If you’ve suddenly noticed sagging skin around your jawline, we can assure you – you’re not alone. Jowls are one of the most common signs of aging, and also one that seems to sneak up on us out of nowhere and suddenly make us feel as though we’ve aged overnight.
But luckily, there are things you can do to get that youthful definition back in your jawline.
PDO threads for jowls are an excellent way to lift, tighten, and redefine your jawline, all without needing to face invasive surgery.
At BodyTonic, we love helping clients feel more confident with this innovative treatment. So let’s dive into understanding more about jowls, what PDO threads are, what you can expect from this popular “lunchtime facelift”, and why PDO threads might be the answer you’ve been looking for!
What are jowls?
Jowls are those little pockets of sagging skin that form below your chin or jawline. They develop as your skin loses its natural elasticity and firmness, causing your once-taut facial contours to soften and droop.
While jowls are a normal part of aging, there’s no doubt they can affect your confidence and make you feel as though you look much older than you are, especially when they first start to show.
What causes jowls?
Several factors contribute to the appearance of jowls, including:
- Aging: As we get older, our skin naturally produces less collagen and elastin, the proteins responsible for keeping it firm, volumized, and lifted, meaning the skin gradually starts to lose its tautness.
- Volume loss and gravity: With the loss of elastin and collagen keeping things in place, the natural fat pads in your face gradually shift downward over time, leading to sagging skin around your jawline.
- Genetics: Sometimes, it’s just in your genes – some people are more predisposed to developing jowls than others.
- Lifestyle habits: A range of lifestyle factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and even significant weight changes can all speed up the process, leading to jowls forming earlier than you might expect.
Why are PDO thread lifts so effective for jowls?
So, why do we love PDO threads for lifting jowls at BodyTonic? It’s all about their amazing dual-action approach that draws on the body’s natural processes, making it minimally invasive and highly effective!
PDO threads are dissolvable sutures that are used to immediately lift sagging skin without the need for surgery, but they also stimulate natural collagen production which means ongoing improvement.
In a previous blog post we’ve explained the ins and outs of PDO thread lifts and exactly how they work. But here’s a quick summary of what makes them stand out:
- Instant results: Right after the procedure, you’ll notice an immediate lift in the jowl area, creating a more defined jawline.
- Collagen & elastin boost: As your body responds to the threads, it naturally increases collagen and elastin production, helping to firm up the skin even more, and maintain the lift over time.
- Improved skin texture: The collagen boost not only makes the skin appear firmer but it also enhances your overall skin texture, reducing fine lines and adding a smoother more youthful look.
- Natural look: Unlike some surgical options, PDO threads give a subtle, natural enhancement that won’t leave you looking overdone.
- Much less invasive than surgery: As it’s a minimally invasive procedure with no need for general anesthesia or incisions, there’s none of the pain, recovery time, or potential complications that come from a surgical alternative.
- Minimal downtime: You’ll be in and out of the treatment chair quickly, with little to no downtime. It’s not known as the “lunchtime facelift” for nothing!
- Long-lasting effects: The lift and collagen stimulation can keep your jowls looking tight and toned for up to a year or more, depending on your skin and lifestyle.
Smooth vs. cog & PDO vs. PCL threads: what’s the difference?
You might have heard about different types of threads, such as PDO vs. PCL threads, or even PDO smooth threads vs. PDO twisted threads, and be wondering how they all compare?
Again, this is covered in more detail in our previous blog post, but here’s a quick rundown:
- PDO vs. PCL threads: PDO threads are by far the most common type, with years of proven efficacy. They are made from polydioxanone, an FDA-approved, safe, and fully absorbable material used for decades in medical procedures. They dissolve within 6-9 months but continue to stimulate collagen for up to a year, making them a great option for lifting jowls. PCL (polycaprolactone) threads are thicker and stronger than PDO threads, and last longer – up to 24 months – but they are still a developing technology so we don’t (yet) offer them at BodyTonic.
- Smooth vs. twisted vs. cog threads: Smooth threads are thinner and mainly used for skin tightening and improving texture; they’re great for subtle lifting and collagen stimulation. Twisted threads add more volume and are often used in areas needing a bit more lift. Cog threads are then the heavy lifters – they have barbs that anchor into the skin, providing significant lifting power, making them ideal for areas like the jowls where you need the most support.
At BodyTonic Med Spa, we always use PDO threads, and for a jowl lift we’d normally recommend cog threads. But we’ll always assess the best type of procedure for your individual skin concerns and goals during your initial consultation, and recommend the most suitable type of PDO thread – or possibly even alternative procedures – for your needs.
The procedure: what to expect during a PDO thread lift for jowls
Getting a PDO thread lift for jowls is quick, straightforward, and tailored to your needs.
During the treatment itself, we’ll start by numbing the area with a local anesthetic to minimize any discomfort. Then, using a fine needle or cannula, the threads are gently placed under the skin to lift sagging areas and stimulate collagen production. The entire process takes about 45 minutes to an hour, and you’ll notice an immediate improvement in your jawline.
After the procedure, you might experience mild swelling or bruising, but these effects usually resolve within a few days, and you’ll be back to feeling and looking your best while enjoying a more defined and youthful appearance.
Can PDO threads be combined with other treatments?
Absolutely! Combining PDO threads with other treatments can greatly enhance your results, especially if there are multiple signs of aging you want to address. By targeting different areas of the face or various concerns, these combination treatments can give you a more comprehensive, rejuvenated appearance.
Some popular combinations include:
Dermal fillers or Sculptra
Injectables such as dermal fillers or Sculptra can add volume to areas like the cheeks, chin, or nasolabial folds, complementing the lifting effect of PDO threads by restoring lost facial volume. These injectables work brilliantly with threads, as they help to smooth and plump the skin, making your overall results even more dramatic. The best part? Fillers can be done at the same time as PDO threads for a seamless enhancement.
Botox
Botox can help smooth out dynamic wrinkles around the mouth and jaw, working beautifully alongside PDO threads to create a smoother, more youthful look. Botox injections can also be performed during the same appointment as your thread lift.
Laser skin resurfacing
Treatments like MOXI and BBL laser resurfacing can improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation, offering a radiant glow to complement your PDO thread results. However, laser treatments usually need to be scheduled 4-6 weeks apart from thread lifts to allow proper healing and avoid any unnecessary irritation. Combining these treatments can significantly enhance overall skin rejuvenation, tackling wrinkles, sun damage, and uneven texture.
Clinical facials
Facials such as the Glo2Facial, HydraFacial, and Fire & Ice Facial can deeply cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate your skin, enhancing the glow and texture after a PDO thread lift. While these facials can’t be done on the same day, they’re perfect maintenance treatments in between your more intensive procedures, keeping your skin looking fresh and vibrant.
LED light therapy
Our light therapy facial uses LED lights to boost collagen production, reduce redness, and speed up healing. LED therapy can be done straight after your PDO thread lift to calm the skin and enhance collagen production, helping to prolong and maximize your results.
Find out if a PDO thread lift is the answer you’ve been looking for
If you’re looking for a non-surgical way to redefine your jawline, PDO threads could be the perfect solution. Results can last up to a year or more, and with minimal downtime, you’ll be back to your daily routine in no time. The procedure is safe, effective, and tailored to your unique needs, making it a great option for anyone struggling with the onset of sagging jowls.
At BodyTonic Med Spa Cleveland, we’re dedicated to helping you look and feel your best with personalized, expert care. So book your consultation today to find out if PDO threads are right for you – and take the first step toward reclaiming a more defined, youthful jawline.
