Lifting and Collagen Enhancing Threads
Increased skin laxity or loose skin is one of the most obvious signs of aging. For patients who prefer to avoid facelift surgery and have not seen a positive effect from skin tightening devices, thread lifts can be an effective alternative. Absorbable PDO thread lifts allow us to physically lift the dermis and reposition fat pads without surgery to achieve more lift and contour and decrease the appearance of sagging skin.
Panteha Partovi MPA PA-C, known to her friends and clients as Pany, specializes in helping people achieve vibrancy within their age group with PDO and PLLA thread lifts in her Beverly Hills office.
Multimodality treatment
Multimodality treatment is necessary for some individuals as different mechanisms are used to treat specific issues such as fine lines and wrinkles, skin laxity, uneven skin tone or texture. In this specific case, we wanted to treat this individual’s deep set forehead lines as using a wrinkle relaxer on its own was not providing a satisfactory result. We added Solid PDO Threads within the dermis of the forehead to initiate the stimulation of collagen to give the skin more strength and structure and also used Laser Resurfacing to promote regeneration of the top layer of the skin to soften the appearance of already deep set lines. The addition of these two treatments, with a neurotoxin such as Botox gave us excellent results after a treatment period of 3-6 months!
PDO Thread Lift
This procedure employs temporary barbed threads made of surgical suture material to subtly lift surrounding tissue on the face and body. Once anchored, the threads can remodel the fat pads of the mid-face and can lift the dermis giving the face and body a more youthful appearance. These threads are absorbable by the body and after 4-6 weeks of placement, degradation of the thread is initiated by the body’s immune response and as a byproduct, new collagen forms.
Patients that choose to undergo a PDO thread lift in Beverly Hills will see an immediate improvement of sagging skin in the face and neck, however it takes about 4 weeks to appreciate maximum efficacy as swelling may occur post treatment. Over time, the skin will gradually look firmer, plumper, and younger over time due to the collagen regeneration. To maintain the best results this procedure may be repeated in 6-12 months.
MINT PDO
MINT PDO, originally from South Korea, is a safe and effective absorbable suture made from a biocompatible material called PDO (polydioxanone). With a safety record in surgery that spans more than a decade, PDO is a safe raw material that has been used for wound closure in orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries. Since 2004, MINT PDO has evolved and is now used in minimally invasive procedures such as soft tissue approximation. MINT PDO has also received a 510(K) clearance from the FDA, confirming that the device is safe and effective. It is currently used in 14 other countries globally.
Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) Solid Threads
A PLLA Thread is another minimally-invasive, non-surgical procedure that generates collagen to enhance skin texture and integrity. Like a PDO lift, it can rejuvenate the face and neck, with minimal need for downtime. However, a PLLA procedure utilizes a different material than PDO thread lifts do. Poly-L-lactic can be introduced to the skin using fine threads, which act on the mid to deep layers of the skin to prompt collagen production. Over time the PLLA threads dissolve, breaking down into non-toxic biocompatible substances. While both PDO and PLLA threads can produce impressive results, a PLLA solid thread directly initiates a collagen and elastin response to enhance skin integrity over time. PDO threads achieve an immediate contour and lift, then enhances collagen once degradation of the thread is initiated by the body.
Difference Between PDO and PLLA
Threads are generally performed to lift and tighten the skin and also to contour and shape the face. But in recent years, the use of threads has evolved beyond the face and is now used on other areas of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms. Threads are usually made from Polydioxanone (PDO) or Poly-L-Lactic acid (PLLA). Here are the main differences between these two threads.
- PDO threads have molded barbs that strongly anchors and lifts tissue, while PLLA threads do not lift surrounding tissue as they are smooth. They are meant to tighten the skin and improve texture by directly stimulating collagen around the thread.
- PDO is most commonly used for stitching sutures in surgeries and the effects can last up to 12 months, whereas the lifetime of PLLA threads is about 18 months. Even though both material stimulate collagen, PLLA is more effective in neocollagenesis than PDO.
- PDO is known to cause changes in the skin and that it can improve fine wrinkles and pores. PLLA can stimulate the production of collagen and can function as a volumizer.
Enhance, Lift and Contour Your Face
A thread lift is an effective procedure for midface lifting, lower face lifting, minimizing jowling in the lower face, minimizing nasolabial folds, non-surgical neck lift, and eyebrow lifting. Aesthetic expert Panteha Partovi MPA, PA-C combines thread lifts with lasers and fillers as an alternative to surgical facelifts.
This minimally-invasive treatment enhances the following facial areas:
- Sagging jawline or jowls
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Descending fat pads in the midface
- Flattening of the midface or cheeks
- Sagging neckline
- Undefined jawlines
- Eyebrow lift and contour
- Sagging jawline
How Will Recovery Look Like
After the procedure, you may return to your everyday life, such as driving, eating, walking. Swelling, bruising, and redness may occur after the treatment and the use of ice packs is recommended to ease any discomfort. In some cases, bandages are used for 1-2 days after the treatment to speed up recovery. To allow for the best results and reduce the risk of complications, some activities should be avoided, such as strenuous workouts, contact sports, excessive chewing or eating hard foods, dental procedures, facial massages, and excessive facial expressions in the first 2-3 weeks after the procedure. These activities may cause dislodging of the thread before full tissue integration has taken place. Both before and after your thread lift procedure, we will review any post-procedure restrictions and measures you can take to help ensure optimal results.
Risks and Side-Effects
Thread lifts are performed using FDA-approved sutures designed to lift and support facial tissue. Although PDO Thread Lifts and generally regarded as a low-risk procedure, they involve a certain amount of risk and side-effects. The most common side effects are discomfort and swelling right after the treatment. When you meet Pany, she will go over all possible side effects and explain how she minimizes risks.
Why Choose Panteha for Your Thread Lift?
Thanks to her years of anatomical and cadaveric training, Panteha has a deep understanding of symmetry and other elements that influence our perception of beauty. This, combined with her artistic approach and her superb listening and interpersonal skills, makes her one of the best thread lift experts in Beverly Hills. Furthermore, Panteha and her team will soon be expanding the PDO thread lift treatment to include body lifts. Let’s talk – call (310) 740-9373 or contact us online to book a consultation today.
FAQs
How long does a thread lift last?
Many elements affect the longevity of your PDO thread lift, including the injector’s expertise level and the type of sutures used. With this in mind, the results obtained through a PDO thread lift procedure can last up to 12 months or more, depending on your specific case.
How much does a thread lift cost?
The cost of a thread lift varies depending on your location, the type of suture used, the complexity of your case, and other elements. To get an accurate estimate, your best alternative is to consult with a cosmetic clinic in your area and request a quote.
Is PDO thread lift safe?
PDO thread lift is considered a safe, minimally-invasive procedure that provides amazing results. Even if there is a recovery period needed after the treatment, there is no lengthy downtime as with surgical facelifts. Discomfort and swelling are the most common side effects. In some rare cases, the treatment may cause more serious complications as infections, skin necrosis, or hair loss. Most patients can return to their daily activities right after the treatment.
Is a thread lift painful?
Thread lifts are performed under local anesthesia. Some discomfort can be caused by the numbing injections directly before the procedure. During the placement of the threads, clients may feel pulling or tugging. Ice and vibrational tools are used to maximize comfort. You may experience soreness hours or days after treatment, for which you may take medications such as Tynelol and use ice packs. Noticeable swelling and discomfort may last for a few days post-procedure up to 3-4 weeks.
What should you avoid after a thread lift?
It’s important to avoid contact sports, rubbing, or scrubbing of your face or any action that requires the prolonged activity of the mouth and jaw such as vigorous chewing or dental procedures. Furthermore, there are some additional steps you can take to increase your chances of success. Panteha creates a tailored action plan for each patient and will walk you through everything you need to know before the procedure.
Before and After
Panteha Partovi
MPA, PA-C – Owner, Founder & Aesthetic Specialist
Panteha Partovi is the founder and aesthetic specialist at Santosha Aesthetics. Known by her friends, family, and clients as Pany - her main goal is to help people restore and maintain a fresh and rejuvenated appearance.
She achieves this through a series of innovative, non-invasive aesthetic solutions in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills that offer great results and minimal downtime.
Read MoreCOMBO TREATMENTS
Combine and Save
The Lip Enhancer $650
Mild augmentation and definition of the lip and its borders
Half syringe of Restylane Kyss and Solid PDO Threads to lip borders
*Upgrade to a full syringe + $250
The Eye Opener $750
Treats under eye hollows and crow’s feet
One syringe of Restylane and 12 units Toxin of your choice (Botox, Dysport, Jeaveau)
*Upgrade Toxin + $10/unit
The Cheek Pop $1300
Gives more contour and definition to the lateral cheekbones
Two syringes of Restylane Lyft
*Upgrade each add’l syringe + $500
The ReJAWvenation $1300
Enhancement and definition of the jawline
Two syringes of Radiesse (1.5 cc)
*Upgrade each add’l syringe + $600