Considering PDO Threads? Here’s what you need to know.
PDO threads treatments are fast becoming a very popular anti-ageing treatment. With PDO treatments now a service at CQ Skin, we thought we best take an in-depth look at the treatment itself so you can decide if it is right for you.
What happens as your face ages
Facial ageing is inevitable and is not necessarily limited to those over 50. Collagen depletes as we age, resulting in an 80% decrease in skin thickness by age 70. As your face ages you may experience:
Weakened facial support structures
Thinning skin connective tissue
Loss of facial fat
Breakdown of elastic skin fibres
What are PDO Threads?
Not to be confused with anchored or barbed threads, PDO threads offer collagen stimulation for contouring and lift in the face and neck areas by restoring volume. PDO threads are a dissolvable type of suture that is inserted at strategic places under the skin. The process of inserting the threads causes a healing response which in turns triggers and increased production of collagen to help fight back against the ageing process by aiding to stop it from getting worse. By giving your skin a big collagen boost via a thread lift, your skin laxity reduces and is more hydrated and thick.
PDO stands for Polydioxanone which is designed to trigger type 1 collagen production to restore volume in the face and neck areas. At CQ Skin, we use Matrix PDO threads which go on to serve as a support structure for your face and are then absorbed into the body as it produces collagen.
What is the procedure?
PDO thread procedures begin with the application of topical anaesthesia to numb the treatment area. Next, a cannula or needle is used to insert the straight or curved threads under your skin. The trained doctor or cosmetics nurse then manipulates the thread under the skin to achieve the desired result. The entire process takes approximately 1 hour and results in very little down time.
How to PDO threads fight against ageing?
Some benefits that PDO threads offer include:
Natural looking and more youthful rejuvenation of appearance
Improved jaw line definition
Plumper cheeks
Softening of the folds around the mouth
Decreased appearance of lines and wrinkle around the cheeks and lower face
Improvement of skin tone
Improved facial contours
Results from a PDO thread lift can last 6 - 12 months with first results generally visible within 6 weeks and continued improvement over the next 2 to 6 months.
Are there any side effects from PDO threads?
As with any cosmetic procedure, there is always some level of risk associated. Your doctor or experienced cosmetics nurse will be able to explain all the risks involved depending on your personal circumstances, however some general risks or side effects include:
Mild paid during the procedure
Bruising
Edema
Erythema
Granuloma formation (rare)
Do PDO threads replace traditional treatments like anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers?
While PDO threads are impressive in their own right, you are more likely to have better results and outcomes when PDO threads are paired with other complementary anti-ageing procedures such as dermal fillers, laser treatments, radiofrequency treatments and anti-wrinkle injections.
This is because facial ageing is caused by a multitude of skeletal, soft tissue and skin changing factors. Fillers can help restore lost volume and are particularly useful when paired with PDO thread lifts. As an added bonus, the combination also helps increase your collagen stimulation.
Are PDO threads a replacement for traditional face lifts?
Essentially, no. PDO treatments can not replace traditional face lifts but they can certainly delay the requirement for one.
Can PDO threads treat areas others than the face?
Yes! PDO threads can be used to treat many areas including:
Arms
Buttocks
Abdomen
Face
However, at CQ Skin, our PDO service currently extends to facial treatments only.
Interested in learning more?
Book your consultation or treatment online!