As we age, our faces lose retention of naturally occurring proteins that keep the skin vibrant and youthful. This causes the tissue to thin, wrinkle, and sag. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, we offer highly tailored PDO thread lifts as a minimally invasive alternative to facelift surgery to attain a firmer, younger complexion. Dr. Kenneth D. Farr is a board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon who works with patients at two locations in Hilton Head and Okatie, SC.

What is a PDO thread lift?

A polydioxanone (PDO) thread lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses dissolvable sutures to elevate and firm the face. These threads are inserted into the skin using a needle and cannula device to, over the course of a few weeks, diminish age-related anomalies including lax skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Farr works with each patient to develop a customized PDO thread lift treatment plan based on their personal goals and his professional recommendations.

What is a PDO thread lift used to treat?

PDO thread lifts are minimally invasive alternative treatments used to address skin conditions of the:

• Cheeks
• Jawline
• Eyes
• Midface
• Neck

Aside from sagging skin, a PDO thread lift can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Can a thread lift help rejuvenate the lower face?

At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Farr utilizes PDO thread lifts to diminish smokers’ lines, or vertical creases that form between the nose and upper lip. Additionally, dissolvable threads can be strategically placed to firm and smooth areas around the jaw and neck for a younger appearance.

Am I an ideal candidate for a PDO thread lift?

Both men and women are excellent candidates for PDO thread lifts if they:

• Are in good, general health
• Have realistic treatment expectations
• Are looking for alternative treatments to facelift surgery
• Have fine lines and wrinkles of the face or neck
• Have mild to moderate skin laxity of the face and neck

Dr. Farr will assess your skin and review your medical history to determine if you can safely participate in PDO thread lift treatments. PDO thread lifts can also be used in combination with other cosmetic procedures, including dermal fillers.

What is the treatment process is like?

PDO thread lifts are performed in one of our private treatment rooms at VIP Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Farr sanitizes the skin and applies a topical anesthetic to numb each treatment site. With a small needle and a cannula device, Dr. Farr will carefully insert and anchor dissolvable sutures into each treatment site. Once you are approved for discharge, you may return home and resume normal daily activities.

Are PDO thread lifts painful?

Since local anesthesia is administered, most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during treatment. However, typically experience swelling, tenderness, and bruising at each treatment site after their session which subsides on its own within a few days.

What should I expect after treatment?

Although patients are not required to participate in any downtime after a PDO thread lift, they will be asked to adhere to certain protocols to optimize results, including:

• Avoiding rubbing or massaging the face
• Avoid pursing the lips, smoking, or drinking through a straw
• Abstaining for strenuous activity or physical exercise
• Avoid using a sauna or a tanning bed
• Minimizing sleeping on your side

How long will my PDO thread lift results last?

If patients adhere to the recovery protocol and experience little to no complications after treatment, then PDO thread lift results can potentially last up to 10 months. Consult with Dr. Farr about scheduling follow-up appointments to maintain your desired cosmetic outcomes.

Learn more about PDO thread lifts for the lower face

If you reside in or near Hilton Head or Okatie, SC and would like to know if PDO thread lift treatments are right for you, contact us at VIP Cosmetic Surgery and schedule an appointment today. Board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth D. Farr will work with you, assess your skin status, and create a customized treatment plan that meets your cosmetic goals.

Fewer features play as prominent of a role in a person’s overall facial appearance as the eyes. Even subtle imperfections around the eye – like loose skin, wrinkles, or heaviness – can make a person look dramatically older or just “different” than they feel on the inside. Some men and women even look angry, sad, or tired at all times due to these common signs of aging around the eyes. At VIP Cosmetic Surgery, board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth D. Farr performs upper and lower eyelid surgery to help restore a more youthful and fresher look for Okatie, SC patients with age-related concerns around the eyes. You may be surprised to learn, however, that eyelid surgery can also benefit younger patients. Keep reading for a closer look at eyelid surgery at almost any age, and find out when it may be time for you to consider this life-changing procedure.

What does an eyelid lift do?

Formally known as blepharoplasty, the eyelid lift is a cosmetic eye enhancement procedure designed to improve the appearance of the upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both. Most often, blepharoplasty surgery is performed to reverse the unwanted side effects of aging, but it can also be useful for patients whose concerns are not related to the aging process. Some of the most common complaints that lead patients to pursue blepharoplasty surgery include:

• Hooded eyes
• Heavy upper eyelids
• Tired eyes
• Downturned eyes
• Saggy eyelids
• Wrinkled eyelids
• Obstructed field of vision due to excess upper eyelid skin
• Puffiness under the eyes
• Bulging lower eyelids
• Asymmetric eyelids
• Sad or angry-looking eyes
• Squinted eyes

Is there a minimum age requirement for an eyelid lift?

Generally speaking, patients should be adults at least 18 years or older before undergoing elective cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for blepharoplasty should be in good health, nonsmoking, and have realistic expectations for their recovery and results.

What is the best age for blepharoplasty surgery?

There is not necessarily a right or wrong age to undergo eyelid lift surgery. For some patients, blepharoplasty is not something that is even considered until they begin to notice visible signs of aging around the eyes, which often occurs in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. In other cases, such as when patients have naturally hooded eyes, an eyelid lift is something they may have been hoping for since childhood or adolescence.

Is an eyelid lift permanent?

Regardless of when eyelid lift surgery is performed, it can provide stunning, long-lasting results. However, it is important to understand that having eyelid surgery at a young age will not prevent the aging process from happening, but it may slow the development of visible signs of aging around the eyes. To help preserve your blepharoplasty results for as long as possible, be sure to avoid direct sun exposure, eat a healthy diet, and abstain from smoking. With an experienced surgeon, proper aftercare, and a healthy lifestyle, eyelid lift surgery can help you enjoy a bright, fresh, youthful look for years to come.

Open your eyes to the exciting results that are possible with eyelid surgery in Hilton Head, SC

Whether you’ve just started to become self-conscious about bags under your eyes or you’ve had a weak eyelid crease for as long as you can remember, you may be a candidate for blepharoplasty surgery. For more information on how an eyelid lift can help enhance your look, call  VIP Cosmetic Surgery in Bluffton, SC to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon Dr. Kenneth Farr today.