One of the cause of skin aging is a damage to the collagen and elastic fibers and disappearance of hyaluronic acid in tissues. As a result of the destruction of the base created by the collagen and elastin, skin becomes looser and saggy. Your face starts to look sad and gloomy and your cheeks and lip corners are drooping. Lines around the mouth, nose and wrinkles on your neck become deeper.
To prevent these changes you can undergo a treatment called First Lift. The safest product for performing such procedure are lifting threads PDO. The PDO thread has no cones or hooks that lifts the tissue. Lifting effect is achieved thanks to a special braid of threads and properties, that stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin, thanks to polydioxanone - the substance of which lifting threads are made.
PDO (polydioxanone) is a material known and used in medicine for many years in the seams of the skin and subcutaneous in plastic surgery, gastroenterology, urology, gynecology and ophthalmology. When it was noticed that the presence of the PDO thread in the tissue strengthens the muscles and tendons of the body, the method has been applied also in aesthetic medicine. Currently, the PDO method is used in Japan, USA, Brazil, Russia and Western Europe. This product has a CE safety certificate and can be used all throughout the European Union.
PDO LIFTING THREADS – HOW IT WORKS
PDO lifting threads are placed in a sterile, very thin needle, with which we inject them in a certain area of the skin of the face, neck and body. By injecting PDO thread into the skin we influence on strengthening flabby tissues to obtain an immediate improvement in its appearance. The technique of injecting PDO threads is based on the use of natural skin tension lines, which also causes an effect similar to a surgical facelift.
Based on clinical observations, it was found that the PDO thread lifting stimulates neocolagenesis process in the tissues - the production of new collagen is responsible for tightness and firmness. In addition, stimulation of fibroblasts results in stimulating the synthesis of elastin, responsible for firmness and elasticity. These processes start after approximately 10-14 days after treatment and last throughout the whole period of the thread being in the body (up to 7-8 months).
In vivo studies also found that the effect of PDO causes synthesis of the natural (endogenous) hyaluronic acid. Thanks to this mechanism, our skin, where we inject the PDO thread becomes firmer, more supple and moisturized.
With PDO threads we can also reduce the strength of mimic muscles of the face and get aesthetic effects similar to the botulinum toxin - relaxation of muscles and smoothing facial features. The aesthetic effect is more natural than injections of botulinum toxin, because we do not stop mimic muscles, but we are only making them relaxed.
WHEN TO USE
First Lift PDO is dedicated for patients of the age of 30-55. The effects consist of skin rejuvenation, skin smoothing and brightening, wrinkles reduction, shrinking the pores, increase or decrease of the face volume and overall face lift.
One of the most important advantages of PDO thread lift is the fact that you can use it not only on the face but practically all over the body, even to improve the structure of the skin on elbows, knees, abdomen, buttocks, neck or chest.
INDICATIONS FOR PDO THREAD LIFT ON THE FACE
The procedure using PDO threads works perfectly for sagging skin, loss of firmness, and wrinkles that require lifting or smoothing – without the overdone effect. It is an effective method for improving the oval shape of the face and rejuvenating its contours. Indications include:
- horizontal and vertical forehead wrinkles – smoothing and tightening the skin in this area,
- sagging skin on the forehead and temples – non-surgical lifting of the upper part of the face,
- drooping eyebrows and outer corners of the eyebrows – lifting and opening the eyes,
- lower eyelid and under-eye bags – improving tension, reducing swelling, and thin skin,
- nasolabial folds – reducing folds and smoothing the transition between the cheek and lips,
- cheek-jaw groove – restoring volume and youthful cheek convexity,
- marionette lines and chin fold – smoothing wrinkles, improving the lower part of the face,
- loss of facial oval shape and "jowls" – noticeable V-lifting effect,
- drooping cheeks and sagging skin under the jawline – tightening and lifting tissues,
- wrinkled, sagging skin of the cheeks – densifying and improving skin quality.
PDO threads are a solution for individuals who want to improve the structure and tension of facial skin, reduce signs of aging, and regain a younger, more harmonious appearance – without surgery. Thanks to the possibility of individually adjusting the threads and implantation technique, the procedure can be precisely tailored to a specific aesthetic issue.
INDICATIONS FOR FIRST LIFT TREATMENT ON THE BODY
The First Lift PDO treatment for the body is an effective, safe, and minimally invasive method of firming and revitalizing the skin in critical areas where traditional treatments often prove to be insufficient. By using thin, absorbable polydioxanone (PDO) threads, we achieve a subtle lifting effect and bio-stimulation – without the need for implants or surgery.
The treatment is particularly recommended for:
- sagging skin on the neck and décolletage – smoothing, improving tension, and densifying tissues,
- loss of breast firmness – gentle lifting, improving skin shape and structure,
- stretch marks and sagging on the abdomen (e.g., post-pregnancy or weight loss),
- sagging skin on the buttocks and thighs – body contouring,
- sagging arms ("bat wings") – improving skin tension and contour of the arms,
- sagging skin on knees and inner thighs – improving elasticity in challenging areas,
- loss of elasticity and thinning of subcutaneous tissue – especially after liposuction,
- thick and unresponsive skin with local fat tissue overgrowth – e.g., rib areas, abdomen, hips, arms,
- skin aging prevention for the body – as supportive therapy for lifting, lipolysis, or silhouette modeling.
PDO threads are an excellent solution for individuals who want to improve the quality of their body skin without the risk of overcorrection and while maintaining natural proportions of the silhouette. Thanks to the ability to precisely adjust the length and type of threads to a specific area, the treatment provides visible effects in improving skin firmness, elasticity, and tension – without a scalpel and long recovery. An ideal choice for sagging skin, stretch marks, and areas resistant to other therapies.
EFFECTS OF FIRST LIFT PDO TREATMENT:
With First Lift treatment you achieve an excellent, natural looking results of rejuvenation without surgery. Improvement in the skin is visible immediately after the treatment, and the optimal effect is fully noticeable after 2-3 weeks. The result lasts approximately two years, depending on the individual patient's predisposition.
The healing period lasts 1-2 weeks but after a few days you can go back to everyday life. Due to the rapid rate of thread absorption, there is no risk of scarring and thickening.
CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR PDO THREAD LIFT PROCEDURE
A procedure using PDO threads should always be preceded by a thorough consultation, assessment of the skin condition, and medical history. Despite its high safety profile, there are contraindications that exclude or temporarily postpone the procedure:
Absolute contraindications (precluding the possibility of performing the procedure)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding - no procedures that disrupt tissue integrity or affect skin metabolism are performed during this period due to a lack of studies confirming the safety of such procedures,
- Active autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis) - after medical evaluation,
- Coagulation disorders (congenital or acquired),
- Anticoagulant therapy - with no possibility of discontinuation,
- Tendency to form keloids,
- Severe atrophy of subcutaneous tissue at the treatment site,
- Uncontrolled chronic diseases (e.g. unregulated diabetes),
- Cancer (under treatment or within 5 years after completing therapy),
- Active chronic inflammatory skin conditions (e.g. severe psoriasis, atopic dermatitis - in exacerbation phase).
Relative/temporary contraindications (the procedure can be performed after the condition subsides or treatment is completed)
- Active herpes - procedure possible at least 2 weeks after symptoms subside,
- General inflammation or viral infections (flu, cold) - wait at least 2 weeks,
- Antibiotic treatment - procedure possible 2 weeks after completing the course,
- Fresh sunburn, sunburns, skin irritations - wait for skin regeneration,
- Menstruation (for facial procedures) - may increase sensitivity, tendency to bruise,
- Use of medications and supplements affecting blood clotting (e.g. acetylsalicylic acid, vitamin E) - after individual consultation.
Key to the safety and effectiveness of a PDO thread procedure is the proper patient classification and temporary deferral of the procedure in transitional situations. This approach allows the procedure to be performed at the optimal time, without the risk of complications, and ensures that the results are complete, predictable, and long-lasting.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN AFTER PDO THREAD LIFT - POST-PROCEDURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Proper post-treatment care is crucial for achieving optimal and long-lasting effects, as well as minimizing the risk of adverse reactions.
General recommendations (face and body):
- do not touch or massage the injection sites for a minimum of 7 days,
- sleep on your back (especially after facial treatments) for 3-5 nights,
- avoid sudden facial movements and stretching of the skin,
- abstain from sauna, tanning beds, swimming pools, and intense physical activity for 10-14 days,
- do not undergo cosmetic procedures, massages, or manual therapies in the implanted area for 3-4 weeks,
- do not use heating products, strongly circulatory stimulating products, or slimming and draining cosmetics in the treatment area for at least 7 days,
- protect the skin from UV radiation - use high sun protection (SPF 50+),
- avoid alcohol and hot baths in the first few days after the procedure,
- wear loose clothing in the case of body treatments - to avoid compressing the treated area.
In case of swelling, bruising, or skin tension:
- you can apply gentle cool compresses (not freezing),
- it is recommended to use products with arnica or escin - after consultation with a specialist.
Adhering to post-treatment recommendations and ruling out contraindications are essential for the effectiveness and safety of the First Lift PDO therapy. Through a properly planned procedure, it is possible to achieve lasting, natural, and harmonious lifting and regenerative effects - both on the face and body. Our specialists will provide you with full support at every stage of the therapy.
Expert opinion
PDO biostimulating threads are one of the most valuable tools in modern aesthetic medicine. Their action does not involve mechanically lifting the tissues, but rather stimulating the skin's natural regenerative processes. Thanks to polydioxanone, which gradually dissolves in the tissues, there is intense stimulation of fibroblasts, production of type I and III collagen, and improvement of microcirculation. It is this deep restructuring of the skin that is responsible for the tightening, smoothing, and densifying effect, which increases over time and lasts for many months.
In my practice, I use PDO threads on patients who expect a natural rejuvenation effect, without adding volume or changing facial features. They work perfectly in delicate areas such as around the eyes, neck, and décolletage, where other techniques can be too aggressive. Importantly, biostimulating threads can also be safely used on the body: abdomen, arms, knees, and even breasts, achieving subtle but noticeable skin firming.