Redefine & Tighten
PDO threads improve skin texture, whilst also tightening and lifting the skin through the stimulation of collagen. PDO threads reduce fine lines a wrinkles, lift sagging skin and redefine facial curves and contours.
It's now wonder that a PDO thread lift is becoming and increasingly popular treatment.
A PDO (polydioxanone pdo) thread is a biodegradable medical grade thread that can be used for many different cosmetic applications. The main benefits of using PDO threads on your skin are that they improve skin elasticity and remove wrinkles, scars and stretch marks by tightening and rejuvenating the skin.
A PDO thread lift treatment also offers support for sagging skin, loss of skin laxity and collagen reduction. The threads become a support structure for your face allowing natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production to take place.
The results are subtle but natural looking. The skin is tightened, wrinkles and fine lines are reduced and the skin is left glowing with a youthful appearance.
A PDO thread lift can be combined with other cosmetic treatments, such as a dermal filler treatment, where additional volume may be required.
Lifting Effect
Over time, our skin loses its elasticity and firmness. The main reason for this is the decrease in collagen production. Collagen fibres are responsible for keeping the skin smooth and elastic.
The PDO threads are placed under the skin's surface and are completely reabsorbed within 6 months. New collagen builds up around the thread and creates a lifting and tightening effect.
The most popular treatment areas are the lower face and neck. However, because a PDO thread lift is so versatile it can be used to treat virtually any part of the body including the neck, décolleté, arms, stomach, bottom, along with the face including:
- Jowls
- Jaw line
- Nasolabial folds
- Crow’s feet
- Undereye area
- Forehead and brows
- Cheeks
- Marionette lines
- Upper lip
Types of PDO Threads
There are three different types of PDO threads:
- PDO mono threads - smooth sutures that help rejuvenate your skin by stimulating collagen production
- PDO cog 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 - made up of one or two intertwined threads, these are used to help restore volume to sunken parts of your skin
PDO Mono threads are the most suitable threads for skin rejuvenation and skin tightening whilst PDO screw or COG threads are most suitable for more of a lifting effect.
PDO screw threads are also great to provide additional volume to sunken areas of the skin, such as cheek hollows and also for deeper wrinkles, such the glabella (eleven) lines.
Treatment Results
A PDO thread lift treatment may result in immediate improvements to the skin. However, results improve over the course of 2-3 months. Results include:
- A discrete lifting. Thread lift treatments are not a facelift and so will not create a pulled tight look
- More jawline definition
- Improved facial contours
- Softening of nasolabial and marionette folds
- Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles
- Facial rejuvenation with overall improvement to skin tone, elasticity and pore size
- Improvement of skin laxity in the area of the body treated
- More jawline definition
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the procedure cause any discomfort?
PDO threads are inserted via a needle or cannula. This is not painful but topical anaesthetic can be applied to the skin to reduce any discomfort. The thread is passed through the correct layer of the skin and this does not cause any pain, it is more of a slight tugging sensation. Some tenderness may be experienced for the first 24 – 48 hours.
A PDO thread lift treatment is more convenient, quicker and safer than many surgical procedures whilst still delivering very effective results.
Is the treatment safe?
A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure which absolutely safe when administered by a suitably qualified professional. PDO threads are made of polydioxanone, which is a colourless, biodegradable polymer. PDO sutures have been used in medicine for many years. The material is completely absorbed by the body within 6 months.
At Alabaster Aesthetics we use MINT™ PDO Threads, which are a premium brand of PDO threads.
PDO thread lifts have a much lower risk of complications than facelift surgeries.
Minor complications occur in a very small percentage of cases. Potential complications include:
- visible sutures (especially in people with thin skin)
- pain
- minor bruising or hematoma’s
- infection
- snapping of threads
- dimpling
- inflammation
When will I see results?
Results can be seen immediately after the treatment. However, the final results will generally appear 2-3 months after treatment.
How many sessions will I need?
You will have a follow up consultation after 3 months to assess if a further session is required.
Are PDO threads the same as PLLA and PCL threads?
PLLA and PCL threads regenerate collagen over a longer time period. This is due to their tensile strength, stiffness and durability. However, as they are more durable and stiff this can lead to significant inflammation and discomfort, along with other possible side effects. PDO threads are much better for revitalising the skin tissue, are very safe and complications are extremely rare.
What should I do before the appointment?
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medication such as Aspirin or Ibuprofen for one week prior to the appointment
- Avoid alcohol 48 hours prior to the appointment
- If your prone to bruising consider taking Arnica tablets 48 hours prior to the appointment
What should I do after the appointment?
- Avoid heavy exercise for 48 hours after the appointment
- You may experience tightness, tenderness and puckering around the face along with redness and bruising for the next 7 to 10 days
- Keep the skin clean in the treatment area – do not apply makeup that day
- Try and sleep on your back for the first week so that the threads are not misplaced
Who is suitable for the treatment?
PDO threads are non-toxic and hypoallergenic. They do not cause an allergic reaction or irritate the skin.
They can be used on all skin types without causing any damage to the skin surface.
How long do results last?
Results improve monthly and the final result will generally sustain itself for 12 months.
This will vary for each individual as it depends on the quality of your skin, age and the metabolic activity of your skin cells.
Younger people tend to have results that last 3 to 4 years. Older people with poor skin volume or elasticity tend to only see benefits for 1 to 2 years.
