PDO Threads vs Ultherapy

Many people today are taking advantage of non-surgical procedures to help reverse the signs of aging. No longer do you have to undergo surgery to get a traditional facelift to do this.

You can visit an aesthetic medicine practitioner and have face lines and wrinkles treated, as well as even have parts of your skin lifted up to give you a youthful look and/or add definition to certain areas such as around your lips or under your eyes.

Two of the most popular options for this type of procedure nowadays are PDO threads and Ultherapy. While they each can be used to do similar things, they work in different ways.

Below, we’ll weigh the differences and similarities between PDO threads vs Ultherapy to highlight why PDO threads is the preferred treatment for many.

There are a lot of similarities between PDO threads and Ultherapy, as both look to tighten and lift skin. The results of Ultherapy procedures can usually be seen almost immediately. With PDO threads, the results take a little longer to appear. However, there’s a lot of positives to being patient. For one, the results from PDO threads are often more dramatic and typically last a lot longer.

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Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 11/14/2024

What are PDO Threads?

PDO threads are thin dissolvable threads that have been used as surgical sutures for more than 50 years now. They have been used in aesthetic medicine procedures for around 25 years now, meaning it’s certainly not a brand new treatment.

The minimally-invasive procedure only requires local numbing agents for the area that will be treated. After the provider ensures that the area being treated is sufficiently numb, they will insert the PDO threads into your skin using a preloaded canula — which is similar to how an IV is inserted.

Then, barbs that are on these threads will grab onto part of your skin to lift them up, mimicking the results of a traditional surgical facelift.

Over time, your body will break down the threads naturally, meaning they won’t have to be removed at a later time. They are also 100% biocompatible and biodegradable, so there is a low chance that there will be any complications.

During this process, your body will produce extra collagen, which will leave your skin with more elasticity and looking plumper and more youthful.

What is Ultherapy?

Ultherapy, which is sometimes called Ulthera, is also a minimally-invasive aesthetic medicine procedure that’s designed to reverse the signs of aging.

This therapy uses ultrasound to lift skin near your brow, chin and neck, and can also minimize wrinkles and fine lines on your face. This is done gradually over time.

The ultrasound that’s used in the procedure is called micro-focused, and it treats your skin’s superficial layers. In a lot of ways, this is the same type of ultrasound that’s used during pregnancy or other types of medical imaging.

In Ultherapy, the goal is to tighten and lift skin.

The provider for these procedures will use a smooth applicator to specifically stimulate the production of collagen fibers. This is similar in the way that PDO threads work and, as a result, it has similar results in this regard.

The ultrasound energy that this procedure delivers will heat up your tissues briefly. It will then repair your skin gradually by strengthening existing collagen and stimulating the production of new collagen.

Differences Between the Procedures

There are a lot of similarities between PDO threads and Ultherapy, at least when it comes to the goals of the procedures. Both look to tighten and lift skin, and both stimulate the production of new collagen, which is extremely beneficial.

In addition to the actual approach of the procedures being dramatically different, there are other major differences you should be aware of, too.

First, the results of Ultherapy procedures can usually be seen almost immediately. With PDO threads, the results take a little longer to appear.

However, there’s a lot of positives to being patient. For one, the results from PDO threads are often more dramatic — in a good way. They can treat much more than Ultherapy can and can also bring about bigger and better results.

In addition, the results from PDO threads procedures typically last a longer than those from Ultherapy. Results from PDO threads typically last at least a year, but can go a lot longer than that, too.

With Ultherapy, results usually won’t last that long. This means you’ll have to repeat the procedure more often than you would with PDO threads.

Get a PDO Threads Procedure with a Provider Who Uses V Soft Lift Threads

PDO threads and Ultherapy are both very popular minimally-invasive procedures today. They are used to reverse the signs of aging in the face, and can be very effective.

That being said, PDO threads are the preferred option for many people, because the results last longer and can be much more dramatic, in a good way. These longer-lasting results come from the fact that the threads lift up the face using barbs and also stimulate the production of collagen in your face.

When you are searching for a provider for your PDO threads procedure, make sure you choose one who is reputable and has years of experience. In addition, make sure you choose one who uses V Soft Lift PDO threads.

We have created many types of PDO threads that can be used for different types of procedures and for different skin types.

For more information, contact us today.