Tucson Dentist

PDO Thread LiftTucson, AZ

A PDO thread lift is an innovative cosmetic procedure that addresses loose, sagging skin to create a more youthful, toned appearance. Watching one's body change can be an uncomfortable experience, especially due to aging. Fortunately, we can help you fight signs of aging without needing more intensive surgical procedures.

The Casas Adobes Dentistry offers a PDO thread lift, conveniently located in Tucson, AZ. We encourage those interested in restoring their youthful appearance to call our office at (520) 365-0559 and schedule a consultation today.

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What is a PDO Thread Lift?

A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a special PDO (Polydioxanone) thread to lift, tighten, and tone the skin. The treatment can help reduce or eliminate wrinkles and other signs of aging in various areas of the body, such as the forehead, jawline, neck, nasolabial folds (nose to mouth lines), marionette lines (mouth corners), and eyes.

PDO thread lifts are like facelifts because they aim to improve the appearance of sagging skin on targeted areas of the patient's face or neck by lifting it upward from its current position. The threads also promote the body's production of collagen and elastin. However, unlike facelifts that use surgical tools to cut away excess skin and insert new tissue into these areas (which is then stitched back into place), PDO threads work by tightening existing fibers of the dermis layer without the involvement of multiple incisions.

Benefits of a PDO Thread Lift

PDO thread lifts offer many benefits besides being an alternative to surgery. Many benefits come from the actual thread and process steps used during the procedure. Additional benefits include reliability, durability, safety, efficiency, and the convenience of the procedure.

Reliability

The threads are strong, enabling them to withstand the tugging and pulling forces of the patient's muscles. This means they will not break down or slip out of place as they work to tighten the patient's skin.

Durability

The threads consist of a material that will not degrade over time. This means they will not lose their effectiveness after a few months compared to injectable fillers.

Safety

PDO threads contain polydioxanone, a synthetic material classified as biocompatible with human tissue. Meaning that it is not known to cause adverse reactions or complications when in contact with human skin.

Efficiency

The threads will tighten the patient's skin by applying consistent pressure over time to the targeted area, making it easy to get results without needing multiple sessions.

Convenience

One of the major benefits patients enjoy is that we perform the procedure in-office, which only takes 30-60 minutes to complete. Timing depends on the area of the body and the size of the area being treated.

PDO Thread Lift vs. Surgical Face Lift

A surgical lift is an invasive procedure that involves cutting, tightening, and removing excess skin, fat, and muscle tissue. A surgeon places the patient under general or local anesthesia, depending on the patient's preference. The recovery period for a surgical facelift can last several months to a year due to significant swelling as the patient heals from the procedure.

In contrast, PDO thread lifts use a special technique to lift and tighten the skin without multiple or major incisions, making them less invasive. Also, with the thread method, the recovery times are minimal. PDO thread lifts are not intended to be complete substitutes for traditional surgical facelifts–they are simply another way of achieving similar results without going under the knife.

What to expect during the treatment process

Patients will need to set up a consultation with our doctor to ensure this procedure is right for them. We will review their medical history and examine the area of concern. Once the doctor determines the patient is a good candidate for this procedure, we will get them scheduled for their procedure. Before the procedure, patients must refrain from consuming tobacco, alcohol, and blood thinning medication such as Aspirin for a minimum of 5 days.

On the procedure day, we will perform the treatment in-office while only taking up to an hour of the patient's time. We will start by placing the patient under local anesthesia before the procedure to ensure they will not experience any discomfort. We then insert the threads into the patient's dermis layer (lower layer) of the skin by using a micro-needle to enable the lifting and tightening as it moves. Finally, we will remove the needle through the original small incision at the end of the treatment.

While most patients will be able to return home the same day, we may keep them for a short time after the procedure to ensure no immediate complications arise.

Along with some immediately noticeable changes, patients can expect to see the full effect as the threads dissolve over 2-6 months. Typically, the six-month mark is when the threads are completely dissolved, and the new collagen is in place. Lasting results have various factors depending on the patient's body, but the average is between 2-3 years after a single session.

Recovery

Recovery times are different for everyone. The length of time depends on the extent of the patient's procedure, age, and overall health. After the procedure, their faces will be numb and possibly asymmetrical for a few hours. During this time, we advise patients to avoid eating or drinking anything hot until the numbness has worn off.

We recommend that all patients rest for a few days to kickstart healing. However, they can continue with their normal activities once these side effects wear off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What body areas can the PDO Thread Lift treat?

A. A common misconception is that the PDO Thread Lift is reserved for the face. That is not true. This procedure can treat the forehead, jawline, neck, nasolabial folds (nose-to-mouth lines), marionette lines (mouth corners), and eyes.

Q. How long does it take for the threads to dissolve?

A. The threads will dissolve gradually, usually over a period of 2-6 months. The threads most commonly completely dissolve around six months after the procedure. Once they dissolve, you will be able to see the full effect of the procedure.

Q. How long will the procedure take?

A. The procedure can take upwards of 60 minutes or as little as 30 minutes. Timing depends on which body area we will be threading. For example, the corners of your mouth will not take as long as the jawbone and neck.

Q. Is the procedure itself painful?

A. The PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure, as we do not need to make multiple or deep incisions to your body. However, since we still need to use needles and thread to pull muscles, we will place you under local anesthesia to ensure you are relaxed and feel nothing during the process.

Q. How long will my results last?

A. Results vary based on the specific patient. Factors include:

  • Age
  • Overall health
  • Extent of the procedure

It is common for results to last between 2-3 years. However, results can last longer or shorter than expected.

Contact Us

Casas Adobes Dentistry is located at 7520 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 200 Tucson, AZ 85704.

(520) 365-0559

Appointment changes require a call during business hours to avoid charges. Please no text, email, or voicemail.*