PDO Threads with Dr. Doriana Cosgrove
Figuring out what to do with sagging jowls can be tricky. Treatments designed to smooth wrinkles won’t do anything for sagging skin, making many patients feel as though their options are to either live with visible aging or go under the knife. Luckily though, new innovations in non-invasive cosmetic treatment have led to the development of a new, non-surgical alternative: PDOThreads.
At Desert Med Aesthetics, cosmetic specialist Dr. Doriana Cosgrove offers a safe and effective alternative: PDO Threads. This innovative technique is specifically designed to correct sagging jowls and drooping skin that can gather around the jaw – and all without the need for surgery. For the best non-surgical facelift in Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Palm Desert, and Palm Springs, contact Desert Med Aesthetics today.
Why Skin Sags
The development of wrinkles isn’t the only sign of aging you can look forward to. As we grow older, vital collagen and elastin production slows and comes to a standstill. During our teen and young adult years, high production of these important proteins helps keep skin taut and full. As patients get older however, slowing production causes skin to lose its ability to bounce back.
In addition to slowing collagen development, external elements can work against the skin’s wellbeing. Years of sun exposure can gradually take a toll on skin cells by damaging elastin and collagen. Other harmful habits like smoking and dehydration can also impact the skin’s ability to stay full and supple.
Over time, these factors continue to damage skin cells at a rate that outpaces slowing collagen and elastin production. As a result, fine lines form and deepen into noticeable wrinkles. Skin also begins to thin and loses its ability to bounce back to its original position, causing unwanted sagging across the body. The face and neck are especially susceptible to showing these characteristic signs of aging, causing patients to look much older than they truly are.
Tighter Skin Without Surgery
Until recently, treatments for sagging skin were limited. For most patients, surgical intervention in the form of face or neck lift offered the most comprehensive and longest lasting solution. While these treatments have become much less invasive over the years, they each still require substantial preparation and recovery.
For individuals not looking for surgery, lackluster skin-firming creams and lotions of years past claim to offer facelift-like results that tend to underdeliver. Recent years have also seen more patients turn to laser facial rejuvenation. While this option may help tighten sagging skin, the results can still require downtime and may not be suitable for all patients. That’s were PDO Threads comes in.
PDOThreads: The Non-Surgical Facelift that Works
PDOThreads are synthetic surgical sutures inserted strategically into the skin to create a supportive structure that follows the natural shape of the face. As the sutures are inserted, sagging tissue is gently caught and repositioned into its original position.
Unlike threads of the past made of metal, Dr. Cosgrove uses threads made from Polydioxanone (PDO), which is a synthetic absorbable material most often used in major surgeries such as open-heart surgery. PDOThreads are 100% absorbable, and they safely dissolve into the body during the months following placement.
In addition to their absorbable nature and safety, the sutures are uniquely designed and inserted. Each suture is made up of little barbs or thorns, looking almost like the stem of a rose. Once these are inserted into your jawline, they instantly grab hold of the surrounding skin to create a tighter look. Even though sutures are being applied to the face, there are NO cuts and NO incisions to be made.
During the weeks and months following treatment, the material slowly dissolves into the skin. The body heals around the suture, a process that stimulates an increase in collagen production in the treated area. The result? A natural looking “facelift” that requires no downtime and improves facial aesthetics for up to a year.
PDO Threads vs. Surgical Facelift
In addition to requiring surgery, many patients often find facelift treatment to be cost prohibitive and it can require significant downtime. In contrast, PDO Threads provide patients with a nearly immediate improvement while concurrently stimulating collagen production. This alternative improves skin quality while tightening sagging skin, eliminating the need for lengthy surgery time and recovery.
Another critical advantage of NovaThreads is that this treatment is highly versatile. For many patients pursuing this solution, a sagging jawline is only part of their aesthetic concerns. Sunken cheeks, thinning lips, and increased wrinkles can all take a toll on an individual’s appearance. To make life easier for our patients considering more comprehensive facial rejuvenation, Dr. Cosgrove may recommend NovaThreads in combination with other non-surgical injectable or laser skin therapy solutions.
NovaThreads is an excellent option for patients of many ages, and it can even be performed on those who’ve already had facelifts in the past.
Tighter Skin without Surgery
At Desert Med Aesthetics, our state-of-the-art medical spa features some of the latest technologies and techniques to provide our patients with natural-looking results they’ll feel truly confident with. As a leading PDO Threads specialist in California, Dr. Cosgrove has used this solution to help countless patients achieve their ideal appearance.
Starting with your initial consultation, our leading Indian Wells cosmetic specialist will use advanced imaging to identify the source of collagen depletion, outlining precisely where the sutures should be placed for optimal results.
During the procedure, the PDO Threads are inserted using a blunt-tip cannula, an innovative needle that gently slides into the injection point. As a blunt-tip cannula does not come to a sharp point, it provides a certain degree of resistance upon insertion and leaves minimal bruising or swelling after treatment.
Dr. Cosgrove prefers this alternative to hypodermic needles for the application of PDO Threads to ensure your treatment experience is as comfortable as possible. She has years of experience using this technique, making her an expert in the use of PDO Threads.
As more threads are inserted, your body will naturally begin to respond and kickstart the collagen production process. Depending on the number of threads being inserted, the entire treatment session may take a little over 30 minutes, making NovaThreads the perfect “lunchtime procedure” for busy patients.
While there is no set recovery time associated with this treatment, most patients heal over the course of four to six months. During this time, the PDO Thread sutures disappear and reveal healed, smooth-looking skin. Best of all, our patients enjoy their beautiful new appearance for up to 12 months before requiring touch-up.
Explore PDO Threads in Indian Wells and Coachella Valley
Treating sagging jawlines can tremendously improve an individual’s self-confidence, taking years off their appearance. As the only medical spa within a 50-mile radius to offer this innovative facial restoration procedure, patients throughout the greater Coachella Valley and beyond visit Desert Med Aesthetics exclusively for PDO Threads. Ready to start your treatment journey? Call 760-777-8772 today to schedule your consultation with our experienced cosmetic specialist today. Together, we’ll help you regain your youthful look without surgery!
PDO Threads FAQ’s
Yes! Several types of threads can be used depending on the areas you want to target and the type of improvements you hope to achieve. For example, cog threads are commonly used to lift sagging skin around the jaw and neck, resulting in an improved profile. Screw threads are used for plumping and adding volume to the cheeks, as they aid in the body’s collagen production as they absorb into the skin. Cosmetic specialist Dr. Doriana Cosgrove can advise which PDO threads will best serve you and your aesthetic goals.
PDO threads can be used on various areas of the face, including the brows, cheeks, around the mouth (marionette lines), nasolabial folds, jawline, and neck. During your consultation, Dr. Cosgrove can confirm if PDO threads are a suitable option for the area you want to target.
The length of your PDO thread treatment depends on the targeted area, but in most cases, it can require anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes. This time includes preparation and the time following your treatment, where Dr. Cosgrove explains aftercare and answers any questions you might have about your procedure. Generally, you can expect the entire appointment to last a maximum of 2 hours.
A PDO thread lift treatment does require micro-injuries to the layers within your skin. As such, Dr. Cosgrove will ensure your comfort by giving you a local anesthetic before your treatment that will effectively numb the treatment area so that you can remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the duration of your treatment.
After your treatment, you may experience minor discomfort, swelling, and bruising, which can easily be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. The first day after your treatment will feel sore and tender, but after 48-72 hours, swelling and bruising will dissipate, and you’ll begin to enjoy the results of your treatment.
It’s important for patients to be aware that the results of a PDO thread lift are progressive, as it relies on your body’s natural production of collagen, which takes time to create. The lifting effect in your skin peaks at around six months after your treatment, at which time new collagen and elastin have begun to form around the threads to tighten the skin and create a fuller, smoother, and youthful appearance. The effects of your PDO thread lift can potentially last between 2-3 years, after which touch-up treatments may be necessary to maintain your results.
After your PDO thread lift treatment, your skin will appear lifted, tighter, and more youthful; however, if you’d like to further maintain those results or address issues with your complexion, such as dark spots, uneven texture, or other issues, you can request to combine this treatment with other rejuvenation options offered at Desert Med Aesthetics.
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Dr. Doriana Cosgrove
Since opening Desert Med Aesthetics, Dr. Doriana Cosgrove has dedicated her career to providing men and women with comprehensive, personalized care in a welcoming environment.
Starting with your initial consultation, you’ll be welcomed by a staff that is genuinely committed to helping you achieve your goals. For new patients, your first visit is focused on identifying problem areas that are keeping you from feeling confident about your appearance.
Whether you’re visiting Dr. Cosgrove for the first time or returning for touch-ups, the team at Desert Med Aesthetics looks forward to providing you with the aesthetic care you deserve.