threads

What Are they?

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.

PDO stands for polydioxanone, which is a common chemical compound that has been used in surgical settings, specifically the suturing of incisions, for years.

TYPES OF THREADS

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 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.
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.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TREATMENT

Before treatment starts, we will apply a topical numbing agent and local anesthetic to the treatment site. 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.

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.

AFTERCARE

There are not a lot of special after-care requirements to this treatment. However, 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.

RESULTS

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.

Goal of procedure Most suitable thread

Rejuvenation or skin tightening PDO mono

Moderate facelift PDO cog or screw

Moderate facelift with skin texture improvement PLA or PCA

Significant facelift Facelift surgery

what are the areas that can be treated?

Because a PDO thread lift is so versatile, it can treat virtually any area of the face. These include the:

Neck
Jowls
Jawline
Nasolabial folds
Crow’s feet
Undereye area
Eyebrows
Cheeks
Marionette lines

The cheeks and the lower face/neck region are the most commonly treated.

What are the side-effects?

PDO threads are very safe and complications are rare.

Swelling
Bruising and haematoma
Infection
Foreign body reaction
Asymmetry
Allergy to PDO threads (very rare)
Scarring for the track of the tread
Pigment changes – avoid the sun at least for 4 weeks post-treatment
Further treatment might be required to achieve the desired results

How long do tHREADS last?

The lifting results are instantaneous. However, the best results are obtained after 3 months as PDO threads also stimulate the production of collagen, which help to tighten and lift the skin.

PDO threads effect should last up to 2 years depending on the quality of your skin and your lifestyle. It is best to have an annual review and repeat the procedure once a year if you would like to keep the lifting capacity at its peak.