Lifting & tightening

PDO Thread Lifts

Performed by Dr. Catharine Crawford at Prosilience Studio in Arlington, just northwest of Boston.

Dr. Crawford teaching a MINT PDO thread training session at Prosilience Studio

When signs of aging start to creep up on us, it can sometimes feel daunting looking in the mirror. The crow’s feet and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines can make us wish we had our supple, vibrant skin back. Perhaps you’ve tried a range of options that haven’t worked, but surgery is not something you want to entertain. The good news is that when you come to see Dr. Catharine Crawford at Prosilience Studio, she can offer a PDO Thread Lift in Arlington, MA just northwest of Boston to tighten and lift your face and skin without having to go under the knife!

What are PDO Thread Lifts?

A PDO Thread Lift Treatment is a non-surgical alternative to having a surgical face or neck lift. It is a highly effective non-surgical treatment for mild to moderate skin laxity that uses surgical-grade threads to tighten and lift the loose skin to a more youthful position with overall improved skin texture and quality. PDO stands for polydioxanone, the type of thread Dr. Crawford uses, which is a medical-grade dissolvable suture consisting of protein fibers that have been used in wound repairs and numerous surgical procedures around the world. Dr. Crawford uses MINT PDO threads, which are cleared by the FDA for use in face suspension.

The lifting effect of PDO threads can be seen immediately, and lasts from 6-18 months after some initial settling. The threads also stimulate collagen production, which is noticeable at about 3 months, and can last for 12-18 months. These results do vary, based on a variety of factors, including patient age, lifestyle, and overall health.

What are the benefits of PDO Thread Lifts?

PDO Threads in the greater Boston area can treat the following problems:

  • Reduces the appearance of sagging jowls
  • Tightens up sagging skin for a more youthful appearance
  • Encourages collagen production
  • Produces a natural-looking lift
  • Very minimal downtime

This is by no means an exhaustive list. When you speak with Dr. Crawford for a consultation, she can advise you on the ways a PDO Thread Lift can benefit you and restore your youthful appearance.

Who are the best candidates for PDO Thread Lifts?

Arlington and Boston PDO Thread Lifts are ideal for patients between the ages of 30 and 65, with mild to moderate skin elasticity. They are ideal for patients who want to avoid traditional facelifts and actively stimulate their own collagen and elastin production to achieve a more natural and gradual result that “ages with you.” PDO Thread Lifts can be used alongside other non-surgical skin tightening lifting treatments and injectables to provide even longer-lasting results.

We can also recommend this procedure for patients who are generally healthy and have realistic goals. If you are interested in getting a PDO Thread Lift to help you slow down the aging process, book a consultation with Dr. Crawford today.

What’s the First Step?

The first step is a consultation with Dr. Crawford. During the consultation, she will assess your candidacy for the procedure, explain what you can realistically expect, and answer any questions. During the consultation, we will discuss every aspect of the treatment with you so you know what to expect. From the tools being used to the price of the treatment, you will have all the information you need. Dr. Crawford will take the time to look at the areas on your skin and face that you are looking to improve and assess how PDO Thread Lifts will benefit you. If she has any concerns, these will be discussed during your consultation, as Dr. Crawford will never recommend a treatment or procedure that may potentially have adverse effects. This is also your opportunity to learn more about the treatment and ask questions you may have.

What to expect on the day of a PDO Thread Lifts treatment

On the day of your PDO Thread Lift treatment, after arriving at our office, you will be administered local anesthesia to numb the treatment areas, minimizing discomfort and pain throughout the procedure. Some patients don’t feel much. Others feel tugging or say it feels ‘intense.’ Next, Dr. Crawford will perform the lift on the focus areas.

The procedure consists of carefully inserting the dissolvable PDO threads into the targeted areas of your face using a thin needle or cannula. These cannulas pass through several layers of your skin and stabilize the threads to tighten your skin. As discussed during your consultation, the threads will be strategically placed to lift the skin. After the threads are anchored, the excess threads are cut off. The procedure can take up to an hour.

Once the procedure is complete, we will give you all the necessary information for post-recovery and release you to enjoy the rest of your day.

PDO Thread Lifts recovery

This non-surgical procedure carries low risk and minimal pain, which means most patients can resume their regular activities and return to work the next day.

You may experience some mild redness or soreness in the treatment areas, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication or a topical ointment that Dr. Crawford can recommend. After any cosmetic procedure, we always advise taking care of your skin by wearing sunscreen, avoiding harsh weather conditions, having a healthy diet, and drinking plenty of water.

How much does PDO Thread Lifts cost in Boston, MA?

The cost of PDO Thread Lifts in Boston & Arlington can vary depending on a number of factors:

  • The area being treated
  • The number of threads required for your treatment
  • The severity of issues being treated
  • Whether you combine it with another procedure

When you discuss your desired outcomes for this procedure with Dr. Crawford during your consultation, she will be able to give you a more accurate price based on your assessment. We offer financing for all our patients to make this procedure affordable and accessible.

Dr. Crawford teaches the MINT technique

Dr. Crawford is a trainer for MINT, the PDO threads used at Prosilience Studio. She teaches other physicians how to plan and place the threads, including training sessions held here at the studio with the manufacturer, HANS Biomed. Every thread lift at Prosilience is performed by Dr. Crawford herself.

Dr. Crawford with HANS Biomed and MINT colleagues at a training session at Prosilience Studio

Why choose Dr. Crawford?

My training and experience as a general surgeon grounds my approach to aesthetic medicine. This includes selecting the right candidates for procedures, applying my knowledge of surgical anatomy and technique to obtain optimal results, and critically evaluating outcomes to ensure that they are the best they can be. An important part of my job is to honestly assess which treatment options would be best for each person, and to work with you to achieve the desired results. — Dr. Catharine Crawford, MD, FACS

PDO Thread Lifts questions

Are PDO Thread Lifts painful?

Due to the use of local anesthetic, the procedure itself is not painful and should have minimal discomfort. Some patients report feeling a slight tugging sensation. After the procedure, you may experience some mild pain, redness, or soreness in the treatment areas. In most cases, these symptoms can be soothed with a topical ointment or an over-the-counter pain medication recommended by Dr. Crawford.

How many appointments will I need?

You can complete the procedure in one appointment for most PDO Thread Lift treatments. It is a quick procedure, taking one hour or less. Talk to Dr. Crawford about the areas you are looking to treat, as she can give you a more individual assessment of appointments based on how much work you need.

How long until I see results?

Depending on your body's natural healing response, you should begin to see results immediately after getting thread lifting. You will be able to feel and see the tightening of your sagging skin and a visible lift to the areas that were treated. As with any cosmetic procedure, results may vary, and it is important to discuss this with Dr. Crawford during your consultation so you know what to expect and have realistic goals in mind. Results can last up to 3 years. It is also important to remember that individual results are often based on lifestyle factors such as age, diet, exercise, smoking, and alcohol use.

Can I combine PDO Thread Lifts with other procedures?

You can combine a PDO thread lift treatment with other procedures we offer at Prosilience Studio in Boston and Arlington, MA. One of these options is lip filler. When you come in for a consultation, talk to Dr. Crawford about the other procedures you are interested in combining in your appointment, and she will give you more information about whether these are right for you. It is important to disclose any major health issues you are experiencing, as this can impact whether a PDO thread lift or other procedures can be performed on your skin and body.

What are the risks associated with PDO Thread Lifts?

A PDO thread lift is considered a very low risk for a non-surgical procedure. There is no downtime required. Typical mild symptoms include redness or soreness on the treatment site, which usually go away after a few hours or up to a day. If you are dissatisfied with your results, which is a risk associated with any cosmetic procedure performed on your face, talk to Dr. Crawford, as she may recommend additional thread lift sessions to give you the results you desire.

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