What is a PDO Thread Lift? Thread lifts are a relatively new form of non-surgical face lift. If your face has loosening or sagging skin and you want a tighter, fresher more youthful look, this treatment may be suitable. There are no cuts or incisions, just injections
How does it work? Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are a special medical grade thread that is thinner than hair, made of protein. Research has confirmed that PDO relaxes tendons and muscles, whilst a foreign body reaction improves the blood flow to the area stimulating neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen in the skin). It also stimulates elastin and hyaluronic acid, both substances are key to maintaining firm, youthful looking skin
Is it safe? PDO threads have over a decade long safety track record in surgery and wound closure. They have also been used for about 6 years in orthopaedic surgery (frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and cosmetic skin rejuvenation. PDO threads gained FDA approval in 2004
What happens during treatment? Topical anaesthetic cream is applied following which threads are introduced into the skin through a fine needle – into either the skin itself, the muscle, or the subcutaneous fat. The treatment results in an immediate improvement in appearance but the results will improve over ensuing days and weeks as the PDO stimulates neocollagenesis, increasing the amount of collagen in the skin. The appearance of the skin improves in terms of overall texture, becoming thicker, tighter and firmer as fine lines and wrinkles are reduced
Which areas can be treated? This is a very versatile treatment which can be used in any part of the face and neck to treat sagging brows, naso-labial lines, vertical and horizontal forehead wrinkles, drooping cheeks, marionette lines, sagging jawline, plus wrinkles and folds on the chin and neck
What results can I expect? Thread-lift treatments result in an instant and natural looking improvement in the appearance of the skin. A process of natural protein synthesis then begins after about 10-14 days. Over the subsequent weeks results will continue to improve, peaking at around 6 months and lasting for up to 2 years as your own body produces collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Making this form of non surgical facelift a very long lasting treatment. The thread itself is completely biodegradable and dissolves within 12 weeks, after which new collagen has formed around the thread to continue to support results, maintaining a smooth and supple texture of the skin
Most people will have no problem resuming normal activities immediately after treatment. If all instructions are followed the process will be comfortable, fast and provide an effective recovery time General aftercare advice:
Some pain/discomfort after treatment can be expected, Acetaminophen 325-500 mg 2 x day as needed 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 2 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
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
Laser lift procedures utilize laser energy subdermally (placed beneath the skin) to create a controlled injury that melts fat and tightens skin. Laser lifts are ideal for the lower face and neck, and offer permanent results that instantly chisel and sculpt.
Laser lifts make very small incisions under the chin and behind the ears. A fine laser is then threaded under the skin to remove fat and tighten the area. Laser lifts can work well in combination with some of the rejuvenation techniques outlined above.
Correction of pigmentation, fine lines, blotchiness, and redness are done with the right combination of skin care products and powerful light technology such as IPL and lasers. Another option is ultrasound, otherwise known as Ultherapy.
These treatments “offer very subtle, but sometimes permanent results that mimic a facelift and can treat the entire face compared with many other options, “these are more cost effective treatments with less downtime..
These usually leave you with no immediate signs of having the procedure or just a short period of redness. When you combine these approaches with fillers and Botox, you can have the look of a natural, beautiful face without surgery and certainly without any unnatural signs of surgery