Now that the holidays are quickly upon us, how do we look great at the holiday party on very short notice? Luckily, there are several new aesthetic options that don't require surgery or significant downtime.
PDO threads are synthetic absorbable surgical sutures that are used to enhance the appearance of the area treated. Although most commonly used in the face, PDO threads have also been successfully used in the extremities and the abdomen. PDO stands for polydioxanone, a material that induces collagen production around the thread. The thread can increase collagen production by up to 100% in the area treated.
When barbed threads are used in the face, they can lift the skin in the cheeks, jowls and marionette lines. The contour of the face is improved while, at the same time, stimulating long-term collagen production. In addition, PDO threads can be used to give lip fullness as well as reduce wrinkles in the perioral area.
The procedure takes less than one hour and is done under local anesthesia. Bruising and swelling can occur, but usually, patients can apply makeup and return to work the next day. If desired, thread lifts can be added to enhance surgical procedures such as a neck lift or facelift. They can also be combined with dermal fillers or neurotoxin treatments.
For those patients do not want to undergo surgery, PDO threads offer an excellent alternative. The results last 12-24 months, but they are instantaneous and require minimal downtime. The best candidates for thread lifts are those who have early signs of aging. Patients with heavy tissues and advanced aging signs are probably better off with more traditional facial plastic surgery.
As with any aesthetic procedure, proper patient selection is key. If the patient is well informed and has appropriate expectations, PDO threads can yield a quick, natural-appearing rejuvenation. For the plastic surgeon, PDO threads represent another arrow in the ever-expanding quiver of choices that we can offer our patients.
So add a little Botox, some filler and a PDO lift and you can be at the company holiday party with no sign of surgery and without having missed a single day of work!