Can PDO Threads Improve Nasolabial Folds?

Addressing Smile Lines With a Thread Lift

A thread lift can be an effective option to minimize deep smile lines. Threads can help improve the appearance of nasolabial folds by lifting and providing support to the underlying structures of the skin in the treated area.

Here's how PDO threads for smile lines work:

Structural Support: Threads are strategically placed in the subcutaneous layer of the middle area of the face. The barbs on the threads anchor onto the soft tissue of the skin and once they are secured, the threads are pulled to reposition and tighten the skin. The threads offer structural support that helps to lift sagging skin and minimize the appearance of nasolabial folds.

Collagen Thread Stimulation: Once in place, the threads begin to break down and the PDO (polydioxanone) material stimulates the production of collagen. Collagen is the main protein responsible for maintaining the skin's elasticity that naturally decreases in production as you age. By promoting collagen synthesis, PDO threads help to restore volume and firmness to the skin.

Natural-Looking Results: One of the advantages of this procedure is that it delivers natural-looking results. The lifting effect is immediate and may sometimes be overemphasized, but the skin settles down in a few weeks as the threads gradually fall into place with the help of gravity. For those looking for more natural-looking results, threads can be utilized to avoid that tightly pulled or dramatically lifted look that can be associated with more invasive procedures.

Minimally Invasive: PDO thread lifts are minimally invasive compared to surgical procedures like facelifts. They are generally performed with local anesthesia and typically involve less downtime and a quicker recovery period. This makes them an attractive option for individuals who want to improve their nasolabial folds without the risks and downtime associated with surgery.

How Long Do PDO Threads for Smile Lines Last?

The duration of PDO threads for smile lines can vary from person to person due to factors such as individual differences, lifestyle, and the specific area treated. Minimally invasive thread lift results are not permanent, but can last anywhere from 6 months to a year, and in some cases, even longer. 

The initial lift is the result of the threads being inserted into the skin and providing immediate support. The primary mechanism behind the longevity of the results is the tensile strength of the PDO thread. Tensile strength is the maximum amount of stress that a suture can endure before breaking. Optimal tensile strength ensures that the PDO thread can withstand the load exerted on it from the weight of the tissue and the tension from being pulled taut. Threads with inadequate tensile strength can snap during or after the treatment and fail to sustain the results.⁠ Choosing a reliable provider and a reliable thread with high tensile strength are both important when considering a thread lift.

Most of the barbs that hold up to tissue dissolve at the 6 to 8 month mark, but the PDO continues to work within the skin to stimulate the body's natural response is to generate more of the protein around the thread. This new collagen provides ongoing support to the treated area to offer further improvement in terms of skin texture, tightness, and reduction in the appearance of wrinkles or lines.

While peak results are noticeable around 3 to 6 months post-procedure, maintenance treatments with additional threads can extend the effects. To prolong the results, some individuals choose to undergo maintenance or touch-up treatments. These can involve adding additional threads to maintain the lift and collagen-stimulating effects. The frequency of touch-up treatments varies based on individual preferences and needs. 

What You Need To Know Before Considering a Thread Lift

Threads can help improve smile lines by lifting the sagging skin that creates its heavy appearance and improving the laxity. The results of a PDO thread for smile lines can last from several months to a year because of the collagen-stimulating effects from the threads. While the effects are temporary, many individuals find the treatment to be a valuable option for achieving a more rejuvenated look without the need for surgery. 

Consulting a medical professional is advised to determine personalized expectations and recommendations for achieving a rejuvenated appearance without surgery.

It's important to have realistic expectations about the duration of your results. Individual factors such as age, skin condition, lifestyle choices play a role in the duration of results, along with the number of threads used, type of threads used, and the design and techniques that were used. To see if PDO thread lift is the right treatment for you, it is highly advised to consult with a qualified medical professional who can assess your skin, discuss your goals, and provide personalized recommendations.