Will PDO threads affect a future facelift? Heard that they can cause scar tissue.

Question

I currently have pdo threads. In the future, when I have more sagging and jowling, I plan on having a facelift/necklift I have heard that pdo threads could cause scar tissue, which would affect the results of a future facelift/necklift. Is this true? I have heard that the surgery would be more difficult for the surgeon to perform because of all of the scar tissue build up in the face. Please advise.

Brian K. Machida, MD, FACS · Answer

For the most part, any scarring is minimal and any experienced plastic surgeon should be able to deal with it without problem. Usually these threads or other sutures are not explored or searched for during a surgery. It is not necessary, However, if they are encountered during dissection, they are cut and moved out of the way without any effect on your result.

Michele A. Shermak, MD · Answer

This is a great question. Yes the PDO threads do create scar tissue under the skin which is essentially how they work. You would want to wait at least a year to have the inflammatory process settle and you can certainly undergo facial surgery as soon as a year out from threads. Be sure to give a head's up to your plastic surgeon about your history with threads. 
Thanks so much for the question and best of luck to you!

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

While PDO threads can provide temporary lifting effects, there is some concern about their impact on future surgical procedures, such as facelifts or necklifts. The use of PDO threads may indeed lead to scar tissue formation, which can complicate surgical outcomes and potentially affect the surgeon's ability to achieve optimal results. As the threads dissolve, the associated scar tissue can alter the natural anatomy of the face, making it more challenging for the surgeon to perform the procedure effectively. If you are considering future surgical options, it may be wise to discuss alternative non-surgical treatments with your provider that won’t interfere with your long-term aesthetic goals.

Charles K. Lee, MD, FACS · Answer

PDO threads, thread lifts, etc are more temporary, minimally invasive procedures that patients may choose before a full, more powerful facelift.   I do not offer "thread lifts" because the results are so short-lasting and have treated many patients for facelifts who had prior thread lifts.  There is some scar tissue, but it is not a major amount and not a serious problem for a skilled plastic surgeon to address during a full facelift.  No need to stress!  Good luck.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

Having threads or scar tissue remnants should have no effect on a properly performed face and neck lift. In the facelift, different tissue planes are fully elevated and whatever scar tissue is present will just be dissected right through. Be sure to see a facial specialist for consultation.

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

Having PDO threads can but not always make a future facelift more difficult. However, I often find that patients who have undergone threads wish they had invested in a more definitive procedure, like a deep plane facelift, from the start. Threads can sometimes create minor scar tissue, but this is usually minimal and doesn't significantly impact the surgical process. The key is that a deep plane facelift offers more natural and longer-lasting results, making it a better investment in the long run, especially when addressing sagging and jowling.

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. PDO threads provide a temporary lifting and tightening effect that helps delay the need for a facelift/neck lift. While there will likely be some degree of scarring, it shouldn’t be an issue for an experienced facial plastic surgeon once you do decide to undergo these procedures. I highly recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon before moving forward with treatment.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

PDO threads are one of many nonsurgical or minimally invasive procedures to provide a temporary benefit and delay the need for a facelift. All of these cause some degree of scarring under the skin, and so it is increasingly common in facelift patients. It may be a bit more difficult, but if your surgeon does a lot of facelifts he or she will have experience dealing with it.

Vasileios Pagkalos, MD, MSc, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.Actually most types of non-surgical skin tightening work through producing some kind of scar tissue under the skin. PDO threads are no exception, so yes it could theoretically make face and neck lift more challenging for the plastic surgeon. In practice though, the scar tissue from PDO threads does not last long, so as long as you don't go through a facelift within the first year after PDO threads procedure that wouldn't be a problem. Problems could rise from poor quality of PDO threads that tend to leave particles of non absorbable substances behind that can cause long term inflammation.

Christian L. Stallworth, MD · Answer

I have performed numerous facelift procedures on patients that have previously had both dissolving and permanent thread lift procedures in the past.  It is true that scar tissue is certain planes of the face may be heightened and the threads themselves may be encountered.  However, in experienced hands, I do not feel that these will cause a less favorable or unsuccessful surgery.  It will be important to mention and discuss with your surgeon when the time comes.

Will PDO threads affect a future facelift? Heard that they can cause scar tissue.

Answers (11)

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