PDO thread treatments can help you recapture your self-esteem with little to no preparation! The main way to prepare for your PDO thread (polydioxanone thread) procedure is to cut out the use of any and all blood-thinning medications or supplements at least a week before your scheduled appointment.
Avoid Blood Thinners
Certain medications, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and some herbal supplements, can disrupt blood clotting. For at least two weeks before the procedure, avoid taking supplements such as vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, and fish oils.
There are some things you should avoid one to two days before treatment such as, alcohol, caffeine, advil/ibuprofen, fish oil supplements, Vitamin E, Intense workouts, steamroom, saunas, and hottubs.
Additionally, the threads used in the thread lift procedure can cause a foreign body reaction in the tissue, leading to swelling and inflammation. This is a normal response, and the swelling typically resolves on its own within a few days to a week after the procedure.
The sensations and swelling will dissipate over the coming week as the tissue heals and acclimates to its new addition. You'll see instant results from the physical lift, but there is more to come since collagen takes 2-3 months to generate fully.
Over the first few days to weeks, the tight feeling will relax to some degree. Soreness almost always occurs after treatment. There may be a dull pain that typically goes away after a week or two. There will often be discomfort from chewing or any facial movement.
So can you smile after PDO threads have been inserted into your skin? The short answer is yes, but don't overdo it just yet. Several days immediately after the procedure, you might find it uncomfortable doing exertive facial movements and doing rigorous activities.
Is a thread lift painful? During a thread lift procedure, you receive local anesthesia, so you don't feel any pain. After the procedure, you may experience some pain, discomfort and soreness. You can take an over-the-counter or prescription pain reliever for several days until the discomfort goes away.
It is recommended to avoid touching, wetting and washing your face for a minimum of 12 hours after the treatment. Even after that, it is best not to scrub or massage the treated area for around three weeks post-treatment.
Try to sleep on your back with your head propped up on a pillow to minimize swelling after a thread lift.
Taking a bath or a shower: After your treatment, you should wait at least 12 hours before bathing, soaking, or touching the treated area. Once you begin washing and cleansing the region, avoid massaging or scrubbing with a washcloth for the first three weeks following your thread lift.
Avoid straining. A day or two after surgery, the hair can be washed again using lukewarm water and baby shampoo. Notify the doctor of any severe swelling in the neck or cheek areas or if the pain becomes severe on one side only. Rest for the first 48 hours.
Not only does PDO thread lifting physically lift and tighten the skin, but it also promotes the production of new, healthy collagen fibers to further enhance your look over time.
You will want to avoid widely opening your mouth for two weeks while the threads are incorporating. You should avoid eating bagels, tall sandwiches, steak, and other items that require lots of chewing or widely opening your mouth for two weeks.
For most patients, this treatment results in an immediate improvement because the placement of the threads offers a lift right away. Your results will fully develop, or settle, over the next month as the body begins to ramp up collagen production that will offer longer-term support.
Con: Thread lifts are costly to repeat
Although a thread lift may be less expensive than a facelift, the cost adds up when you have to get a refresh every few years. “When fracturing outcomes, cost and downtime, I still believe patients are better off with traditional surgical procedures,” says Dr. Kwak.
PDO thread lifts are a minimally invasive and effective treatment for your skin problems. They aren't normally felt or seen underneath the skin. However, in some rare cases of people with thin skin, they can feel them when they press on these areas.
Patients typically need between one and four treatments for the best results, though the skin is visibly improved after the first treatment. Many patients chose to prolong the effects of PDO threading for several years with annual maintenance treatments.
Sleeping on Your Stomach or Side
One of the worst things you can do after a thread lift is to apply an excessive amount of pressure to the treated area. If you sleep on your stomach or side within the first five nights post-treatment, you may experience swelling, discomfort, bruising, or less-than-optimal results.
Thread breakage.
Thread breakage happens when there's excessive movement, rubbing, or moisture in the PDO threads. A tell-tale sign of thread breakage is when you feel the puncture points used to insert the threads as they heal. You may also feel a slight pulling or tight sensation in the skin.
You Can't Exercise After a PDO Thread Lift
Unfortunately, you must avoid exercising for seven days after your treatment. You can still walk at a moderate pace. However, you must avoid performing vigorous cardiovascular exercise or resistance training.
Keep your head elevated for the first 7-10 nights when sleeping. Use a second pillow or elevate the head-part of the bed. Sleep face-up and not on the treated areas (1 week). Wash and dry your face gently, without rubbing or massaging (2 weeks).