Are PDO Threads Right For Me?

Everyone wants to look younger and after watching your favorite reality shows filled with beautiful women who have youthful faces, you may be inspired to do some research. But the thought of going under the knife can be scary, especially since there is a significant recovery period. However, with PDO threads you can get the same results without surgery.

The PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure, which lifts and tightens sagging tissue using threads made of a complex sugar called polydioxanone.  A small amount of Lidocaine is injected at the entry points to ensure minimal discomfort, followed by the insertion of the threads into your skin using a blunt needle.  Research has confirmed that the PDO relaxes tendons and muscles, while improving the blood flow to the area, thus stimulating the production of new collagen in the skin.

The process of natural protein synthesis begins after about 10-14 days. Over the subsequent weeks, results will continue to improve, peaking at around 6 months and lasting for up to 2 years as your own body produces collagen and elastin.  The thread itself is completely biodegradable and dissolves within 12 weeks. When the thread dissolves, new collagen will have formed around the thread and will continue to support results. You will notice that the appearance of the skin will improve in terms of overall texture, thickness, and tightness as fine lines and wrinkles are reduced.

Stimulating collagen growth helps to keep your skin strong, voluminous and supple. As we get older, our bodies gradually produce less and less collagen, which leads to an 80% reduction in skin thickness by about age 70. This reduction of volume and strength is a large factor in the creation of excess skin and wrinkles. As the skin grows weaker, it's no longer able to support the tissues beneath it adequately, meaning that gravity pulls it downwards and stretches it. Infusing the skin of the face with fresh collagen when the signs of skin laxity are still mild can help to both reduce looseness and prevent it from getting worse.

PDO threading is not recommended if you:

• Have active acne/broken skin or are prone to cold sores

• Have taken anticoagulation medications such as aspirin/warfarin/heparin or have consumed alcohol within 48 hours of treatment

• You are pregnant or breastfeeding

• You have an autoimmune disease, uncontrolled diabetes or active infection

The ideal candidate for PDO thread lifting has good skin quality, moderate sagging in the mid-face and strong underlying bone structure. Patients with very thin skin, little underlying fat or excessive sagging are not well suited for it.

This treatment is surprisingly safe. Compared to fillers, the side effects are, in fact, much milder . Because PDO threads are inserted via needles and not surgery, and are absorbed in 6-8 months, many of the possible side effects such as infection and thread breakage are also minimised.

Depending on the types of threads used and areas treated, bruising may or may not occur.  Expect some mild swelling and soreness for 3 to 5 days after the procedure, and a sensation of tightness (mild) of up to 2 weeks. Temporary mild dimpling of the skin can also occur – and resolves in a couple weeks.

You should avoid rubbing your face as much as possible the week after your PDO appointment to avoid accidentally dislodging the thread. Also avoid exaggerated facial expressions, smoking, sleeping on your side, intense exercise, visiting saunas, dental work, and drinking through a straw for the first several weeks.

Sleeping with your head propped on a pillow can help you avoid excess swelling or accidentally rolling onto your face during the middle of the night.

If you are considering PDO threading our founder Erin Gordon, MD can help you! Simply contact us through our website today to begin your journey to healthier skin.