What are PDO Threads?

Gone are the days when aesthetic treatments were predominantly the domain of women. Today, men are increasingly seeking ways to maintain a youthful and vibrant appearance, and one procedure in aesthetics men gravitate toward is thread lifts. This minimally invasive procedure is gaining popularity among men who desire a natural and rejuvenated look without undergoing extensive surgery. Let’s delve into why this procedure is a great fit, and take a deep look into the world of the thread face lift. 

PDO threads are biodegradable synthetic fibers, commonly used in medical suturing, which are now being employed for cosmetic purposes. When inserted under the skin, these threads act as a scaffold, supporting and lifting the tissues. The threads gradually dissolve over time, but the beneficial effects are extended via the production of collagen, a key protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness.

Aesthetic Procedure for Men

Men's skin tends to be thicker and ages differently compared to women's. Common concerns among men include sagging skin, pronounced jowls, and a lack of definition in the jawline. Thread lifts can address these issues as it works great on the mid-face, lifting the skin on or around the concerned areas. The procedure is particularly appealing for its subtlety – it offers natural-looking results, avoiding the 'overdone' or ‘obvious’ look that many men are keen to avoid.

The Procedure:

This non-surgical facelift is a quick and relatively painless procedure. It's typically done under local anesthesia and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Cannulas or needles are used to insert the threads into the skin, instantly lifting and tightening the area. The number of threads used varies depending on the desired outcome and the area being treated.

Common Areas of Concern for Men

Jowls: When it comes to jowls, the threads are inserted in the midface or behind the neck and along the jawline, and the barbs are used to pull the threads to tighten the skin on the jowls. You’ll often see smooth threads used in conjunction with barb ones for the jowls. Smooth threads are smaller, barbless threads primarily used as a collagen boost to improve skin tightening.

Jawline: Jawlines are known as a defining feature of masculinity on the face. As we get older, the skin around the jaw may sag, leading to a less pronounced jawline. Thread lifts help with this by pulling the skin above and below, accentuating the jaw.

Post-Procedure and Recovery:

One of the major advantages is the minimal downtime. Most men can return to their regular activities within a day. However, managing the recovery phase is still crucial for optimal results. This minimally invasive procedure, while less demanding than traditional surgery, still requires careful attention during the healing process.

Immediate Post-Procedure Period

Immediately after this non-surgical facelift, it's common to experience some mild swelling, redness, or bruising around the treated areas. These symptoms are typically mild and subside within a few days to a week. Most individuals find they can return to their normal activities quite soon after the thread face lift, often within the same day or the next.

First Week:

During the first week, it’s essential to treat the skin gently. Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated areas, as this can displace the threads and affect the outcome. Strenuous activities and heavy lifting should be avoided during this period to prevent any unnecessary strain on the threads that could lead to breakage or migration.

Diet and Lifestyle Considerations

Maintaining a healthy diet and staying well-hydrated aids in the recovery process. Some practitioners recommend avoiding alcohol and smoking, as these can impair the healing process. It's also advisable to sleep with the head elevated for the first few nights to reduce swelling.

Skincare and Sun Exposure

Harsh products or exfoliants should be avoided for the first few weeks, especially around the entry point. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and avoiding direct sun exposure helps protect the skin and slows down the long-term sagging of tissue that leads to a more aged appearance.

Customization:

A significant advantage of thread face lifts is the ability to tailor the procedure to individual needs. When it comes to aesthetic treatments, one size does not fit all. Recognizing the unique facial structures, skin types, and aesthetic goals of men is crucial in customizing thread face lifts procedures. Aesthetic practitioners customize the placement and type of threads used to target these specific areas, ensuring a more masculine and natural-looking lift. Customization extends to the number of threads and the technique of insertion, all tailored to address individual concerns while maintaining the subtlety and discretion often preferred by male clients.

Men’s skin is typically thicker, so it’s important to use strong PDO threads. Look for barbed threads that are press molded, not cut, as press molded are much stronger. This means the barbs are attached onto the core, instead of cut into the core. In addition, look for barbs that are placed in a 360 degree helical pattern along the core of the thread, as they anchor onto the tissue to maximize the lift.

Combining Thread Lifts with Other Treatments:

The most common aesthetic procedures for men are neurotoxins, dermal fillers, and chemical peels. These procedures are a great compliment to the thread lift.

Neurotoxin: Neurotoxins (think Botox or Dysport) relaxes the muscles that contribute to wrinkles, particularly around the forehead and eyes. When used in conjunction with PDO threads, which lift and tighten the skin, patients can see a reduction in dynamic wrinkles and an overall youthful, refreshed appearance.

Dermal Fillers: Fillers (like Restylane or Juvederm) are added to areas where definition and volume are desired. This can be particularly useful for building features like the chin and jawline. By utilizing threads prior to fillers, the provider may be able to use less filler than before to achieve a more harmonious balance to the face.

Chemical Peels and Skincare: Milder treatments like chemical peels or advanced skincare regimens can further refine the skin's surface, complementing the lifting effect of threads. These treatments help in achieving a smoother, clearer, and more radiant complexion, enhancing the overall rejuvenation effect. One treatment that has gained popularity is skin boosters, a solution that typically contains HA among other ingredients and is applied in a minimally/non-invasive way to enhance the skin.

Conclusion:
The introduction of PDO threads as a non-surgical facelift has opened a new chapter in aesthetic medicine, particularly for men who seek a discreet and effective solution to combat the signs of aging. This innovative technique bridges the gap between non-invasive treatments and surgery, offering a quick, safe, and effective way to restore a more youthful appearance. As the trend continues to grow, PDO threads stand out as a game-changer in men's aesthetics.