PDO Threads

What is a PDO Thread Lift?
The PDO Thread Lift is a treatment which lifts and tightens sagging skin tissue, using threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO). The threads introduces them into the deeper layers of the skin. Once introduced, the threads produce 3 effects in the skin:​

• Instant Skin Lifting through mechanical effects

• Cellular Renewal through Collagen stimulation to improve skin texture, fine lines and elasticity

• Skin Tightening by contracting fat tissue

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Is this treatment painful?
It depends on individual pain tolerance (it can be different with different day of the cycle, recent stress etc.) and the type of threads use. Most patients tolerate the procedure comfortably, we don’t need pain relief (the size of needle is similar to anti wrinkle injections). For lifting threads – there is a pulling up sensation which is usually due to changing balance (homestasis) of the face tissues to a more lifted level. we can use local anesthetic, particularly it’s advised for the 1st time procedure as it’s usually more uncomfortable than subsequent ones.

Please note that more anesthetic used – more swelling and prolongation of downtime will be.

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How long does this treatment last for?
This depends on the following:

• on the type of threads (less invasive tend to last less, but less side effects and downtime)

• on lifestyle (more age facilitating activities – faster person will age

• things like stress (that’s what we can see is a biggest trigger of aging),

• smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, genetics etc.

• general health (chronic and inflammatory conditions tend to age people faster as well we lead to less collagen stimulation by PDO threads),

• genetics and how person maintains their health and beauty.

 

Thread lift has accumulative effect, similar to filler and other cosmetic procedures – more is done  – more lift we can achieve with a smaller amount and  collagen has been supporting structures.

 

1st time PDO thread lift tend to last not too long – may be as short as only 6 or 8 months, up to a year.

 

2nd thread lift tend to last longer – around a year. Particularly bone structure and skin tightness are factors helping better lift and longevity.

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Downtime:

Like any other facelift procedure, there is downtime, particularly for the 1st time so please always discuss with your cosmetologist/doctor and do not plan anything significant in the following 2 weeks.

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Is this treatment safe?

This treatment is surprisingly safe. Compared to fillers, the side effects are, in fact, much milder. Because PDO threads are inserted via needles and not surgery, and are absorbed in 6-8 months, many of the side effects associated with older thread lifting procedures, such as infection and thread breakage are also minimized.

 

Depending on the types of threads used and areas treated, bruising may or may not occur. Expect some mild swelling and soreness for 3 to 5 days after the procedure, and a sensation of tightness (mild) of up to 2 weeks. Temporary mild dimpling of the skin can also occur – an resolves in a few days.

 

Some side effects are related to the technique of insertion, and the types of threads used. These include surface depressions, thread migration and even extrusion, facial asymmetry, prolonged pain, and prolonged dimpling. PDO threads are not created equal.

 

Finally, more serious side effects, though rare, can occur. These include infection, nerve damage, formation of nodules, and damage to the salivary ducts. The face has a very complex anatomical structure. Intimate anatomical knowledge is required to perform a PDO thread lift well, and to avoid serious side effects.

 

The side effects are mostly manageable – removal of threads may be required in cases such as migration and extrusion. There is no scarring after removal, and the problems resolve completely.