We like to get into the nitty gritty details of the treatments we offer. Sometimes there is so much more to a treatment than the original purpose that it’s meant to serve, meaning that the more you know about it, the more you might find that it’s actually a treatment for you, even though you may have initially thought it wasn’t.

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The thread lift is just one of these treatments. You may have heard and read a lot about the versatility of thread lifting in terms of its lifting effect, and we’ve certainly talked a lot about thread lifts through this lens—how it can delay a facelift or be a good option for someone who doesn’t want surgery. We’ve even talked about how thread lifts can re-shape the tissue in the nose and give the tip a lift.

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But we’ve talked less about the more subtle transformations we can create with non-barbed threads called monos.

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What a lot of people don’t know is that there are a number of different types of PDO threads. PDO stands for polydioxanone, which basically means that the thread is a medical grade thread that your body eventually metabolizes as it’s composed of a protein. And it’s super super thin—thinner than a hair.

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The three main types of PDO threads are mono, cog and screw threads. So when we talk about the thread lift in terms of addressing skin laxity, we’re most likely going to use a cog thread which has tiny barbs on it that serves to lift the tissue just below the surface of the skin in the target area.

 

Mono threads, on the other hand, don’t have barbs. They’re smooth threads that are used more for their collagen producing and volumizing capabilities. Mono threads can also effectively lift and tighten the skin, but they’re used more as a revitalizing skin treatment that works to thicken the skin and improve on textural irregularities of the skin.

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There are two types of thread treatments available. One is where threads are placed under the skin to promote the production of collagen. These are known as collagen threads. There is little to no downtime with this treatment. 

 

The second thread treatment is a thread lift. Where a COG thread is placed under the skin to lift and tighten the skin.  It’s a less invasive procedure than facelift surgery and can often be performed in under 45 minutes.

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Types of threads

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PDO threads can be further divided into three categories:

• PDO mono threads (collagen only threads). Smooth sutures that help rejuvenate your skin by stimulating collagen production.

• PDO screw threads (collagen only threads). Made up of one or two intertwined threads, these are used to help restore volume to sunken parts of your skin.

• PDO cog threads (lifting threads) . These threads have barbs that latch into your skin like small fishhooks, to provide support and lift parts of your face.

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What areas do mono threads treat most effectively?

We will typically use mono threads in the mid-face, lips, and neck to smooth out tissue, create volume (as in the nasolabial folds) and improve skin texture. Another great indication for mono threads is in the treatment of atrophic acne scars, i.e. depressed scarring, not raised. We also love to use mono threads in the neck, to give it a lovely smooth appearance.

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Is a mono thread lift for me?

Whether the use of mono threads are the right choice for your thread lift treatment, really just depends on what you’re looking to achieve. If you’re looking strictly for a skin lift and skin tightening then the use of a barbed thread will be more effective.

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However, if you’re looking to smooth out the skin and really target those fine lines and wrinkles and textural irregularities, along with giving you that volume boost, then monos are the way to go.

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What happens during the treatment? 

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Before treatment starts, we will apply a topical numbing agent or local anesthetic to the treatment site depending on whether you are having monos or cogs. The needle used during this treatment is so fine it will not cause any pain. However, we provide anesthesia to ensure you feel no discomfort during the treatment.

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Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your treatment will begin. The PDO threads are inserted via blunt tip needles, called cannulas, or sharp-tipped needles. Once inserted into the appropriate layer of skin, they act as anchors as the skin is lifted upwards. Then, the excess threads are cut off.

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Aftercare

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There are not a lot of special after-care requirements to this treatment, for mono threads you can return to life as normal. You may experience some redness and minor bruising post treatment, 

 

If you have had a cog thread treatment you may be want to relax for the rest of the day. You will need to avoid pressure on the area for a couple of days, You should hold off on any dental treatments for the first two weeks after your PDO thread lift. Holding your mouth open for an excessive period of time can affect the results of your treatment. Moreover, you’ll want to sleep on your back for the first couple of weeks. This ensures you don’t put too much pressure on one side of your face.

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Results

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The final results of your PDO thread lift will be seen within one to two months of your treatment. How long it takes you personally depends a lot on your age. Your age is one of the leading factors in how quickly your body produces new, healthy collagen. Collagen is the protein responsible for plumping up your cheeks, filling in fine lines and smoothing out wrinkles.

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