When it comes to looking our best, many of us are interested in cosmetic procedures to help us achieve our goals.
With busy lives, we want efficient options that can help us look refreshed without much downtime. No wonder minimally invasive treatments like PDO thread lifts have become so popular.
In 2020 alone, there were over 13 million minimally invasive cosmetic procedures performed. If you recently had a PDO thread lift, you may be wondering - what can I expect in the next few weeks while my skin adapts to the threads?
Even though it is a non-surgical procedure, recovery is still an important process.
This article will walk you through what the typical healing looks like, especially in that critical first two weeks.
The first few days
In the initial days following your thread lift procedure, it is very common to experience some swelling and bruising around the treated areas. This is a normal biological response as your skin adjusts to the inserted threads.
The good news is that for most people, swelling and discoloration peak during this first week and then begin to resolve.
Be sure to take it easy during this initial recovery period - strenuous activity can increase swelling and inflammation. Sleeping propped up on your back with your head elevated can help minimize swelling.
You may also feel some sensitivity or knotting under your skin where the threads were inserted. This is also normal and typically subsides within a week or two.
Understanding PDO thread lifts
Okay, before we dive more into the two-week timeline, let’s recap what PDO thread lifts actually are for those who may be unfamiliar.
PDO stands for polydioxanone - a type of suture material that has been used in medical procedures for years.
After the PDO thread is inserted, there will be two results: after the mono threads are inserted, there is no improvement on the face, but after the cog threads are inserted, you can see the immediate face lifting effect.
These includes lifting the cheek muscles to reduce the nasolabial folds and sagging corners of the mouth, etc.
Both mono threads and cog threads will gradually stimulate the production of collagen one month after insertion.
The collagen of mono threads can make the face tighter and smoother, achieving the effect of wrinkle removal, while cog threads strengthen the lifting effect.
Finally, the thread will not be seen after insertion. If the thread is seen, it means that this is a failed operation. If the PDO thread lift was a success the results are beautiful, with subtle improvements that look incredibly natural.
Week 1 post-procedure
By the one-week mark, most patients report gradual improvements in the treated areas. Swelling, tenderness, and bruising continue to decrease day by day.
You still may not see the final results quite yet, but difficulties with initial side effects should be resolved as you progress in healing.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to keep you comfortable, but the severity of any pain is typically decreasing rapidly by the end of the first week.
Week 2 post-procedure
As week two begins, most patients really start seeing a noticeable difference. The threads stimulate collagen regeneration in the deeper layers of the skin.
As this collagen production ramps up, skin becomes firmer and more youthful in appearance.
Since the sutures are absorbable, some dissolving of the threads may begin around this two-week mark but this just means your natural collagen regeneration process is well on its way!
What types of changes can you expect to see around the two weeks? Let’s walk through them:
Swelling/bruising
Lingering swelling and bruising continue to resolve and should not be as extensive. The use of cold compresses and head elevation still is helpful in accelerating this process.
Discomfort
Your skin still may feel some tightness or subtle soreness around the areas treated with threadlifts but any discomfort is typically minimal by week two. Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide relief if needed.
Skin regeneration
Collagen regeneration will continue over the coming months but even by week two, your skin should start feeling firmer and more lifted. These results will become even more noticeable over time! Patience is key as your body works through its renewal process.
Follow any personalized post-procedure skincare instructions from your provider to best supplement your body’s beautifully rejuvenating efforts.
They will advise you on when follow-up appointments are recommended to assess your progress and address any questions along the way.
How to prepare for your thread lift recovery
So what should you do to prep for thread lift success? First, what you really need is a good night's sleep before your appointment.
This will help you feel more refreshed. Drink enough water and don’t wear any lotion or makeup. Also, arrange for a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
You’ll be awake for the treatment but may feel tired or “out of it” post-procedure from relaxation medication. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
After your thread lifts, be diligent about following your doctor’s recovery instructions to the letter. This may include things like:
- Keeping treated areas clean and dry
- Applying antibiotic cream to prevent infection
- Taking prescribed pain meds as directed
- Avoiding strenuous exercise for 1-2 weeks
- Steering clear of facial treatments or massages for 2 weeks
- Wearing a supportive chin strap for up to a week to minimize swelling
During the first week, you can expect to look and feel a bit off—redness, minor swelling, some tenderness or soreness are all par for the course.
This is temporary. It’s crucial to let your body heal and not overdo activities too soon. Listen to what your skin needs! Around days 3-5, you’ll start noticing improvements in tone and contour.
In week 2, you should transition from recovery to repair mode. Swelling and bruising continue to go down. Take it easy when you can. Do gentle stretches or neck exercises if cleared by your doctor. By the end of week 2, most people feel comfortable enough to return to work, light exercise, and normal routines.
Weeks 3 and 4 are when everything comes together nicely. As treated areas heal, you’ll see great improvements in skin tightness and firmness. Your doctor can determine if follow-up appointments or touch-ups are needed for optimal results around this time.
The key is staying patient through the ups and downs of recovery. Embrace the process and know that each day gets you closer to looking refreshed and vibrant.
Listen to your doctor’s recommendations and your body’s needs. Both will guide you to threadlift success.
Picking threads for long-lasting outcomes
I don’t know about you but when I commit to a cosmetic procedure, I need those results to last! The threads used during your lift directly impact longevity.
Your doctor will determine the best type and technique for your facial concerns, unique anatomy, and desired outcome. While everyone is different, here are helpful factors to consider:
Treatment goals
Be very clear with your doctor about the improvements you hope to achieve. Do you want to smooth fine lines and wrinkles around your mouth and eyes?
Give sagging cheeks a lift? Define and contour your jawline. Different threads target different concerns. Outline your priorities so your doctor can customize an optimal thread-lifting plan.
Facial characteristics
Your doctor will thoroughly assess your facial anatomy, bone structure, musculature, and skin to Recommend the ideal thread type and placement technique. Areas to evaluate are your skin’s thickness, elasticity, bone density, and amount of fat/volume loss.
Discuss your medical history as well since health conditions can impact how your body responds to threads. Being candid will help your doctor develop the best thread lift approach.
Doctor’s expertise
Do your research and ask doctors about their thread lift experience and specializations. How long have they performed threading techniques? Some focus on volume restoration in the midface while others excel at Nasolabial fold improvements.
See before and after photos to get a sense of their aesthetic style and capabilities. An experienced, reputable doctor who listens to your wants is key to beautiful, long-lasting outcomes.
Preserve your lifted look
Congratulations on your new, vibrant contoured face! Now it’s time for some TLC to prolong that youthful thread lift glow. Be diligent about wearing SPF 30+ daily, even when cloudy. Reapply every 2 hours.
UV exposure is the skin's number one number one when it comes to reversing age. Quit smoking if you haven’t already. Staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich whole foods, minimizing alcohol intake, and sleeping 7-9 hours per night helps nourish skin from the inside out.
Establish a customized skincare routine with your doctor’s guidance for cleansing, toning, serums, moisturizers, and masks. Use a jade roller massage to enhance circulation and product absorption.
Do monthly derma rolling sessions to boost collagen. Avoid super hot showers and limit exfoliating since facial skin will be sensitive. Always be gentle! Lastly, schedule any follow-up appointments your doctor recommends for check-ins and touch-ups if needed.
Additional injectables like dermal fillers can beautifully complement your threads by restoring lost facial volume. Combination therapies often provide the most dramatic, longest-lasting rejuvenation when precisely coordinated by an expert.
Following up with your doctor
Patience is key with thread lifts. You’ll start seeing improvements within weeks but final results take shape around the 4-6 month mark. Therefore, follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your progress! Here are helpful guidelines:
Attend all follow ups
Adhere to the follow-up timeline your doctor provides, even if you feel your results look perfect already.
Around the 3-4 week mark, your doctor will evaluate how your threads have settled and if any issues need troubleshooting.
At the 2, 4, and 6-month visits, they can determine if any touch-up threads or adjustments are needed for optimal outcomes.
Consider maintenance
Depending on collagen stimulation results, your doctor may recommend a maintenance pass of new threads between 12-24 months out from your initial lift.
Think of this as refining and supporting your refreshed look. Maintenance sessions utilize fewer threads than the original procedure to revive your contours. They can be scheduled easily during lunch break appointments.
Communicate openly
Keep an open dialogue with your doctor about every aspect of your thread lift experience at follow-up visits and anytime in between. Share questions, concerns, changes you notice, or issues you’re having.
Tracking progress through photos helps immensely, so take pics from multiple angles monthly to spot subtle improvements. Voicing feedback ensures you get the aesthetic outcomes you want long term.
Your doctor wants you to look your brilliant best months and years after a thread lift. Committing to follow-up care is the best way to safeguard your investment in time, money, and newly boosted confidence!
When thread lift results become noticeable
If you’re counting down the days until your thread-lifted facial transformation is complete, patience is key. While some improvements are instant, the true transformation takes place gradually over weeks. Here’s a helpful road map of what to expect:
Immediately after
Thanks to the skin tightening and rejuvenating effect of inserted PDO threads, many patients notice refined facial contours and improvements in skin texture and tone right away.
The degree varies but the instant “lift” impacts the lower face most noticeably. Enjoy your refreshed look knowing there’s more youth restoration to come!
1 week out
Expect some residual redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness during the first week as your body adjusts to the threads.
Some mild discomfort is normal but call your doctor about signs of infection (increasing redness, severe swelling). Focus on diligent aftercare and stick to a soft foods diet to prevent reopening wounds.
Weeks 2-4
Around days 10-15, swelling dissipates to reveal your new contours. Collagen starts developing around threads, restoring plump firmness from within.
You’ll look more like your vibrant youthful self every day. By weeks 3-4, you can ditch the recovery rules and get back to normal life with better confidence.
1-4 months post-procedure
Now the real transformation unfolds! Continued collagen production over the next few months enhances your improvements dramatically— it’s like watching yourself age in reverse.
Your skin gains density, elasticity, and supple firmness while treated areas appear smooth and toned. Now you’ll reap the full benefits of your thread lift and understand why waiting is so worth it.
The key is realizing results are a gradual (yet exciting) process. With the right self-care and realistic expectations, your patience will undoubtedly pay off. Soon you’ll be looking as radiant as you feel.
Where to purchase high-quality PDO threads
When seeking top-notch PDO threads for your procedure, look no further than Diaminy.
As a premier thread lift resource for doctors and providers across the country, Diaminy Aesthetics sets the gold standard for thread quality, safety, and hassle-free shipping.
All of Diaminy PDO threads promote natural collagen rebuilding for youthful plumping and firmness over time.
They safely dissolve in 6-8 months after the work is done. Diamine Aesthetics utilizes top-grade materials approved by the FDA for smooth insertion, patient comfort, and reliable skin revitalization.
Conclusion
Preparing mentally and physically before your thread lift primes you for success during and after your treatment.
Realistic expectations about temporary swelling, redness, and bruising can prevent worrying about common side effects.
Following all of your doctor’s post-procedure recommendations diligently guarantees optimal healing. Tracking subtle improvements with photos helps you stay motivated and positive.
Remember, patience through the recovery process lets your body gradually reveal youthful, vibrant enhancements over the first months.
Attending all follow-up visits ensures your doctor can troubleshoot issues and determine if any touch-up threads are needed down the road. Want lasting results? Commit to the long haul!
Ultimately you’ll reap the rewards of refreshed, defined contours and firmer, luminous skin that shaves years off your looks.
