What is a PDO Thread Lift?

While many clinics offer the PDO Thread Lifts in Melbourne, few can boast the same level of professionalism and effectiveness as Elucell. Located in Richmond, our experienced and qualified Dr. Isabella Sillar specialises in facial harmonisation – making you feel more confident in your skin.
As we age, the body’s natural production of collagen slows down and we begin to lose volume in our face, contributing to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of ageing. PDO Thread Lifts can help address sagging skin and promote collagen production – optimally improving the ageing face. This procedure is non-invasive, has minimal downtime and is cost effective for those wanting to avoid going under the knife.
What is a PDO Thread Lift?
A PDO Thread Lift is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure.PDO Thread Lifts are designed to minimise or reverse the signs of ageing. PDO Threads help to tighten your skin and work by inserting long barbed Bio-Degradable Polydioxanone sutures into your face that are able to then be “pulled” up and tightened.
The PDO Thread Lift aims to lift and sculpt the shape of your Neck, Lower Face, Mid Face, Eyebrows or Body.The typical candidate for a Thread Lift is in their 30’s to early 60’s. A person who is generally in good health and is just starting to notice the signs of ageing may benefit most from the natural impact of a Thread Lift.
Those who can’t have a surgical facelift because of medical conditions or cost may consider a PDO Thread Lift as a safer and more affordable alternative.
How does a PDO Thread Lift work?
PDO Thread Lifts are the strategic placement of surgical grade suturing threads into the superficial fatty tissue to help address changes associated with ageing.
Classically, this is seen as jowling, turkey neck and loss of jawline definition, additionally PDO Threads can also be used to address hooded eyes.
Ageing is complex however with PDO Threads we can address the accumulated deficiencies in collagen and elastin within the skin and superficial fatty tissue layers providing patients with a refreshed look.
As the body ages, 25% of collagen is lost at the age of 40 and up to 80% of collagen by the age 70. Oral supplements can help reduce the rate of reabsorption but unfortunately it does not help with stimulating collagen in the exact area of concern where ageing is most visually affecting the individual. This is where PDO Threads are useful to provide targeted collagen production either as a lifting treatment (Barbed PDO Threads), or within the skin (Mono/Smooth Threads).
For PDO Thread Lifts the patient leaves the clinic with an immediate lift, the maximal result is seen between 6 and 12 weeks depending on the patient. The threads are delivered during a non-invasive procedure over 60 – 90 minutes and discomfort is kept to a minimum with topical and infiltrated local anaesthetic.
How long does a PDO Thread Lift last?
Patients can expect a PDO Thread Lift to last anywhere from 12 – 24 months. The great thing about this treatment is that it offers immediate lifting results and support for the skin while also stimulating collagen production. This will help promote longer lasting skin rejuvenation.
Results vary from patient to patient, but most results last as long as 24 months. Adding additional treatments help with the longevity of your results. These treatments include Injectables, Plasma Skin Resurfacing and Chemical Peels. Looking after your skin at home is also important. Wearing SPF and using good at home Skincare products help prolong the results of your PDO Thread Lift.
Who is best suited for a PDO Thread Lift?
During your consultation, we will determine whether or not you qualify for this treatment. We base this not only on the condition of your skin, but also your lifestyle habits, general health, and aesthetic goals. This treatment is a good choice for many, and most people who consider this treatment tend to be a good candidate. A good candidate is someone who is looking for a:
- Non-invasive alternative to surgery
- Promoting collagen production
- Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Reversing the signs of ageing
- Enjoying long-lasting results
Because everyone ages at a different pace, there is no one age at which patients should consider this treatment. The right time to consider a Thread Lift is when you are beginning to see early signs of ageing. Sometimes patients ask us if they should postpone treatment until they really need it. We usually recommend that if a patient is interested in the treatment, they go ahead and pursue it as soon as the signs of ageing are developing. If you delay treatment, you may find that a Thread Lift alone may not be enough to resolve your concerns.
What is the Downtime?
Downtime following these procedures directly relates to the intensity of the treatment, the patient’s age and medical comorbidities. For example a young, fit healthy 30 year old who has 2-3 threads placed per side will generally recover within 3-7 days with complete resolution at 14 days. Downtime & recovery naturally increases with age and can be due to medical comorbidities. Bruising and swelling can take 7-14 days to completely resolve.
When more threads are administered during the procedure downtime tends to increase. Ideally patients have their initial ‘big’ treatment (60 – 90 minute procedure) and then microcontour at the 6-week mark to achieve their final result (45 minute procedure).
The layering of treatments prevents prolonged and uncomfortable downtime. Furthermore reducing the risk of asymmetries that compound when multiple threads are used in a single session as it becomes more complex to balance the many vectors being used to correct age related changes.
Ultimately this is a very personal and individualised procedure and requires a thorough pre-assessment to fully educate the individual, provide realistic expectations and identify any contraindications to the treatment.
How much does a PDO Thread Lift cost?
The cost for a PDO Thread Lift is $2,400. Areas you can have a Thread Lift are:
- Neck/Jawline Left
- Lower Face
- Mid Face
- Brow Lift
- Body