A doctor recommended PDO threads to lift my cheeks and eyebrows. I read threads can lead to granulomas. Are they safe? (Photo)

Hello , thank you for your questions. Threads are best option to reposition ( lift) tissue without adding the volume . Procedure is very safe when performed correctly with the appropriate threads . It’s important to chose experience medical provider . Procedure performed under local anesthesia, no pain , minimal discomfort. Most common complications are bruising and swelling which gradually resolved over couple of weeks .

The threads used in the US are approved and very safe. The risks of any complication is minimal. The threads resorb in 6 months to 24 months. The problem with threads is there is noticeable minimal effect. "threadlifting" sounds like it is lifting but there is really no lifting effect. The threads are meant to stimulate collagen formation and thereby tighten the skin. I place threads in some cases but I inform patients that if they want "lifting" then a surgery is a better option.

I suggest reaching out to an expert for a formal consultation. I like to recommend my patients start a combination of facial rejuvenation treatments.

1) skin care with products and PRP/microneedling
2) PDT light therapy few times a month with growth factors
3) laser treatments like clear and brilliant or moxi regularly and a few times a year Fraxel/halo Viva, Co2/Erbium
4) Sculptra injections a few times a year for collagen production with fillers like juvederm/restylane/belotero/radiesse/bellafill
5) thermage/ultherapy for yearly skin tightening with or without PDO or cone based instalift threads for lifting
6) botox every 2-3 months to stop movement lines and prevent lines at rest
7) deep microneedling RF like Fractora/morpheus8/pixel8 for tightening of the skin
8) Vascular laser like vbeam/excel V or BBL forever young treatment every quarter (3-4 months)

Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question. It's difficult to make a recommendation based on the photograph you have shown, but another option you might consider is conservative fat grafting to your areas of concern. This often can be done in such a way to give you a subtle lift in the desired areas without making you look 'filled'. The nice thing about fat is that it is your own and not a foreign body. It may be worth exploring this option with your plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Understand any type of THREADING is very very temporary at best, usually maxs out at 6 months. The granuloma complications though rare are very hard to treat. Maybe a minor 1 stitch facelift small sideburn incision would be better. Fee fo that $3,000. It is under local anesthesia.