How Long Do the Results of a Non-Surgical Facelift Last Compared to a Surgical One?

When considering ways to rejuvenate the face, many people weigh the options between surgical and non-surgical methods. PDO threads offer a non-surgical alternative to traditional facelifts, promising a less invasive procedure with minimal downtime. This treatment involves inserting dissolvable threads into the skin to lift and tighten sagging areas, and it’s gaining popularity for those hesitant about more invasive surgeries. While surgical facelifts provide long-lasting and dramatic results, PDO threads appeal due to quick recovery and reduced risks.

What are PDO Threads?

PDO threads, which are Polydioxanone threads, are a popular non-surgical option for facial rejuvenation. Due to their safety and biocompatibility, these threads are fully dissolvable sutures typically used in medical procedures, including cardiothoracic surgery. In aesthetic treatments, PDO threads are employed to lift and tighten sagging skin without invasive surgery.

The PDO thread lift procedure involves inserting the threads into the skin using fine needles. These threads have tiny barbs or cones that latch onto the underside of the skin and, when pulled tight, create a lifting effect. As the body absorbs the threads over time, they also stimulate collagen production, improving the skin’s texture and elasticity.

There are three main types of PDO threads used in cosmetic procedures:

1. Mono Threads: Smooth sutures that provide a small lift and focus on rejuvenating the skin by stimulating collagen.
2. Cog Threads: These threads have barbs that latch onto the skin to provide a more significant lift and are typically used for more noticeable sagging.
3. Screw Threads: Consisting of one or two intertwined threads, these are used to restore volume to sunken areas of the skin.

Non-Surgical Facelift Procedure

During the actual procedure, the skin is first cleansed and then treated with a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. In some cases, local anesthesia may also be injected at the treatment sites to enhance comfort. The PDO threads themselves are introduced into the skin using fine needles. These threads are made from Polydioxanone, a material safe for medical use and known for its ability to dissolve naturally over time.

The practitioner inserts the threads beneath the skin, strategically placing them in areas where lifting is desired. The threads can be mono, cog, or screw types, each serving different purposes such as lifting, volumizing, or collagen stimulation. Once inserted, the practitioner adjusts the threads to tighten the skin and achieve the desired lift. The threads have barbs or cones that catch onto the underside of the skin, pulling it taut.

As the threads are manipulated, they create an immediate lifting effect. Over the following months, as the threads gradually dissolve, they stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. This process helps to improve the skin’s texture and firmness, providing lasting benefits even after the threads have fully absorbed.

The entire procedure typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of threads used and the areas treated. Recovery is swift, with most patients experiencing only minor swelling or bruising that subsides within a few days. The quick recovery time is one of the major advantages of a PDO thread lift, allowing patients to return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Advantages of PDO Thread Facelifts Over Surgical Facelifts

PDO thread facelifts offer several advantages over traditional surgical facelifts, primarily due to their minimally invasive nature, reduced recovery time, and the stimulation of natural body processes like collagen production. Here’s a detailed look at these benefits:

1. Minimally Invasive: Unlike surgical facelifts, which involve incisions and deeper manipulation of facial tissues, PDO thread lifts use fine needles to insert the threads under the skin. This process does not require cuts or stitches, significantly reducing the risk of scarring and infections​​.
2. Reduced Recovery Time: One of the most significant advantages of PDO thread lifts is the minimal downtime required. Patients typically experience mild swelling and bruising for a few days compared to the weeks of recovery associated with traditional facelifts. This shorter recovery period allows patients to return to normal activities much sooner​.
3. Immediate Results with Progressive Improvement: PDO threads provide an immediate lifting effect, but the full results unfold over time as the threads stimulate collagen production. This natural regeneration process improves the skin’s texture and firmness, making the skin look more youthful and rejuvenated as time passes​.
4. Lower Risk of Complications: The non-surgical nature of PDO thread lifts results in a lower risk of complications than surgical facelifts. Surgical facelifts can lead to risks such as nerve damage, longer-term numbness, and more significant scarring. In contrast, the most common side effects of PDO threads are temporary and typically mild, such as slight discomfort or bruising at the injection sites​.
5. Customizable and Versatile: PDO thread lifts can be tailored to meet each patient’s specific needs and goals. Different types of threads—mono, cog, and screw—can be used depending on the desired effect, whether it’s lifting, volumizing, or simply enhancing skin texture. This customization allows for targeted improvements without the need for a full facelift​​.
6. Cost-Effective: Generally, PDO thread lifts are less expensive than surgical facelifts. The costs associated with surgery—such as anesthesia, hospital fees, and aftercare—are much higher than the relatively simple and quick procedure of inserting PDO threads.

PDO Threads vs. Surgical Facelift: Results and Longevity

When evaluating the results and longevity of PDO threads versus surgical facelifts, here are the key distinctions:

Results:

• PDO Threads: These provide a more subtle improvement than surgical options. They lift and tighten the skin while stimulating collagen production, enhancing skin texture and firmness over time. The changes are noticeable but natural-looking, suited for those who prefer less dramatic enhancement​.
• Surgical Facelift: This offers more significant and visible results. The procedure involves adjusting deeper tissues and removing excess skin, which can substantially reduce aging signs. The effects are more transformative and are designed to address severe sagging and wrinkles​.

Longevity:

• PDO Threads: The effects last about 6 to 18 months. Although the threads themselves dissolve, the collagen produced during the process helps maintain skin improvement for a while. Repeat treatments are necessary for ongoing results​.
• Surgical Facelift: The results of a surgical facelift can last 5 to 10 years or more, making it a longer-term solution. Due to its comprehensive approach, it slows the aging process in treated areas​.

Takeaway

Ready to rejuvenate your appearance and boost your confidence with minimal downtime? Contact Live Vibrant Wellness And Aesthetics today to explore our non-surgical facelift options, including innovative PDO thread treatments. Whether you want to enhance your natural beauty or subtly achieve significant anti-aging effects, we’re here to help guide you through your options and tailor a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle. Don’t wait to start your journey towards a more youthful and vibrant you—schedule your consultation with us now!