Unveiling The Wonders of PDO Threads: What Are They, And How Do They Work?

PDO threads are a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure used to provide mechanical support and improve the appearance of mild to moderate skin laxity. PDO stands for polydioxanone, a synthetic absorbable material that has been used in medical sutures for decades. In aesthetic medicine, PDO threads are inserted beneath the skin to create a temporary supportive structure while the surrounding tissue undergoes a healing response.

Thread lifting does not involve surgically removing excess skin. Instead, appropriately placed threads can reposition selected soft tissues and create a subtle lifting effect. The procedure may be used in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, neck, and other regions where tissue laxity is a concern.

Because different thread materials, configurations, and treatment techniques have different properties, appropriate patient selection and practitioner training are essential. The following sections examine how PDO threads compare with other thread materials, their potential applications, treatment considerations, and possible risks.

Key Takeaways

• PDO threads are absorbable sutures that can provide temporary mechanical support and may stimulate a localized tissue-remodeling response.
• PDO threads are available in configurations such as smooth, twisted, and barbed designs, with selection depending on the treatment area and desired effect.
• Thread lifting is minimally invasive and generally involves less tissue disruption than surgical facelift procedures, although it still carries risks and requires appropriate clinical technique.
• Results and longevity vary according to thread type, treatment area, technique, patient characteristics, and the extent of skin laxity.

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Buy PDO threads online only through appropriate professional channels and ensure that product selection, handling, and use comply with applicable regulations and clinical requirements. Furthermore, PDO thread lift cost depends on factors such as the type and number of threads used, the treatment area, practitioner fees, and the complexity of the procedure.

Types of Thread-Lifting Materials

PDO is one of several materials used for absorbable thread lifting. Other materials, including poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), have also been investigated or used in aesthetic procedures. Their physical properties, degradation profiles, and intended applications can differ.

PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid) threads are made from a biodegradable polymer associated with collagen-stimulating activity. Depending on the product and technique, PLLA-based threads may be used for selected areas where soft-tissue support and gradual remodeling are desired.

Poly-L-lactic acid threads are absorbable, but their clinical performance depends on the specific product and configuration. Claims that they universally provide a stronger or longer-lasting lift than PDO threads should be avoided because outcomes vary between products and treatment protocols.

PCL (Polycaprolactone) is another biodegradable polymer that has been investigated for aesthetic thread applications. PCL gradually breaks down in the body rather than remaining permanently in the tissue. Like other absorbable materials, PCL can be associated with a tissue-remodeling response, although clinical outcomes depend on the particular thread and technique.

Overall, the choice between PDO, PLLA, PCL, or another thread material should be based on the product’s properties, regulatory status, treatment area, patient anatomy, and practitioner’s experience rather than simply assuming that one material is universally superior.

Types Of PDO Threads

There are different configurations of PDO threads used in cosmetic procedures. The main differences involve their thickness, length, surface design, and intended tissue interaction.

• Mono Threads: These are smooth, straight threads that are generally used to provide support and may be selected for areas where subtle skin-quality or textural improvement is desired. They do not provide the same mechanical anchoring as barbed threads.
• Screw Threads: These threads have a twisted or helical configuration and can provide additional volume or support compared with a simple smooth thread, depending on the product and placement technique.
• Cog Threads: These threads incorporate barbs or cogs designed to engage tissue and provide mechanical lifting. They may be selected when greater repositioning of mildly lax tissue is desired.
• Barbed Threads: Barbed designs use projections to increase tissue engagement. The exact lifting capacity depends on the thread design, barb configuration, insertion technique, and tissue characteristics.

Thread dimensions and configurations vary among manufacturers. Practitioners should select the appropriate product based on the treatment objective, anatomical area, and the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable regulatory requirements.

Can Thread Lifting Be Compared To Botox?

PDO threads and Botox are two different treatments with different mechanisms of action and effects. Botox temporarily paralyzes the muscles responsible for wrinkles, while PDO threads physically lift and tighten the skin.

Whether PDO threads are better than Botox depends on the patient’s needs and concerns. PDO threads are typically used for lifting sagging skin and restoring volume. Botox is primarily used for treating wrinkles caused by muscle movement.

It is also important to note that PDO threads and Botox can be complementary treatments. For example, patients may receive PDO threads for lifting and firming the skin and Botox for treating dynamic wrinkles.

What Is the Best Age for PDO Threads?

There is no universally defined “best age” for thread lifting. Candidacy should instead be determined according to the patient’s degree of skin laxity, facial anatomy, treatment goals, medical history, and expectations.

PDO threads are generally more relevant when a patient has mild to moderate laxity that may respond to a minimally invasive lifting approach. Patients with substantial excess skin may obtain more predictable correction from surgical procedures, depending on their individual circumstances.

Younger patients may occasionally seek thread procedures for selected contour concerns, but age alone should not determine candidacy. A qualified medical professional should assess whether the expected benefit justifies the procedure and its potential risks.

Benefits of PDO Threads In Cosmetology

Here are some advantages of PDO Threads:

1. Non-invasive: PDO threads offer a non-invasive alternative to facelift surgery. They are inserted into the skin using a fine needle, requiring no incisions or general anesthesia.
2. Collagen stimulation: As we age, collagen production slows, leading to sagging skin and wrinkles. PDO threads help reverse this process by stimulating collagen production, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
3. Natural-looking results: PDO threads provide natural-looking results lasting up to 2 years. The threads are made from a biocompatible material naturally dissolved by the body over time, leaving behind a new network of collagen fibers.
4. Versatility: PDO threads can lift and tighten sagging skin on the face, neck, and body. They can also improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and create a more defined jawline and cheekbones.
5. Minimal downtime: Unlike facelift surgery, PDO thread treatments require minimal downtime. Typically, patients return to normal activities within a few days of treatment.

Contraindications For Facial Threading

While PDO threads are generally safe and have a low risk of complications, there are some contraindications to consider before undergoing the procedure. These include:

1. Blood clotting disorders: People with blood clotting disorders, such as hemophilia or a history of deep vein thrombosis, should not undergo PDO thread treatment.
2. Autoimmune disorders: Patients with autoimmune diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, should avoid PDO threads. There is a risk that they can trigger immune responses and worsen the condition.
3. Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
4. Allergies: Patients allergic to any of the components of PDO threads should not undergo the procedure.
5. Active skin infections or diseases: Individuals with active infections or diseases of the skin, such as herpes simplex, should avoid PDO threads for the face and body until the condition has resolved.
6. Scarring or Keloids: Individuals prone to scarring or keloids may not be good candidates for PDO thread treatment.
7. Uncontrolled diabetes: Patients with uncontrolled diabetes may have impaired wound healing and should avoid PDO thread treatments.

It is essential to discuss your patient’s medical history and any potential contraindications with the patient before undergoing any cosmetic procedure, including PDO thread treatment.

How To Perform Facial Threading Using PDO Threads?

If you, as a doctor, are looking at incorporating PDO threads in your practice, you must undergo the necessary training and certification. A qualified and experienced medical professional should only perform the lifting procedure, as the treatment has potential risks and complications.

The procedure is painless and lasts 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of threads installed. It can be performed with or without local anesthesia. The doctor will then mark the thread insertion points and the direction of their placement on the skin.

The PDO threads are inserted into the skin using a fine needle and can be placed in various patterns depending on the treated area. Once inserted, the threads stimulate the body’s natural healing response, which leads to the production of collagen and elastin fibers.

Over time, the body absorbs the threads, leaving behind the newly produced collagen and elastin fibers supporting the skin’s structure.

After the treatment, the doctor must give the patient aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up appointment if needed.

What Are The Aftercare Recommendations For PDO Threads?

Some common aftercare instructions for threading facelifts include:

1. No touching of the treated area for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
2. Avoid makeup or other skincare products for the first 24–48 hours after the treatment.
3. No strenuous exercise or physical activity for 1–2 weeks.
4. No direct sunlight exposure and no tanning beds for 2–4 weeks.
5. Sleep with the head elevated for the first few nights after the procedure. Avoid sleeping on the side or stomach for the first week.
6. Take pain relievers as prescribed by the doctor to manage any discomfort.
7. Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor the progress and ensure proper healing.

Following these and any additional instructions is vital in ensuring the best results and minimizing the risk of complications after PDO threading.

How Long Do PDO Threads Last?

The longevity of PDO threads varies depending on the individual and the treatment area. Generally, PDO threads can last from 6 to 12 months, sometimes even longer. 

The threads stimulate collagen production, which helps prolong the treatment results. Other factors, such as the type of PDO thread used, the skill of the practitioner, and the patient’s lifestyle and skin condition, may also influence the duration of the results. 

Discussing the expected results and longevity of the treatment with your patient before undergoing PDO thread treatment is essential.

Are There Any Disadvantages For PDO Threads?

While PDO thread lift has many benefits, there are some potential disadvantages and risks to consider, including:

1. Swelling, bruising, and discomfort: It’s common to experience some swelling, bruising, and discomfort after the procedure, which may last several days. Pain medications and ice packs can help manage those symptoms.
2. As with any invasive procedure, there is a risk of infection. However, it can be minimized by a qualified and experienced practitioner and following proper aftercare instructions.
3. Thread migration or breakage: The threads may sometimes migrate from their original placement or break, leading to uneven or unsatisfactory results.
4. Allergic reactions: Although rare, some people may be allergic to the threads or other treatment components.
5. Limited results: PDO thread lift can provide subtle lifting and rejuvenation. However, it may not be as effective as surgical facelifts or other more invasive procedures for those with significant sagging or loose skin.

It’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your patient before proceeding with any cosmetic procedure.

Conclusion

PDO threads offer a minimally invasive approach to selected cases of facial and soft-tissue laxity. Their effects can involve both mechanical tissue support and a localized healing response, but the degree and duration of improvement vary according to the product, technique, treatment area, and patient.

Appropriate patient selection, practitioner training, careful anatomical planning, and individualized aftercare are important for achieving satisfactory outcomes. Thread lifting should be presented as an alternative to, rather than an equivalent replacement for, surgical facelift procedures when substantial tissue laxity is present.

Citations

[1] Suh, Dong Hye, et al. “Outcomes of Polydioxanone Knotless Thread Lifting for Facial Rejuvenation.” Dermatologic Surgery, vol. 41, no. 6, May 2015, pp. 720–25. https://doi.org/10.1097/dss.0000000000000368.

[2] Villa, Mark T., et al. “Barbed Sutures: A Review of the Literature.” Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, vol. 121, no. 3, Mar. 2008, pp. 102e–8e. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.prs.0000299452.24743.65.

[3] Savoia, Antonella, et al. “A New Minimally Invasive Mesotherapy Technique for Facial Rejuvenation.” Dermatology and Therapy, vol. 3, no. 1, Jan. 2013, pp. 83–93. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-012-0018-2.