PDO Thread Lifting
What is a PDO thread lift?
A PDO thread lift, also known as a non-surgical facelift, is a minimally invasive, extremely effective rejuvenating treatment.
The treatment uses specialised threads to lift sagging skin giving a fresher, more defined and youthful appearance.
The treatment repositions sagging skin using polydioxanone threads that are made from a suture-like material. They are carefully inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of the skin and over time they stimulate collagen production to restore facial volume and smooth out lines and wrinkles.
PDO threads provide an instant lift as well as a rejuvenating effect due to the increased collagen production. The threads safely absorb into the body over six months. It gives long lasting results, from 12 to 18 months, and can be combined with other anti-ageing treatments such as injectables.
Most patients have little to no reactions following treatment. Most reactions are generally minimal and temporary. You may have some redness, swelling and slight bruising following the treatment, which should settle within a couple of days.
PDO threads can improve:
PDO threads can improve the volume of the sagging or hallow cheeks by lifting the volume that has fallen.
Lifting the lower face improves the contour of the jawline, reduces the appearance of the jowls and improves the quality of the overlying skin. The position of the eyebrow can be elevated to improve the position and shape of the brow.
The treatment procedure
On the day of treatment, any make up will be removed and the area cleansed. Local anesthetic will be used to minimise any discomfort. The product is placed using a cannula which helps to keep swelling and bruising to a minimum.
The treatment can take between 30-45 minutes depending on what area is being treated.
The effects are noticeable immediately after the procedure. Although the treatment itself is non-permanent, it’s long-lasting and comes with very little downtime. The threads can stay in the skin for up to 6 months. However, the lifting effect that comes with threads is actually long-lasting, as the threads encourage the tissues in your face to produce new collagen, which may last for up to 2 years.
Most reactions are generally minimal and temporary. You should expect some swelling and you may have some slight bruising following the treatment however these reactions are expected to settle down within a couple of days. Most of my patients have little to no reactions following the treatment. After treatment, I advise you to avoid beauty treatments and extremes of temperature for around two weeks.
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More information on PDO threads can be found here
PDO Threads Frequently Asked Questions
PDO threads are a non-surgical cosmetic treatment that helps reverse the visible signs of aging on the face and neck.
PDO stands for polydioxanone, which is a common chemical compound used in surgical settings, specifically the suturing of incisions, for a number of years.
PDO threads are resorbed and collagen is produced in response.
In general there are two types of PDO threads; Cogs or barbed threads and smooth threads.
Cogs or barbed threads are mainly used in my clinic to reposition sagging tissues or lift brows.
Smooth PDO threads stimulate collagen in the skin and therefore rejuvenate the overlying skin.
PDO threads are made of a very safe material, it is the same material used in cardiac surgeries and are re-absorbable and biocompatible.
PDO thread lifts are low risk thanks to being less invasive when compared to surgery.
The threads I use in my clinic, MINT threads are approved by the FDA for safety and efficiency and carry a CE mark. Hundreds of thousands of treatments have been performed with no reports of allergic reactions, sensitivities to the threads, or serious side effects or risks.
Threads give an immediate lift to the treated area, this will relax somewhat as any initial swelling resolves. Collagen is formed over the following three months and the appearance improves further.
Threads can be used to lift
- Brow lift
- Sagging cheeks
- Nose to mouth folds
- Jaw line
Thread placement can be uncomfortable, therefore I use local anaesthetic to making the procedure as comfortable as possible.
Some tenderness is to be expected as the local anaesthesia wears off, this discomfort can be managed by analgesia.
PDO threads work well for lifting and firming the skin of the jowl area. This enhances the definition of your jawline.
These dissolvable threads are placed just below the surface of the skin and they reposition the sagging tissues. As they are resorbed, collagen is formed that firms the skin.
Before treatment it is best to remove all make up, and arrive with clean skin.
Some things can make you more prone to bruising such as alcohol, aspirin, Ibuprofen and a range of dietary supplements including; St. Johns Wort, fish oils, Gingko Biloba, Vitamins C and E. It is best to avoid these 24 hours before treatment.
Treatment cannot be administered if there is an active skin infection like acne or a cold sore. Do contact me to discuss any new conditions or medications before your treatment.
Most people can resume normal activities following PDO threads. There may be some degree of swelling, redness, possibly some puckering or indentations along the site of the thread and pin prick marks from the insertion. These immediate effects settle within two weeks for most people.
The week following the threads procedure the area around the threads may feel tender and paracetamol helps with any discomfort.
There are a few dos and don’ts following the treatment;
- Do sleep on your back for 5 nights
- Make-up should not be worn for 24 hours
- No facials or facial massage for 10 days
- No extreme facial expressions for 2 weeks
- Application of anti-biotic cream as advised.
- To attend a review appointment as advised.
- To avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, sun bathing, and extremes of heat or cold for 14 days post treatment. These activities have been found to increase and prolong swelling.
- Swelling may worsen in the first 24 hours, and then should settle within the first few days. Cold packs can be helpful in reducing swelling.
- Bruising may take a few days to appear, arnica can be helpful in clearing bruising. It is advisable to avoid aspirin and alcohol for 12-48 hours after treatment.
- Contact me if you have any worries following the treatment
This is very difficult to answer and will be different depending on the individual. Dermal filler and PDO threads do different things. Dermal fillers restore lost volume and this in turn softens wrinkles and fine lines. PDO threads lift sagging tissue to lift and tighten the skin creating a more youthful appearance.
PDO threads and dermal fillers are quite often used in combination for best effects but it does depend on the case and aesthetic goal. It is best to book a consultation and decide what is best for you.
The cost of PDO threads will vary depending on the individual and aesthetic goals. I can advise you more accurately at a consultation. PDO threads are priced from £450
