What is PDO Thread Lift?

This is a procedure, which rejuvenates regenerates and improves the structure of the face, in a similar way to a surgical facelift, but without the need for surgery. Special threads are inserted into the skin via a fine needle to lift tissue and muscle and improve skin texture.

How do PDO Threads work?

Threads are made of soluble PDO (polydioxanone), which is a material that has been used in medicine for many years, mainly in surgery. However, research has shown that PDO relaxes muscles and tendons, and also stimulates the neocollagenesis process, which encourages the production of new collagen in the skin. PDO also stimulates the synthesis of elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin, both of which are vital for keeping the skin looking plump and youthful.
The procedure can take up to an hour depending on the number of threads inserted. A topical numbing cream or injected local anaesthetic is used for optimal comfort.

A lifted appearance can be seen immediately following the treatment, however, the results will improve in the following days and weeks. The overall texture of the skin is improved; it becomes thicker, tighter and firmer and fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed away as the PDO Threads dissolve away over the following 90-180 days. The remaining results can last up to 18 months.

Is it painful and are there any risks?

Although a very thin needle (cannula) is used, common injection-related reactions could occur. These may include but are not limited to: swelling, pain, itching, discoloration, bruising or tenderness at the injection site. This may last from a few hours to a few days. In some cases, bruising can take several days. You could experience increased bruising or bleeding at the injection site if you are using substances that reduce blood clotting such as aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen.  These reactions generally lessen or disappear within a few days but may last for a week or longer. Deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels and muscles may be damaged during the procedure. The potential for this to occur varies according to the location on the body the procedure is being performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.

Is there any downtime?

Most people will have no problem resuming normal activities immediately after treatment. The following aftercare advice should be followed to reduce the risk of complications and ensure a good result:

• Do not touch treated areas for 4 hours after treatment.
• Avoid sleeping on treated areas for 3 nights.
• Some pain/discomfort after treatment can be expected, Paracetamol can be taken if required. It is advisable to avoid anti-inflammatories (such as Ibuprofen) as they can suppress new collagen formation.
• With some procedures we will supply you with an oral antibiotic Azithromycin 500mg to take for 3 days starting on the day of the procedure, to reduce the risk of infection.
• Do not have any other aesthetic procedures (such as toxins, fillers, peels etc.) for 7 days.
• Avoid extreme temperatures, alcohol and anti-coagulants for 7 days. Those taking prescribed anti­coagulants such as aspirin/warfarin must continue to do so but must be aware that bruising is more likely.
• Avoid strenuous exercise and warming of your face for 7-10 days.
• Gently wash the treated area as required, but do not rub or massage for 2 weeks
• It is important not to overstretch the treated area (i.e. open the mouth wide) for 4 weeks (avoid dental treatment during this time if possible).
• Do not have Radio-frequency, IPL, Laser or other heat treatments near the treated area for 10 weeks.