Are PDO Threads really painful? myths about PDO Threads

Have you been thinking about getting PDO threads but keep hearing horror stories about how painful they are?  PDO threads are those little dissolvable sutures that doctors use to lift and tighten your skin, giving you a more youthful look without going under the knife.

You might have heard people say they’re super painful or that they leave you looking like a plastic doll. We’re going to tackle these myths head-on and get to the truth about PDO threads.

Are they really as painful as some people claim? What’s the real deal with recovery time? And can they actually give you natural-looking results?

Let’s start discussing myths about PDO threads so that you can decide if they are right for you!

What Are PDO Threads?

PDO stands for polydioxanone, which is another way of saying it’s a type of material that dissolves in your body over time.

These threads are super thin – we’re talking thinner than a hair – and doctors use them to give your face a little lift. They basically work like a hammock under your skin, supporting and lifting areas that might be starting to sag a bit.

There are different types of PDO threads. Some are smooth, and others have little barbs or cones on them, like a very gentle fish hook. These help the thread grab onto the tissue and give it an extra lifting effect.

As the threads slowly dissolve over a few months, your body produces more collagen in those areas. Collagen is that magical protein that keeps your skin looking young and bouncy.

Myth #1: PDO Thread Procedures are Extremely Painful

You’ve probably heard people say that getting PDO threads is like torture. But hold up, is it really that bad? The truth is, it’s not the nightmare some folks make it out to be.  Think of it more like a bit of discomfort rather than pain.

Before they start, your doctor will numb your face with local anaesthesia. You might feel some pressure or a slight tugging sensation as they insert the threads, but it shouldn’t hurt.

Most people describe it as feeling a bit strange or uncomfortable but not painful.

Compared to other cosmetic procedures, PDO threads are actually on the milder side. They’re way less intense than a facelift surgery, for example. But for most people, the discomfort is manageable and over quickly.

Myth #2: PDO Threads Have a Long, Painful Recovery

Let’s tackle another big worry: the idea that after getting PDO threads, you’ll be stuck at home, miserable, and in pain for weeks.

Firstly, the recovery from PDO threads is quick. We’re talking days, not weeks or months. Most people are back to their normal routines within a day or two. Right after the procedure, your face might feel a bit tender and puffy. You might see some bruising or swelling, but it’s usually mild and goes away pretty fast.

Most people manage any discomfort just fine with over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol. Ice packs can help, too, especially if you have swelling.

Myth #3: PDO Threads Always Look Unnatural

You might think that PDO threads will make you look like a cartoon character, but that’s not actually the case. PDO threads are all about subtle, natural-looking results. We’re talking about looking like you, just a bit more refreshed.

The key here is skill. A good practitioner isn’t trying to turn you into someone else. They’re working with your natural features to give them a little boost. It’s like giving your face a gentle lift, not yanking it up to your ears.

Have you seen some people with obvious thread lifts? That’s usually because they’ve gone overboard or picked a practitioner who’s not so great at their job. Modern PDO threads come in different types and sizes. This means your doctor can customise the treatment to suit your face shape and goals.

Myth #4: PDO Threads are Dangerous and Risky

You might have heard that PDO threads are a dangerous, risky business. It’s time to separate fact from fiction.

PDO threads have been around for years and are FDA-approved for cosmetic use. That means they’ve been tested to ensure their safety.

Now, is any cosmetic procedure 100% risk-free? But PDO threads are actually on the safer end of the spectrum when it comes to cosmetic treatments. They’re minimally invasive as the threads are made from the same stuff as dissolvable stitches. Your body knows how to handle them and breaks them down over time. 

However,  like with any procedure, there can be side effects. You might get some bruising, swelling, or tenderness. But these are usually mild and go away pretty soon.

Myth #5: Results from PDO Threads are Permanent

Let’s dispel the idea that once you get PDO threads, you’re set for life. PDO threads aren’t a ‘one-and-done’ deal.

PDO threads give you two types of results. The immediate lift you see right after the procedure is due to the threads physically lifting your skin. Then, your body will have a longer-term effect by making more collagen in response to the threads.

The immediate lift typically lasts about 6 to 9 months. After that, the threads start to dissolve. However, the collagen boost can last a bit longer. Some people see effects for up to 18 months or even 2 years. But eventually, this fades, too.

Do you know? You can get PDO threads done again. Many people make it part of their regular beauty routine, getting touch-ups every year or so to maintain the effects.

The Truth About PDO Threads

• PDO threads can be great, but they’re not magic wands. They’re a tool that can help you look a bit younger and fresher, but they’re not going to turn you into a completely different person.

• PDO threads can give you a nice little lift. They can perk up saggy cheeks, define your jawline a bit more, and smooth out some of those lines that bug you. 

• One of the best things about PDO threads is that they’re temporary.  This means that if you don’t like the results (which is rare if you go to a good doctor), they’ll go away on their own.

• You should also consider the cost. They’re not cheap, and since they’re not permanent, you’ll need to budget for touch-ups if you want to maintain the look.

You may like to read: What is the best skincare routine?

Final Thoughts

PDO threads are not as scary or painful as some people make them out to be, but they’re also not a miracle cure for ageing. If you’re looking for a subtle lift and refresh without going under the knife, they might be worth checking out.

Just try to do your homework, find a good doctor, and keep your expectations realistic.