PDO thread lift and skin threading in Adelaide

A PDO thread lift, also known as skin threading, is a non-surgical treatment that involves the insertion of dissolvable threads under the skin to provide temporary structural support and a lifting effect. It is classified as a higher risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure because threads are inserted into tissue. Results vary and are not equivalent to a surgical facelift.

No procedure is risk free, including non-surgical options such as PDO thread lifts. Potential complications include infection, bruising, swelling, tenderness, dimpling or puckering, asymmetry and thread migration or extrusion. Less commonly, nerve injury or scarring can occur. How much risk applies to you depends on your suitability, the technique used and the practitioner’s experience, which is why a consultation is required before treatment.

Thread migration can happen, but it isn’t frequent. It sits alongside other uncommon side effects such as minor surface irregularities, visible threads, or temporary asymmetry. 

The likelihood of these outcomes varies depending on the technique used, the practitioner’s experience and individual factors. Discuss this with your practitioner at consultation so you understand the risks as they apply to you.

The threads are gradually absorbed over several months, but that isn’t the same as how long any visible effect lasts. The effect can change as swelling settles and your body’s response develops. It also varies with your skin, the area treated and the threads used. Your practitioner will explain what’s realistic for you, including whether further treatment may be needed.

Firstly, the area is cleaned and then marked up for the intended thread placement. Local anaesthetic is then injected to create a block, and local infiltration is also added to the area of entry. A fine cannula is used to pull the thread beneath the skin. The thread is then delivered to the desired area and engaged, and the skin is raised and adjusted to the position that is desired. The exact technique depends on the thread design, the treatment area and your anatomy, and your practitioner will explain the plan beforehand.

Only small entry points are used, typically near the hairline. As with any procedure that penetrates the skin, scarring and infection are possible, and careful aseptic technique is used to reduce this risk. Treatment usually takes around one to one and a half hours, depending on the area and the number of threads.

Unlike a surgical face lift, there is no need for a general anaesthetic. A local anaesthetic is used to reduce pain.

All procedures, including non-surgical options such as PDO thread lifts, carry potential risks and side effects. It is important to undergo a consultation with a qualified health professional to determine if this treatment is appropriate for you. 

Potential side effects may include:

• Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the treated area, typically resolving within a few days. 
• A temporary sensation of tightness or mild dimpling of the skin, which usually resolves without intervention.
• Infrequent outcomes such as thread migration, minor surface irregularities, or temporary asymmetry. 
• Rare but more serious risks may include infection, inflammation, nodule formation, or nerve involvement. 

The outcome and side effects vary with individual anatomy, technique and the threads used, which is why treatment must be performed by an appropriately qualified and experienced practitioner. Your practitioner will explain the risks relevant to your treatment plan, including what to do if you have any concerns during recovery.

A thread lift involves some downtime, though significantly less than a surgical facelift. Most patients take one to two days off work while swelling and discolouration fades, although this isn’t always necessary. Swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness and temporary irregularities can occur. Recovery depends on the extent of treatment and how your body heals. 

Your practitioner will give you individual aftercare instructions. These may include avoiding strenuous exercise for approximately five days and limiting facial pressure.

There’s no single age range that makes someone suitable for a thread lift. It may be considered for people with mild to moderate skin laxity or changes in facial contour, including those who have had a surgical facelift and are noticing sagging again. It isn’t appropriate for every type or degree of laxity, and other approaches may be more suitable.

Suitability depends on your anatomy, skin quality, degree of laxity, medical history and expectations. It is determined at consultation.