PDO Threadlifts

Background

There are different kinds of threads which may be used to lift any part of the face, including the forehead, cheeks, jowls, jawline and neck. The two main types are made of either Poly L lactic acid (PLA) or polydioxanone (PDO). Both PLA and PDO have collagen stimulating properties and are resorbable (dissolve over time leaving tighter ‘repair’ tissue as they often produce Type 3 Collagen behind to prolong the result). The threads are either smooth (monos) for improving skin texture or consist of barbs, cogs, anchors or screws to reposition the tissue.

A typical treatment involves placement of the desired number of PDO/PLA threads, which may range from a single thread per side but can involve 50 threads or more to treat the face and neck. Various entry points are considered depending on the individual face shape and requirements. Local anaesthetic is used to make the procedure as pain free as possible. The threads are introduced with a needle or a blunt ended cannula which is removed once the threads have been positioned. Threads which are used to reposition the skin will have the ends protruding after insertion and they are trimmed to below the level of the skin once the desired lift has been achieved. Smooth threads are anchored to lift and stimulate collagen.

At our clinic, we offer PDO threadlifting to achieve the following:

PDO brow lift - threads in the brow area can benefit saggy brows, heavy eye lids and in some cases improve forehead lines.

PDO cheek lift - this is a common problem area due to volume loss and gravity. A PDO cheek lift can be a very rewarding treatment to reverse sagging, stimulate more tissue plumpness and rejuvenate the face. Lifting the midface can also lighten the jawline and jowls, to a subtle extent.

PDO cheek & jowl lift - this combines the benefit of a PDO cheek lift, with additional threads to the jowls should they be a significant problem. Jowls are exceptionally hard to address with other injectable aesthetics treatments (there is no role for botulinum toxin here, and filler tends to add volume, able only to disguise jowls).

Combinations of the above can also be performed in the same sitting.

Contraindications

It is vital that PDO threadlifting is delivered by an experienced Doctor or Nurse, with excellent attention to procedural sterility. The main contraindications are a known allergy to the products used, pregnancy, breastfeeding, broken, inflamed or infected skin, prosthetic facial implants, immunosuppression, anticoagulation therapy, bleeding disorders, history of keloid scarring and/or Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD).

Side Effects & Complications

Swelling, bruising, bleeding, pain and redness are recognised side effects. Swelling and bruising are relatively common and usually subside in a few days, but can last up to two weeks. Rare complications: infection, haematoma, nerve injury, threads can be visible if placed too superficially or in very slim individuals, asymmetrical results, dimpling of the skin. Your consultation will provide a thorough overview of the procedure’s risks and benefits.

Procedure

Following a thorough consultation to establish 1) an appropriate indication and 2) no barriers to treatment, you have the opportunity to leave things as they are to consider matters further (a ‘cooling off’ period), or to proceed with treatment on the day following fully informed written consent. This means that following thorough discussion, you consent to the treatment with full understanding of the benefits and risks.

Basline photography is taken with your permission. Your skin will be disinfected and a sterile drape will be used to cover you, exposing only the treatment area(s). Local anaesthetic is applied. Your practitioner will be wearing a sterile gown and using sterile gloves (surgical discipline is used for PDO threadlifting). A series of threads are injected into the face, usually with a blunt needle called a cannula. The number of threads used depends on the area treated, extent of the problem and desired result. The procedure takes approximately 1hr, but we allow a generous appointment slot to ensure your preparedness and safety (1.5-2hr slot). You may notice tiny puncture marks and it is common to have a small amount of oozing due to the highly vascular nature of the human face.

Prior to departing, a follow-up appointment is arranged, you receive aftercare instructions and clinic contacts in case of any concerns/emergency.

Aftercare

Following a PDO threadlift treatment we would advise that:

• You try to sleep on your back for 5 nights.

• Avoid make-up for 24 hours.

• No facials or facial massage for 10 days.

• No extreme facial expressions for 2 weeks.

• Application of anti-biotic cream as advised.

• To attend a review appointment as advised.

• To avoid alcohol, vigorous exercise, sun bathing, and extremes of heat or cold for 14 days post treatment. These activities have been found to increase and prolong swelling.

• Swelling may worsen in the first 24 hours, and then should settle within the first few days. Cold packs can be helpful in reducing swelling.

• Bruising may take a few days to appear, arnica can be helpful in clearing bruising. It is advisable to avoid aspirin and alcohol for 12-48 hours after treatment.

• Tenderness should settle as swelling goes down.

• Contact your Aesthetic Practitioner with any concerns without delay.