As we age, our facial skin naturally loses elasticity and fine lines appear. A PDO thread lift and mini facelift are procedures that can prevent or minimize these signs of aging. While they are both less invasive alternatives to a full facelift, they each bring forth their own benefits and drawbacks. In this post, we’ll cover the basics of each procedure to help you determine which is the best option for you.

What is a Polydioxanone (PDO) Thread Lift?

A Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lift is a procedure in which a provider places dissolvable threads into facial areas that need lifting. After placing these threads, a provider pulls and secures the threads to tighten and lift the skin, helping temporarily reduce wrinkles or lift brows.

Unlike a full facelift which removes excess skin, PDO thread lift only temporarily lifts the skin, making it less invasive. PDO threads can cause some skin bunching. The procedure is also less expensive than a mini or full facelift. Sometimes referred to as a “lunchtime facelift,” it only takes up to two hours to complete and up to two weeks to recover.

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What is a Mini Facelift?

A mini facelift is a procedure in which a surgeon makes small incisions in front of and behind your ears then pulls your muscle tissue and skin up towards the incisions. In doing so, the surgeon “lifts” your face by removing excess skin and corrects for muscle laxity accounting for 2 causes of facial aging. The result is  longer lasting and dramatically tighter skin, creating a substantially more youthful appearance.

This procedure is similar to but less invasive than a full facelift. It can be done under local, with sedation or under anesthesia, it takes 2 hours to perform and two to three weeks to recover.

Are There any Risks?

All cosmetic surgeries come with risk. For a PDO thread lift and mini facelift, however, the risks are quite minimal. For both procedures, swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the surgical site is normal and expected. But there is a risk of the area becoming irritated or infected. This risk can be prevented by following the aftercare instructions given by your surgeon. In addition, it is possible for threads to become visible after a PDO thread lift or for the threads to fail. With a mini facelift there will be a small camouflaged scar in front and behind the ear.

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Which Procedure Is Better For You?

From a brief overview, a PDO thread lift may seem like the better option as it’s less expensive and less invasive. However, results tend to be less noticeable, and they only last less than a year. In reality, this procedure can end up being the more expensive option in the long run.

A mini facelift, on the other hand, provides significant results. This is especially the case for someone with looser skin and/or deep creases. Moreover, the results last five to seven years, postponing the need for a major facelift down the road.

Treatment Next Steps

If you’re concerned about heaviness of the  lower face, deep creases, and wrinkles, schedule a consultation with Board-certified, female Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jamie Moenster to learn more about treatments to achieve your goals. Call Dermatology and Plastic Surgery of Arizona for your appointment today, Tucson office at 520-207-3100 or the Sierra Vista location at 520-458-1787. You may also schedule an appointment by completing the form on this page. Our offices are conveniently located at 698 East Wetmore, Suite #310 in Tucson, Arizona and 150 South Coronado Drive Suite #110 in Sierra Vista, Arizona.