7 Things to Know if You’re Considering a PDO Thread Lift, a.k.a the “Lunchtime Lift”
Whoever said age is just a number forgot to mention it to our skin! Over time, our skin begins to sag and loses the youthful, plump appearance we once enjoyed. The PDO thread lift has rightly earned its place as one of the most popular non-surgical rejuvenation procedures in recent years, with many calling it the “lunchtime lift” due to its quick and easy treatment process.
But before you jump in, Granite Bay Cosmetic Surgery’s resident facial plastic surgery expert, Dr. Haley Bray, shares 7 things you should know if you’re considering a PDO thread lift.
- It’s a less-invasive, more affordable, and more subtle alternative to a facelift
- The thread lift procedure is relatively quick, with minimal downtime required
- PDO threads aren’t permanent – they dissolve
- Thread lift results are immediate and look even better over time
- A thread lift can help lift more than just your face
- Thread lifts have high satisfaction rates
- A facial rejuvenation specialist should perform your thread lift
1. It’s a less-invasive, more affordable, and more subtle alternative to a facelift
It’s no secret that a facelift achieves transformative results, but if you don’t need or want a surgical procedure, a PDO thread lift may be just the ticket to refresh your appearance! A thread lift is our go-to procedure to lift the skin along the mid-face and neck for a firmer, sculpted cheek and jawline appearance without the recovery or the price tag that comes with surgery. This procedure is ideal for patients who have some degree of skin laxity and jowls, but who aren’t ready to commit to more invasive procedures.
2. The thread lift procedure is relatively quick, with minimal downtime required
If you have an hour to spare, you have time for a PDO thread lift! We perform thread lifts in the comfortable treatment suites right in our office. We will numb your skin, make a tiny incision, and insert a thin cannula to place the thread to lift and anchor your skin in a naturally higher position—the number of threads you need and their placement will be determined by your skin’s condition and aesthetic goals.
You can immediately resume most daily activities or go back to work after your thread lift; simply avoid rubbing or stretching the skin where the threads are placed. Some patients take 1-3 days of social downtime to let mild swelling and bruising subside, and strenuous activities should be delayed for 1 week to avoid excess swelling. These effects quickly diminish after a week or two and can be easily concealed with makeup.
3. PDO threads aren’t permanent – they dissolve
The threads are made of dissolvable material called polydioxanone (PDO). Your body breaks down and absorbs the thread about 6-9 months following your treatment. PDO threads are very safe and have been used in cosmetic procedures, such as breast lift, breast reduction, and tummy tuck, to help support tissues and boost collagen stores.
4. Thread lift results are immediate and look even better over time
You’ll notice the lifting effects instantly! The threads are lined with tiny “barbs” to keep them in place, help support sagging skin, and trigger your body’s natural healing process. Your body responds by boosting collagen and elastin production to tighten and lift the skin over time. Thread lift results typically last up to 1-2 years or longer!
5. A thread lift can help lift more than just your face
The threads are incredibly versatile and can treat sagging skin in other areas besides the mid-face, including the neck and the décolleté.
Pro tip: Treating your face and neck achieves stronger overall improvement to your appearance since your face and neck will experience the same level of rejuvenation.
In many cases, if you have lax skin on your face, the skin on your neck will also benefit from a boost!
6. Thread lifts have high satisfaction rates
According to RealSelf, thread lift has a Worth It rating of 79%. We dug a little deeper to see what factored into this rating and found that patients who didn’t think their thread lift was worth it had a few things in common:
- Unrealistic expectations. Thread lift results are beautifully subtle. Patients who expected surgical results from a non-surgical procedure were underwhelmed with their natural-looking results.
- Poor candidates for the procedure. Patients with very thin skin often reported they could see the thread through their skin or noticed indentions and puckering where the threads were placed.
- Did not vet their provider. A small number of patients reported scarring, nerve damage, or extrusion. Reports of serious side effects indicate their provider was likely underqualified to perform the thread lift safely and effectively.
7. A facial rejuvenation specialist should perform your thread lift
Choosing a qualified provider—ideally, a facial plastic surgeon—to perform your thread lift helps ensure you receive optimal results you love while avoiding potential complications. While a thread lift is a minimally-invasive, relatively straightforward procedure, an artistic and thoughtful approach to placement will make all the difference in your results and overall treatment experience. It’s also crucial that your provider can accurately determine if you are a good candidate for a thread lift and offer other effective facial rejuvenation alternatives, if needed.
Thread lift with female plastic surgeon Dr. Haley Bray
If you are interested in learning if a thread lift is the ideal procedure for you, fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon Dr. Haley Bray would be happy to meet with you to discuss your goals, assess your appearance, and explain your options. Dr. Bray has dedicated her practice to surgical and non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures and has the skills and expertise to create a refreshed appearance you will love. We invite you to call our practice at (916) 242-2662 or contact us online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Bray today!
