About PDO Threads
The PDO Thread procedure involves medical grade threads placed strategically under the skin which results in skin rejuvenation and a subtle lifting effect.
Polydioxane (PDO) is a fine synthetic material that has been used safely in medicine and surgery such as in sutures to close wounds. PDO Threads are one specific type of thread made of a flexible synthetic, monofilament material that becomes absorbed by the body gradually over time.
PDO threads are not a permanent material as it is metabolised by the body completely over a period of time. While it is dissolving, the use of PDO threads serves to stimulate collagen to cause improvement in the elasticity and the luminosity of the skin through the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic within the skin.
PDO threads are available in a variety of different textures, including Mono, Screw, or Cog – which are specifically chosen depending on the patient indications and their overall goal.
PDO Mono threads can come in very handy in certain areas of the face where HA based soft tissue filler is high risk due to vascular anatomy.
PDO Mono threads can be used to stimulate collagen, which can plump the region with possible volume replacement without a risk factor of vascular obstruction that is an important risk factor associated with hyaluronic acid (HA) based soft tissue filler.
What are PDO Mono Threads?
PDO Mono threads are fine-textured threads that can be used to stimulate collagen in the skin, treat fine lines and wrinkles, improve the texture of the skin and impart a glow to the skin. PDO Mono threads are not the long ‘lifting’ style of threads, however, they can improve facial contouring and sagginess when combined with appropriate volume replacement treatments. PDO Mono threads are used to improve the skin quality and texture and can achieve a subtle skin plumping effect when used in strategic vectors. Depending on the treatment plan developed for the individual patient, treatment may have a natural-looking skin tightening impact that improves the look of the underlying soft tissue.
Why PDO Mono Threads?
As we time progresses, we lose facial volume and that is the hallmark of an aging face. The thinning of skin, loss of youthful fat, muscle atrophy and skeletal shrinking results in the loss of facial contours and the sagginess of the overlying skin. The skin losses its elastin and develops fine lines and wrinkles with ongoing loosening, causing further sagginess of the facial tissue.
PDO Mono threads may be used to address the skin texture. PDO Mono threads are often used to improve facial contouring in a subtle manner as either a standalone treatment or combined with other treatment modalities based on individual patient circumstances.
Different types of PDO Mono Threads
PDO Mono threads are fine fibres which, unlike the long lifting style threads, have no barbs or cogs.
PDO Mono threads usually come in a fine needle format, which is inserted in the skin. When the needle is removed, the thread stays in the skin and the process of collagen stimulation begins over time.
There are various types of PDO Mono threads, which can be either a single fine thread or multiple threads twisted together. Based on the area being treated and the existing skin quality of the individual patient, the treating physician will consult with you to decide on a suitable type of PDO threads to be used. The greater number of threads used is directly proportional to a more optimal treatment outcome.
Read more here about cosmetic absorbable thread lifting options that we offer at Pavilion Cosmetic Medicine – as described by Dr Gavin Scriven [our Medical Director].
Key benefits
PDO Threads are often used as a standalone treatment of in combination with other modalities.
PDO threads at a glance
- Quick procedure
- Low downtime
- Lower risk compared to some other cosmetic procedures
- Natural looking and subtle results
- Stimulate collagen
- Improve elasticity and the luminosity of the skin
- Enhanced skin texture and tone
- Derive a natural-looking glow
Results
PDO Threads are designed to improve overall skin quality and texture, resulting in a firmer appearance and subtle lifting effect.
Stimulation within the skin begins within 10 – 14 days after the treatment. Results will continue to improve over the subsequent weeks, peaking at around 6 – 8 months and lasting up to 18 months.
Most rejuvenating PDO Mono threads can be used to address the skin in the following areas:
- Upper third of the face – Temples, Forehead, Brows
- Stubborn Frown lines and Forehead lines
- Around the eye area – depending upon patient selection
- Nasolabial Folds – popular and high satisfactory rate
- Cheeks
- Marionette Lines
What to expect
Your Treatment Experience
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, a numbing cream is applied to the treated area; local anaesthetic may also be administered. Each thread is then delivered to a precise depth of the skin via a fine, hollow needle and repeated until the desired number are in place. When the needles are removed, each thread is withdrawn from inside the needle and remain within the skin.
PDO Threads are very versatile and can be used for the following areas:
– Brows
– Cheeks
– Jawline
– Under the eyes / tear troughs
– Lip definition
– Neck
Frequently asked questions
Who is a good candidate for PDO Mono threads?
PDO Mono threads are generally safe to be used in majority of the skin types and conditions. Anyone looking for to achieve a glowing skin outcome with improvement in texture and fine lines can benefit from this treatment. PDO Mono threads are not a skin lifting procedure, meaning that patients with excessive volume loss and sagginess of the facial tissue may need to consider other treatment modalities.
What are the major benefits of the treatment?
Apart from improving the fine lines and skin laxity, we have observed in our clinical experience that PDO Mono threads impart a certain glow to the skin that looks very healthy and natural. PDO Mono threads are one kind of collagen stimulating treatment that improves the skin’s thickness, which is often helpful in visually reversing the signs of ageing or lifestyle-related skin thinning or collagen damage.
What does PDO Mono treatment involve?
Prior to PDO Mono threading treatment, topical numbing is applied in suitable candidates for around 20 to 30 minutes. Following this, fine needles are preloaded with the PDO Mono threads which are inserted by our experienced doctors in strategically targeted areas according to individual patient’s treatment plan. The majority of the patients tolerate the treatment in that it is comfortable. There is minimal downtime as compared to some other more invasive types of long-lifting threads. PDO Mono treatment associated swelling and bruising may last for around 3 to 7 days.
Is the treatment painful?
Generally speaking, PDO Mono threads are tolerable, quick, and with low downtime.
All possible measures are taken by our experienced cosmetic physicians to minimise the discomfort level that may be associated with PDO Mono threading treatment. A well-timed topical application of numbing cream is helpful for increased comfort, along with the use of happy gas (Entonox) that only further minimises any possible unease.
As the PDO Mono threads are very fine fibres and they are placed superficially without much deep tissue invasion, we find that the majority of our patients tolerate the treatment very well.
What about PDO Mono threads post procedure aftercare?
The downtime and post treatment swelling, and bruising is dependent upon the number of PDO Mono threads administered.
In our doctor-only physician practice we find that the majority of our patients can resume work in three days’ time post treatment. However, we encourage our patients to plan their treatment to avoid coinciding with a major social events for at least 2 weeks after treatment.
Discomfort, swelling and bruising from the treatment may last from around 3 to 7 days. In a small number of instances, recovery may last longer than this time frame, which is not unusual.
Limited facial expressions are advised during the settling down period.
Strenuous physical activity is to be avoided for around a week.
Any skin care involving active ingredients is to be avoided for a minimum of 3 days; and up to one [1] week in some circumstances, until the swelling and bruising is settled completely.
When Can Energy Based device (Lasers/RF Micro needling) treatment be done post PDO Mono threads?
As a general guide, we recommend 8 to 12 weeks post PDO Mono thread treatment.
As these PDO Mono threads are stimulating the natural collagen via a tissue reaction and they are heat sensitive, it is best advised to avoid any heat from energy-based devices for around the said time. However, there are individual exceptions and that can be discussed with your treating physician.
What are the risks with PDO Mono threading procedures?
PDO Mono threading treatment is generally a safe treatment with sound evidence behind it over many years.
This being said, as with all medical procedures, each treatment comes with certain degree of rare but real risk factors.
A detailed consultation with yourtreating physician establishes if you are a suitable candidate in view of one’s personal medical history.
Along with consultation and prior to treatment, a detailed consent procedure further ensures to eliminate any contraindications that you may have with the PDO Mono threading procedure. Risks with the procedure are primarily and not limited to swelling, bruising, allergic reaction, itchiness, localised inflammation at the site of injection, superficial placement of the threads, and/or skin Infection. A well regimented after care treatment and follow up procedure protocol ensures adequate time and measures to address complications.
Book a Doctor consultation for Thread Lifting.
What is the longevity of PDO Mono threads treatment?
The effect of the PDO Mono threading treatment may last up to 12 months based on metabolic profile of the individual patient.
The PDO Mono threads start generating a tissue reaction once they are placed in the skin and that is the reason behind the effect of the collagen synthesis. The PDO Mono threads dissolve over a period of 3 to 6 months, which may vary based on the type of PDO Mono threads used. The effect of the PDO Mono threading treatment does last longer than the dissolution period of the threads as they leave behind a meshwork of one’s own collagen. This effect continues to be beneficial for up to 12 months and in some cases slightly more or less.
What is the cost PDO Mono threads treatment?
The cost of PDO Mono threads treatment depends upon the number of threads used and the treatment goals to be achieved. As a price guide, typical treatment using short PDO Mono threads range between $900 to $2,400 as a baseline treatment.
Quick links:
- Book a Doctor consultation in-clinic or over Zoom to tailor a treatment plan just for you and your desired outcomes.
- Book a PDO Mono threads treatment session at Pavilion Cosmetic Medicine.
Interested in Our PDO Threads Procedure ?
We welcome you to Pavilion Cosmetic Medicine Sydney for a consultation with our Cosmetic Physicians, who'll tailor a treatment plan specific to your concerns and desires.