PDO Threads
PDO (polydioxanone) thread lift is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure used to lift and volumize the skin by stimulating collagen production. PDO threads are medical-grade sutures that are similar to surgical stitches. When these threads are inserted beneath the skin, they can help generate new collagen, resulting in improved skin texture, firmness, and a lifted appearance.
Here are the key points about PDO thread lift:
Procedure
During a PDO thread lift, a healthcare professional will insert fine, absorbable PDO threads into the skin using a needle or cannula. The threads are strategically placed to lift sagging or loose skin in targeted areas of the face or body.
Collagen Stimulation
Once the threads are inserted, they create a physical lifting effect. Additionally, the PDO material stimulates the production of collagen, a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin. The presence of the threads beneath the skin triggers the body's natural healing response, leading to the formation of new collagen fibers around the threads.
Results
Over time, the newly generated collagen helps to plump the skin, improve skin laxity, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The threads themselves also provide immediate lifting effects, which can be noticeable after the procedure. The full results of a PDO thread lift can continue to improve over several weeks as collagen production progresses.
Absorption
PDO threads are gradually absorbed by the body over time. This process typically takes several months. As the threads are absorbed, the newly formed collagen remains in place, providing continued support and lifting effects.
Recovery
PDO thread lift is considered a minimally invasive procedure. Some individuals may experience mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort after the treatment, but these side effects are generally temporary and subside within a few days to weeks. Most people can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Qestions
PDO stands for Polydioxanone which is a biocompatible material that has been and currently used in the manufacturing of sutures. They can also be used to lift the skin and stimulate collagen production. When inserted into the skin the PDO material will dissolve over time and leave new collagen behind. As we start to approach our late 20’s to early 30’s we begin to lose about 1% of collagen per year.
By age 40 we may start to see signs of this collagen loss with the development of dry skin, sagging skin and wrinkles. There are two broad categories of PDO threads; monofilament and cogged. Monofilaments (smooth threads) are used to help improve skin quality while cogged are used for lifting skin.
PDO threads are considered a minimally invasive procedure which allows for a quick recovery time. Smooth threads utilize a small sharp needle to insert the thread; the areas being treated are first numbed using a topical anesthetic cream. Lifting threads require the creation of an entry point using a sharp needle then a blunt cannula is inserted under the skin. A local anesthetic such as Lidocaine is used to numb the area prior to the creation of the entry point the help minimize any discomfort.
Commonly side effects include swelling, bruising, minimal bleeding and thread migration. Infection is also a possible risk with any procedure; however, careful care is taken to sterilize the skin and insert the threads.
The duration of the procedure is dependent on the location and the number of threads used. Smooth (monofilament) threads can be placed quicky while lifting (cogged) threads take longer to place. Most procedures can be completed in 30mins to 1.5 hours plus time for consultation.
Lifting threads results are progressive over time. Post procedure you will see immediate results, however, as the threads begin to dissolve and are replaced with collagen, the skin will continue to tighten. Smooth threads take time to dissolve, therefore, results are realized once this process begins to take place.
For smooth threads, results a maximized with multiple sessions spaced several months apart. Lifting threads start to dissolve around 6 to 9 months and the effects may be seen up to 18 months. We recommend patient’s schedule a follow up at the 6 to 9 month timeframe to monitor your response to the treatment.
There is minimum down time following thread insertion however it is usually recommended to avoid any dental procedures, face massages or strenuous exercise for two weeks. You may also feel a tight sensation where the threads were inserted, however, this feeling usually resolves after two weeks.