than many other aesthetic procedures. Most patients return to work the next day and require only Tylenol for discomfort.
However, thread lifts aren’t a replacement for surgical facelifts, especially for patients with significant sagging. Surgical facelifts remain the best option in such cases.
Who is a candidate?
Good candidates range from 25 to 80 years old. Younger patients may use threads preventatively, while older patients benefit from targeted lifting and collagen stimulation.
The success of a thread lift depends on choosing a skilled, honest, and experienced doctor with deep knowledge of thread types and techniques.
This article was published in Atherton Living and Los Altos Hills Living magazines in 2021.
