PDO THREAD LIFTING

What are PDO Threads?

 

There are different kinds of threads which may be used to lift any part of the face, including the brows, forehead, eye area, cheeks, chin, jowls, jawline and neck. The two main types are made of either Poly L lactic acid (PLA) or polydioxanone (PDO) also caprolactone. Both PLA and PDO have collagen stimulating properties and are resorbable (dissolve over time leaving tighter tissue instead as they often produce Type 3 Collagen tissue behind to prolong the result.)  The threads are either smooth (monos) for improving skin texture or consist of barbs, cogs, anchors or screws to reposition the tissue.

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How does it work?

A typical treatment involves placement of the desired number of threads, which may range from a single thread per side but can involve around 80 threads or more to treat the whole face and neck. Various entry points are considered depending on the individual face shape and requirements. Topical anaesthetic is applied

to make the procedure as pain free as possible. The threads are introduced with  a blunt ended cannula which is removed once the threads have been positioned.  Smooth threads are anchored to lift and stimulate collagen.

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What is it used to treat?

• Brow lift

• Sagging cheeks

• Nose to mouth folds

• Jaw line

• Neck

• Jowls

• Chin

• Eye area

• Mouth lines

• Lip line enhancement

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Results

You can expect an immediate lift to the treated area of  20%, with a further 80% improvement in appearance improvement improve over a period of  2-3 months as collagen remodeling occurs.

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Thread lifting is safe, but bruising and/or swelling, tenderness around the treated areas may occur  the practitioner will discuss all the risks and benefits with you at consultation and again prior to treatment.

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Does it hurt?

 A topical anaesthetic will  be applied to the skin areas to be treated to make the procedure as comfortable as possible, but some patients may find this procedure uncomfortable  and some tenderness after the anaesthetic has worn off is to be expected.

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Before treatment

All make up will need to be removed prior to treatment, so please come ‘fresh faced’ if possible, but we are happy to remove your make-up for you prior to treatment.

Alcohol, aspirin, Ibuprofen and a range of dietary supplements including; St. Johns Wort, fish oils, Gingko Biloba, Vitamins C and E- may all contribute to bruising and are best avoided 24 hours before treatment.

Treatment cannot be administered if there is an active skin infection, including acne or cold sores or if you are unwell- including colds, coughs, sore throats etc. 

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After Care

Most people are able to continue with normal activities with immediate improvement in their appearance. Some will have some redness, pin prick marks, and possibly some degree of bruising and/or swelling,  The immediate side effects are expected to settle within 2 weeks.

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For up to a week after the procedure it may feel tender around the threaded areas. If necessary, you can take some simple paracetamol to help with this although most patients do not need to the anything. You may feel the threads beneath your skin especially when you apply your skincare products or make up, although you should not be able to see them.

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You will be advised

• sleep on your back for the first night

• Make-up should not be worn for 12 hours

• No facials or facial massage for 10 days

• No extreme facial expressions for 2 weeks

• 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.

• Tenderness should settle as swelling goes down.

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