PDO THREAD LIFT

The thread lift procedure works in two ways. By threading thin, dissolvable sutures underneath your skin, your medical practitioner is able to pull your skin tight around your lower face, brows, neck or body. There are three main types of PDO threads used: mono threads regenerate collagen over a long time and are used for skin rejuvenation, screw threads are mainly used for volume restoration and cog or barbed threads which hook onto the skin to provide instant support and lift to sagging tissue. Invisible, painless “barbs” grab on to your skin and make sure that the thread grips your underlying tissue and muscles as the thread is pulled tight. Once a thread is inserted, your body’s healing response is triggered. Even though you’re not injured by the threads under your skin, your body detects a suture material and stimulates collagen production in the affected area. Collagen can fill gaps in sagging skin and restore a more youthful elasticity to your face.

A 2017 study suggested that the primary effect of a thread lift procedure is skin appearing tighter and more structured. After a year, this effect begins to decrease as the sutures dissolve. However, there was a secondary “rejuvenation” effect that stayed in place and was noticeable up to 3 years after the procedure.

Recovery after a successful thread lift is quite minimal. While there may be some visible swelling and bruising, you can go back to your daily routine in a couple of days. Results should be apparent right after the threads are put into place, but you may notice more in the days and weeks right after they are inserted, as swelling and bruising starts to subside. Overcorrection can lead to temporary puckering or dimpling of the skin which will subside over the next week

Results from a thread lift aren’t meant to be permanent, the threads used in the procedure will eventually be absorbed by the tissue underneath your skin Successful effects typically last from 1 to 3 years. After a thread lift, you can resume your normal routine but we do not advise planning any vigorous activity or big social event for up to 2 weeks after treatment. Your medical practitioner will provide you with written aftercare information before you leave.

There are no major risks involved in the procedure given that it is performed in a clean environment using well-sanitized medical paraphernalia. After a thread lift, it’s not uncommon to experience the following: bruising, swelling, bleeding, slight pain at the site of the thread injection

Complications are generally common and include allergic reaction, bleeding as a result of the procedure building up behind your skin, visible dimpling or pulling where the threads have been inserted, migration or unintended “movement” of the threads that result in skin that looks lumpy or bulges, pain under your skin as a result of the thread being too “tight” or awkwardly placed, infection at the site of the procedure.

PDO threads can be used to contour the face, treat wrinkles, improve skin quality, reduce pore size and tighten the loose skin promoting a youthful appearance. Common areas to be treated with PDO threads are:

• Mid and lower facelift
• Jawline and jowl tightening
• Facial lines reducing: smokers lines, frown or worry lines, crow’s feet, smile lines, undereye etc
• Foxy eye lift
• Brow lift
• Pixie nose lift
• Neck or decollete rejuvenation
• Hands
• Breast Lift
• Body skin tightening: tummy, thighs etc

The costs of a your treatment will vary depending on how many areas you are going to target and the number and type of PDO threads will be used. Your plastic aesthetic practitioner may recommend that you get additional therapies or cosmetic procedures such as Botox or dermal fillers to boost the effects of your thread lift.

Your practitioner will devise an appropriate action plan for you as per your skin type and the treatment required. However, the usual guidelines provided are as follows:

• Smoking and all kinds of alcohol must be avoided for at least one week before the procedure as they can dehydrate the skin and even affect the anaesthetic step. It helps in speeding the recovery process and providing the best treatment results.
• Avoid consuming omega fish oils, vitamin E, chilli ginseng, garlic, krill, and other such supplements at least two days before the treatment. It is best to avoid green and ginger teas as well.
• Aspirin-based products, like Naproxen/Naprogesic, Neurofen, and Ibuprofen, must be avoided as they can cause bleeding, unwanted side effects and complications.
• Avoid performing high-intensity exercises and going to a sauna or steam room.
• Avoid any harsh exfoliating products and retinol (Vitamin A) products on your skin for one week prior to treatment and until healing is complete. The treatment should not be performed on irritated or sunburnt skin and it is recommended to avoid tanning and sunbeds for at least 2 weeks.
• If you have previously suffered with cold sores, you must disclose this to the practitioner prior to treatment as you may require medication to prevent an outbreak.
• If you have had any recent beauty or aesthetic treatments, facial surgery or implants, this should be discussed with your practitioner to ensure that it is safe to proceed with the procedure.
• A medical history form must be completed prior to any treatment.
• If you are feeling unwell on the day of treatment, please contact the clinic to re-arrange your appointment.

The treatment has a minimal recovery time, but there is still plenty you can do to enhance the recovery and get the best results.

• Experiencing slight discomfort in the first two days after the procedure is normal, it will gradually reduce.
• Make sure to rest for a full day after getting the treatment.
• It is recommended to avoid touching, wetting and washing your face for a minimum of 12 hours after the treatment.
• Use a cold compress to the treated area for the first week if you are experiencing slight bruising or swelling.
• Don’t pull your facial skin, massage, scrub or exfoliate the skin for at least three weeks.
• You can move around wherever you want, but don’t perform any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for two weeks.
• You can take paracetamol and an antihistamine if required to alleviate discomfort and swelling. Avoid aspirins and ibuprofen for the next week after the treatment.
• Sleep on your back with your head elevated to prevent any swelling. Avoid straining or placing pressure on your face as it may result in threads misalignment.
• Avoid applying makeup or facial cream for at least 48 hours.
• Restrict facial movements for one day. You should not drink a beverage with a straw and focus on drinking liquids or consuming soft foods for at least a week. Chewing gum should be avoided for at least two weeks.
• Avoid getting any dental treatment for at least two weeks after getting the PDO thread lift.

In case of unusual pain or swelling, it is important to consult your practitioner to get the appropriate treatment immediately.