Athena Plastic Surgery

Avron Lipshitz, MD | Stuart, FL

Athena Plastic Surgery Logo
Natural results, Advanced Techniques, Exceptional Care
Call Us 772-324-8197
Watch Our Practice Videos
  • Home
  • About
    • Meet Dr. Avron H. Lipschitz
    • Meet Dr. Maikhoi Pham
    • Meet the Staff
    • Tour The Facility
    • In the Media
    • Reviews
    • Blog
    • CareCredit Financing
    • Locations
      • Stuart Office
    • Patient Resources
      • Insurance Information
      • Financing
      • Patient Forms
      • Patient Reviews
      • Pre and Post Operative Instructions
      • FAQ
      • Video Demonstrations
  • Gallery
    • Before & Afters
    • 3D Before & Afters
  • Cosmetic
    • 3D Simulated Consultations
      • VECTRA H2
    • Face
      • Facelift and Neck Lift
      • Blepharoplasty – Eyelid Surgery
      • Rhinoplasty – Nose Surgery
      • Brow Lift
      • Otoplasty
      • Ultherapy
      • Threadlifting
    • Breast
      • Breast Surgery Overview
      • Breast Augmentation
      • Breast Lift
      • Breast Reduction in Stuart FL
      • Breast Implant Revision
    • Body
      • Liposuction
      • Tummy Tuck
      • Mommy Makeover
      • Non-Invasive
        • EndyMed PRO Non-Invasive Skin Tightening
        • EndyMed Intensif Microneedling
    • Male Cosmetic Surgery
  • Injectables
    • Dysport
    • Xeomin Injections
    • Dermal Fillers
    • Lip Injections
    • Belotero
    • Botox Special
    • Juvederm
    • Liquid Facelift
    • Restylane
    • Restylane Silk
    • Sculptra
    • Voluma
    • Botox & Dysport
  • Reconstruction
    • Breast Reconstruction
    • MOBILE WOUND CARE
    • Facial Reconstruction
  • Medspa
    • Vanquish Me Fat Reduction
    • Ultherapy
    • EndyMed Intensif Microneedling
    • EndyMed PRO Non-Invasive Skin Tightening
    • HydraFacial
    • Laser Services
      • IPL LimeLight Photofacial Rejuvenation
      • Laser Genesis Non-Ablative Skin Resurfacing
      • Laser Hair Removal
      • Pearl Fractional Full-Face and Ablative Resurfacing
    • Skin Care
    • Spa Services
  • Biote
    • Women
      • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy for Women
      • Hormone Balance For Women
      • Pellet Therapy For Women
      • Hormone Imbalance Symptoms in Women
    • Men
      • Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy For Men
      • Hormone Balance For Men
      • Pellet Therapy for Men
      • Pellet Therapy Benefits for Men
      • Hormone Imbalance Symptoms in Men
  • Specials & Events
  • Contact

How Do PDO Threads Work?

For anti-aging treatments, one classic surgical solution is a facelift. However, a facelift may not be appropriate for some people or may not be preferable for those who are looking for a less invasive option. At Athena Plastic Surgery in Stuart, FL, we know that alternative treatments like PDO threads can be an excellent option for those who have moderate to severe signs of aging on the face and neck, including sagging or loose skin.

How Do PDO Threads Work?

PDO threads are an innovative treatment that works by physically lifting loose and sagging skin into a higher position. These threads are made with Polydioxanone, a special type of suture that has been used in cardiovascular surgeries for decades. The PDO suture is made of a special protein that is thinner than hair and that encourages more complete wound healing in the body.

There are a few steps for your treatment that will include topical numbing cream, thread insertion, and finally collagen production. You can expect your treatment to take about 60 minutes to complete for most moderate to severe concerns. If you are treating multiple areas of the face or neck, then your appointment may take longer.

Topical Numbing

Although PDO threads are minimally invasive, they do require the use of a hollow needle or cannula that will insert the thread into the skin. For this reason, many patients like to use a topical numbing cream to prepare the skin for treatment. The topical numbing cream is usually lidocaine or another similar numbing agent.

When the topical cream is applied to the skin, it will be allowed to sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes to activate. We will check to determine whether or not you need additional comfort measures, such as twilight sedatives, to ensure your comfort for the duration of the treatment.

Thread Insertion

The thread insertion through the hollow needle is the core of PDO treatments. Different types of threads are used for this treatment, such as smooth threads or corkscrew threads. The style of the thread used for treatment will directly determine the results you will be able to achieve. For example, some PDO threads are ideal for severe concerns, while others are more appropriate for simply lifting the skin.

The hollow needle that inserts the thread will be directed to a targeted area of skin laxity in the face. Once the thread takes hold of the sub-dermal layers of the skin, it will then be pulled taut beneath the skin and fixed to a higher position, which will then tighten the surface appearance of the skin.

Collagen Production

After threads have been inserted into the skin in desired areas, the magic of PDO threads will begin. It may take some time for your body to respond to the special protein of these medical-grade structures, but research indicates that PDO treatments can encourage the natural production of new collagen. Because this treatment can stimulate the production of a significant amount of collagen, it is an ideal option for those who are looking to achieve natural-looking results.

What Should You Do Before Treatment?

You may be given a few instructions to follow before your appointment, such as medications or supplements you should not take. For the most part, blood-thinning medications and supplements should be avoided, including aspirin and certain herbs. Before your treatment, you should not have a laser or wax treatment within two weeks of your appointment. You may also want to stop using certain products on your skin that may irritate the skin, such as retinoids.

What Should You Do After Treatment?

After your treatment, it’s very important to not touch any area where the thread has been inserted. You may want to use cold gel compresses pressed between cotton cloth to soothe the injection sites. You should avoid hot water, saunas, excessive heat, and direct sunlight until after you have recovered.

Some people find benefit in elevating their head during slumber or sleeping on their back. You should not use makeup or irritating skincare products for at least 24 to 48 hours. We may give you more specific after-care instructions when your treatment is finished.

How Quickly Will You See Results?

Most people will be able to see the results of a PDO thread left within about three to four weeks after their treatment. This is about as long as it will take for your body to respond to the protein in the medical-grade sutures. The collagen maturation process will take at least four weeks, so your earliest results will be visible a month after your initial treatment.

These results will continue to improve as more collagen is produced in targeted areas of the face. With more time, you will notice vast improvements in your overall appearance, including more skin firmness and volume. Your final results may take as long as six to eight weeks to achieve based on the condition of your skin.

How Can You Maintain Your Results?

As with any other aesthetic treatment, you may be invested in maintaining results for as long as possible. There are several things that you’ll be able to do to ensure that your results can last for as long as possible. For example, having regular treatments or using good skincare habits can help your results last for a significant time.

Regular Treatments

The results of your threadlift will generally last for at least 18 months, although some people may be able to achieve results that last for longer based on skincare habits and their unique biology. If you want to maintain continuous results, then you should schedule annual treatments every 18 to 24 months to maintain a high collagen production that will help you look younger for longer.

Skincare

The skincare products you use each day can have a huge impact on the quality and texture of your skin. For example, using anti-aging skincare products that contain collagen can maintain a tighter and more youthful texture for your skin. Your skincare products and your skincare routine should cater to the precise needs of your skin. If you aren’t sure how to build a skincare routine that addresses all of your aesthetic goals, please speak with one of our aesthetic experts for guidance.

Sun Protection

For age-related concerns, the absolute best way to maintain your desired results is to use daily sun protection. UV rays from the sun cause visible skin aging, particularly dark spots and skin laxity. By protecting your skin from harmful sunlight, you can maintain the health of the collagen and the subdermal layers of your skin while also preventing premature skin laxity. Most people should be able to use SPF 30 to 40 to achieve adequate skin protection.

Aesthetic Treatments

You may also want to consider maintaining your results with other aesthetic treatments. Based on your overall goals, you can use a variety of injectable and facial treatments to contour your face, tighten your skin, or replenish skin volume. For example, a thread lift is commonly used to tighten and lift the skin, while a dermal filler may be paired with your treatment to address hollow areas under the eyes or in the cheeks.

You can also use resurfacing skin treatments, including light and laser treatments, to address sun damage, blemishes, scarring, and other dark spots. By combining multiple treatments, you can achieve all of your skincare goals at one time.

When Should You Have This Treatment?

Because PDO treatment is designed to address moderate to severe signs of physical skin aging, most people will generally wait until they are between the ages of 30 and 40 to have a threadlift. This can be an ideal time for the treatment because this is the time when the collagen depletion in your skin is most obvious. Of course, you can still use this treatment even if you are over 40.

Are You a Good Candidate?

People who make the best candidates for this minimally invasive treatment include those who are contending with moderate to severe signs of skin aging. You will need to attend a consultation appointment to assess your eligibility for a threadlift.

Tighten Your Skin Without Surgery

If you want to look younger and achieve long-lasting results without using a surgical facelift, then a non-surgical treatment like PDO threads can be an excellent option for you. The results of this treatment can last for at least 18 months for most people and can be used to address moderate to severe signs of visible aging, such as skin laxity. Contact us at Athena Plastic Surgery in Stuart, FL today to schedule your consultation appointment.

Filed Under: Blog

Ultherapy Menu

  • What is UltherapyⓇ
  • Results Gallery
  • In the News
  • In Print
  • What is Unique about UltherapyⓇ
  • How Long Does Treatment Take?
  • The Recovery Process
  • When Can I Expect Results

Request a Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Athena Plastic Surgery

Avron Lipschitz MD
Plastic Surgery Johns Hopkins Fellowship Trained
Double Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and America Board of Surgery
ASAPS Member Logo
Member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

  • DR. Avron's Publications
  • Before and After Photos
  • Blog
  • Ask the Doctor

Office Hours

  • Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
  • Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Locations

Athena Plastic Surgery
903 SE Monterey Commons Blvd
Stuart, FL 34996
Phone: (772) 324-8197
Email: dravy@dravronlipschitz.com

Like us on Facebook

Athena Plastic Surgery & Medspa
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Financing


*Unless otherwise stated, models are used throughout this website. Individual Results may vary.

Recent Posts

  • Get to Know Your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in Stuart, FL
  • Everything You Need to Know About Breast Surgery
  • How Long Do Lip Injections Last and Other Common Questions
© 2023 PatientNow | RxMarketing Site Map | TOS/Privacy Policy | Athena Plastic Surgery

Saturday Hours

Sign-Up To Get Started with the Biote Program.

Biote Consult

Athena Plastic Surgery
Now Offers Tele-plastic Surgery
Online Appointments

Learn More