PDO Threads
WHAT ARE PDO THREADS?
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are absorbable sutures that can lift and rebuild the structures of the skin. PDO threads have received FDA clearance and are now recognized as a safe, minimally-invasive alternative to surgical face and neck lifts. Although PDO threads cannot completely replace a full face lift, they can delay the need for surgical procedures as well as increase the longevity of a previous facelift by supporting the skin and preventing sagging and premature wrinkles.
PDO threads are made from Polydiaxanone suture material that has been used in surgical procedures, such as cardiac, osteopathic and plastic surgery for decades. Hypoallergenic and non-pyrogenic, PDO threads are a safe and effective way to lift and tighten sagging skin. Once inserted into the skin, the threads will instantly lift loose skin and continuously stimulate neocollagenesis to improve skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles and the overall firmness of the skin. PDO threads also induces the formation of elastin, which is the main protein constituent of elastic connective tissue in the dermis, which gives you the . By stimulating the growth of bio-identical collagen and elastin in the skin, you can rebuild the building blocks and reverse the signs of aging.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Threads are classified largely into 2 categories, barbed and non-barbed. Barbed threads have little ‘arms’ on the suture that can pull up the skin and keep it suspended. These barbed threads are inserted into the skin and will hold and grab the skin, and as they are activated, will lift and suspend. Non barbed threads come in a variety of sizes and lengths. The primary mechanism of action of non barbed threads is to induce collagen and elastin production. This will smooth out uneven texture and create a scaffolding deep within the skin to tighten and volumize, for an all over youthful look.
Collagen and elastin are protein chains that act as a foundation that support and lift the skin. As you age, your skin loses these structural building blocks, causing the skin to sag and lose its firmness. PDO threads creates a mechanical inflammatory response that induces the body to create new collagen and elastin. This inflammatory response also increases blood flow to the area that brightens the skin and gives it an all over ‘glow’. They can also contract fat and tighten the surrounding tissues.
A PDO thread lift is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that can be used in the face, body, and scalp to increase hair growth.
Most facial procedures can take anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour, and simple individual areas can take between 5 to 15 minutes. Minimal pain is usually reported from the procedure, and local and topical anesthesia is used to alleviate any discomfort. Lifting is achieved immediately after the treatment, although optimal results are usually seen within 2-3 weeks. Threads will dissolve within 3-9 months, depending on the type of threads used, but neocollagenesis can continue for up to 18 months after the procedure as tissue constituents grow around the lattice created by the thread.
In addition to facial treatments, PDO threads are also used for body contouring. They are used to lift and tighten the stomach, the butt, and the breasts. Arm lifts have gained in popularity and used to tack up the ‘bat wings’ and the crepiness in the elbow and shoulders.
WHO IS THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR THREAD LIFTS?
PDO thread lifts are effective for mild and moderate lifts. The heavier the tissue to be lifted, the more threads that will be required and the longevity of the lift will be reduced.
In most instances, once optimal lift is achieved, results will last anywhere from 12-18 months. However, the heavier the area to be lifted, a significant improvement is difficult to achieve and the duration of the lift will be shorter.
Ageless Health Institute offers insight on how to do proper Facial Evaluations and how to choose the right aesthetic treatments for each indication. We also show you how to pick the right threads for different areas of the face and body, how many threads are needed for different facial types, and the optimal vector and pattern for insertion.
ARE PDO THREADS SAFE TO USE IN COMBINATION WITH OTHER AESTHETIC TREATMENTS?
Absolutely! Other non invasive therapies such as Dermal Fillers, PRP, lasers and neurotoxins (Botox) are great adjunct therapies that work well with PDO threads. It is important to know what therapies to do first and how long to wait in between treatments, to allow each product to work to its full potential and for the optimal aesthetic outcome.
