PDO Thread Lift in Marin & San Francisco, CA

At Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin, we are proud to offer our patients polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifts as an alternative to traditional surgical facelifts. PDO thread lifts can address mild to moderate skin laxity and hollowness that is the result of genetics, aging, and environmental factors. To perform this innovative and minimally invasive procedure, board-certified dermatologist Tracy Evans threads surgical-grade PDO fibers through the sagging or thinning tissue, which can then be lifted by gently tugging and positioning the fibers. PDO threads are safe and have long been used in heart surgeries due to their ability to help rebuild tissue, boost collagen, and be absorbed by the body. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Evans if a thread lift sounds like the right step for your cosmetic goals.

The best candidates for PDO thread lifts have mild to moderate sagging of the skin and want a firmer appearance without undergoing surgery. Thread lifts are optimal for you if you are noticing the first signs of aging. They can be performed to address sagging and lines anywhere on the face, including smoker's lines, nasolabial folds, moderate jowling, and even the neck. Ask Dr. Evans or someone on her professional team about the benefits of adding a dermal injectable to your PDO thread lift procedure.

PDO threads come in three forms: lift, twist, and smooth threads. Lift threads are used to gently lift the skin with extremely fine traction. Twist threads are used as fillers and are able to add volume to areas, like hollow cheeks. Smooth threads are designed to address tiny, fine lines, such as smoker's lines or Crow's feet.

Dr. Evans will discuss which kind of thread lift is best for you at your consultation so you are ready to go on the day of your appointment. Thread lifts are performed in our office with local anesthesia. You will be awake throughout the procedure, but the anesthesia will prevent any discomfort. Dr. Evans will mark the spots on your face where the threads will enter and exit and then use a very fine needle to carefully insert them into the tissue. Once they are in place, she will gently pull on the threads to create the lifted effect. Thread lift procedures usually last around one hour but can be shorter or longer, depending on the number of areas you have treated.

The results of a lifting procedure done with lift threads are typically visible as soon as the procedure is complete. Twist and smooth thread results can take 2 – 3 months to fully appear as these threads are actually working to transform the tissue from the inside out. Following your thread lift, your skin will be lifted and smoother for a refreshed, younger look. The puncture points of the threads will take a week or two to heal so you will have a bit of soreness and/or redness during this time. Otherwise, there really is no downtime after a thread lift. Ultimately, your thread lift results can last for a year or more, depending on the aggressiveness of your aging and your skin care regimen. 

How much does a thread lift cost?
At your consultation with Dr. Evans, she will decide which type of threads to use and how many areas will be treated based on your cosmetic goals. The cost of your thread lift will depend on these choices made during your consultation. We can also talk about payment method options or possible financing.

How are thread lifts better than facelifts?
For patients with early signs of aging or mild to moderate lines and wrinkles, thread lifts can provide the desired outcome without surgery. Surgical facelifts are designed to address significant or later signs of aging and require incisions and the actual removal of excess skin and tissue. One procedure is not "better" than the other, but a thread lift is a much gentler way to lift and contour before the need for surgery develops. 

Will I have scarring?
PDO thread lifts do not typically produce any scarring. The punctures created to insert the threads are very tiny and heal up virtually invisible. To ensure that your needle punctures heal correctly, we will give you a lot of important instructions for your skin's aftercare. 

Can thread lifts be combined with injectable fillers?
Yes. In fact, it is very common for our patients to have dermal fillers or wrinkle relaxers at the same time they have their thread lift. These treatments can beautifully enhance your results, particularly if you have more advanced signs of aging. Be sure to talk to Dr. Evans at your consultation if you are interested in incorporating injections at the time of your thread lift. 

How natural will my results look?
When performed by an experienced doctor or medical professional, thread lift results look very natural. It is really important to make sure that you choose to have your thread lift done by an established, reputable doctor, like Dr. Evans. At Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin, our number one goal is natural-looking results that meet your cosmetic goals.

Thread lifts are minimally invasive procedures that are able to provide long-lasting, beautiful results. If you are noticing the first signs of aging or perhaps have lines and wrinkles due to smoking, excessive squinting, or frowning, a thread lift can refresh and firm up your appearance. Contact Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco, CA to set up your consultation with Dr. Tracy Evans and see if a PDO thread lift will work for you.