PDO Threads

PDO Threads


What is a PDO Thread Lift?

If your face has loosening or sagging skin and you want a tighter, fresher more youthful look, this treatment may be suitable. There are no cuts or incisions, only injections.

How does it work?

Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are a special medical grade thread that is thinner than hair, made of protein. Research has confirmed that PDO relaxes tendons and muscles, whilst a foreign body reaction improves the blood flow to the area stimulating neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen in the skin). It also stimulates elastin and hyaluronic acid, both substances are key to maintaining firm, youthful looking skin.

Is it safe?

PDO threads have over a decade long safety track record in surgery and wound closure. PDO threads have also gained FDA approval.

What happens during treatment?

Lidocaine injection applied to the entry points following which threads are introduced into the skin through a fine needle- into either the skin itself, the muscle, or the subcutaneous fat. The treatment results in an immediate improvement in appearance but the results will improve over ensuing days and weeks as the PDO stimulates neocollagenesis, increasing the amount of collagen in the skin. The appearance of the skin improves in terms of overall texture, becoming thicker, tighter, and firmer as fine lines and wrinkles are reduced

Which areas can be treated?

This is a very versatile treatment which can be used in any part of the face and neck to treat sagging brows, nasolabial lines, vertical and horizontal forehead wrinkles, drooping cheeks, marionette lines, sagging jawline, plus wrinkles and folds on the chin and neck. We can also treat various parts of the body like the abdomen, arms, legs, and buttocks.

What results can I expect?

Thread-lift treatments result in an instant and natural looking improvement in the appearance of the skin. A process of natural protein synthesis then begins after about 10-14 days. Over the subsequent weeks results will continue to improve, peaking at around 6 months and lasting for up to 2 years as your own body produce collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Making this form of non-surgical facelift a long-lasting treatment. The thread itself is completely biodegradable and dissolves over six months, after which new collagen has formed around the thread to continue to support results, maintaining a smooth and supple texture of the skin.

Treatment may not be suitable if:

  • You have active acne/broken skin or are prone to cold sores
  • You have taken anticoagulation medications such as aspirin/warfarin/heparin or have consumed alcohol within 48 hours of treatment (we advise you to continue taking prescribed medications but stop taking some complimentary supplements such as evening primrose oil, vitamin D, A and E, fish oils, flax seed oil, magnesium, garlic, and ginkgo prior to treatment)

Treatment is not
suitable if:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • are allergic to any of its ingredients
  • have an acute illness or autoimmune deficiencies
  • have a bleeding disorder
  • have keloid or hypertrophic scarring

Proper “pre” and “post” care is essential to achieving optimal results from your PDO Thread Lift treatment. If there are any outstanding questions after reading the information provided below, please do not hesitate to call us. We want to ensure all of your questions are thoroughly answered. Most people will have no problem resuming normal activities immediately after treatment. If all instructions are followed, the process should be comfortable and fast with minimal recovery time.

Pre-Treatment Instructions

  • To minimize bruising avoid the following blood thinners ~3 days prior to treatment: baby aspirin, Aleve, Motrin, multivitamins, vitamins E and D, and fish oils – they can cause you to bruise more easily. Note: Please consult with your prescribing physician before discontinuing any prescribed baby aspirin or blood thinners. Without clearance from your prescribing physician, we will not be able to treat you.
  • Please do not drink alcohol for 7 days prior to the procedure.
  • Please do not smoke 2 days before and 2 weeks after treatment.
  • Do not schedule any dental work, including cleanings, 2 weeks prior to treatment.
  • We always recommend using sunscreen to protect your skin as we will not perform the treatment on sunburnt skin. Please use care when in the sun and in the days prior to your appointment.
  • It’s important not to have a bacterial or fungal infection or an abrasion in the desired treatment area as it can spread after injection.
  • If you have a history of Herpes Simplex, please ask us to prescribe an antiviral medication when scheduling. This should be taken the day before, the day of, and a day after your procedure. If you are experiencing an active outbreak in the area to be treated, please reschedule as we will be unable to perform your procedure.
  • Always inform your clinician of all medications you may be taking, as well as any changes in your medicines.
  • Due to the body’s inflammatory response to Covid-19 and other viruses, we ask that you postpone your procedure 2 weeks after being symptom-free. This helps minimize post-procedure inflammatory responses your body may experience.

Post Procedure Instructions

What should/ shouldn’t you do post treatment?

Most people will have no problem resuming normal activities immediately after treatment. If all instructions are followed the process will be comfortable, fast and provide an effective recovery time.

General aftercare advice:

  • Some pain/discomfort after treatment can be expected, Tylenol can be taken if required.
  • Do not have any other aesthetic procedures (such as toxins, fillers, peels etc.) for 7 days
  • Avoid extreme temperatures, alcohol, and anticoagulants for 7 days. Those taking Prescribed anticoagulants such as aspirin/warfarin must continue to do so but must be aware that bruising is more likely
  • Gently wash the treated area as required, but do not rub or massage for 2 weeks
  • It is important not to overstretch the treated area (i.e., open the mouth wide) for 4 weeks (avoid dental treatment during this time if possible)
  • Do not have Radiofrequency, IPL, Laser, or other heated treatments near the treated area for 10 weeks
  • Contact your injector following the Thread Lift procedure if you develop any new or worsened swelling, tenderness, warmth, or redness in the treated area, or if you’re experiencing any discharge from the entry point(s).

Are there any side effects?

There is minimal downtime and no general anesthetic risks. The specialized needles allow small areas to be tackled effectively. As there are no incisions, stitches are not required, and scarring is unlikely.

Less commonly reported side effects:

  • Pain/tenderness
  • Thread protrusion, puckering of the skin
  • Bleeding/bruising/hematoma
  • Infection, granuloma
  • Swelling/inflammation
  • Migration (cogs)
  • Asymmetry
  • Facial nerve trauma
  • Stinging/scratching/pulling sensations
  • Allergic reaction

Request a Free PDO Threads Consultation.

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