What are PDO threads and how do they work?
How PDO Threads Work: The Science Explained
Polydioxanone thread lift is a revolutionary new therapy in the world of cosmetics. It can be used to improve a range of concerns, from aesthetic appearance to treating suturing incisions following medical procedures. The technique can improve the firmness and elasticity of the skin in the treated areas without invasive surgery and scars.
At a Glance: PDO Thread Lift Key Facts
PDO therapy uses small, blunt-tip needles to insert fine, absorbable polydioxanone threads into the skin’s subcutaneous layer. Polydioxanone is the material used to make the threads, which are used in the lifting procedure. These threads cause micro-injuries that remain implanted in the skin to promote collagen synthesis. After six months, the threads dissolve into the body and leave new collagen in their place.
Ttreatment Summary
Results Seen
Immediately
Treatment time
30 – 45 Mins
Full Recovery
24/48 Hours
Typical Cost
from £250 per thread
Which Skin Concerns Do PDO Threads Address?
PDO thread lift treatment is most commonly used to help tighten sagging skin on the face, neck, and body without the need for invasive surgery. The cheeks, eyebrows, jawline, neck, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, arms, thighs and tummy can all benefit from PDO therapy. The PDO thread lift method stimulates collagen production in the skin, and after three months, collagen develops around the threads, creating a lifting effect that lasts between 12-18 months.
Real Patient Results
Step by Step: What Happens During a Procedure
Since this treatment is non-surgical, the process begins by applying a topical numbing agent and a local anaesthetic to the treatment site. The needles used for PDO thread lift procedures are very small, so any discomfort is minimal.
Once the procedure begins, PDO threads are introduced via cannulas or blunt-tipped needles. The PDO threads are implanted into the skin’s subcutaneous layer to act as anchors as the skin is raised upwards. The external threads are then snipped.
The skin is lifted immediately as the fat tissue is constricted. PDO threads act similarly to a dermal filler, but instead of leaving an injectable solution in the skin, a thread is left until it dissolves.
Thread Risks: What the Evidence Says
This treatment, as an aesthetic therapy, comes with a few things to bear in mind. Minor complications occur in 15-20% of procedures, but they are typically easily corrected. Complications that could arise include:
Discomfort
Pain
Minor bruising
Scarring
Snapping of the threads
Accumulation of blood (hematoma)
Bleeding
Hair Loss
Inflammation
Facelift surgeries have a much higher risk of complications than PDO thread lifts. When PDO therapy is performed by a trained professional, there is a lower risk of scarring, severe bruising, or bleeding. As there are potential risks with this procedure, it is extremely important to choose a doctor-led clinic that has medical experience and a full understanding of the anatomy and risks. Dr Matla is a regulated CQC GP who practises both aesthetics and general practice at his aesthetics clinic in Newcastle. With over 20 years of experience in medicine, you can be assured you will be in very safe hands.
PDO Thread Lift vs Surgical Facelift: Key Clinical Differences
PDO thread lift treatment results are less dramatic, and the procedures often don’t need repeating. A non-surgical thread lift is quick, relatively pain-free, has no scarring, has minimal downtime and no hospital stay. The risks are minimal compared to surgery, and it is also a great option for clients with respiratory or heart diseases and patients who cannot tolerate anaesthetics. PDO threads should not be seen as a replacement for surgery, as the results will be softer and temporary, but it is a great option to try a new look without going under the knife.
How to Care for Your Skin After a Lift
The majority of people can resume normal activity with immediate lifting effects. Some people will experience mild side effects such as redness, swelling, bruising, pinprick marks or puckering at the suture site, but this will subside within two weeks. The sutures might be sore for up to a week, but paracetamol can often help with this if needed. We suggest you sleep on your back for 5 nights, avoid makeup for the first week, no facials, massages or extreme pressure for two weeks, no extreme exercise, and avoid alcohol. Keeping your skin moisturised and well-hydrated will also help in the healing process. This is all to minimise your side effects and risk of infection, but it is vital you attend your review appointment so Dr Matla can observe the healing process from a professional standpoint.
PDO Thread Procedure Time: What to Expect at Your Appointment
The PDO thread lift procedure time is about 45-60 minutes, depending on the treatment area, and it is usually conducted with a local anaesthetic. The application of the numbing cream and prepping the skin can take up to 30 minutes, whereas the procedure itself takes about 15-30 minutes.
Results Timeline: Immediate vs Full Results
This treatment results in some immediately noticeable effects, such as skin lifting and contouring effects. The full benefits of PDO thread lifts can be seen one to two months after the procedure. One of the most important elements in how quickly you will see results is your age, as this impacts how quickly your body generates new healthy collagen. Collagen is the protein that plumps, smooths wrinkles and fills fine lines.
Will I need more than one treatment?
In some cases, a single PDO lift procedure might not be sufficient to achieve your desired results, and additional procedures may be required. After the first treatment, you will return to the clinic six to nine months later to see if a second treatment is needed. After this, another treatment likely isn’t needed for three years.
Side Effects and How Long They Last
The most common side effects include swelling and bruising that can last 2-3 days, but cold compresses can help reduce this. Although the threads are often invisible under the skin, very thin skin may result in being able to see the sutures until they heal and dissolve. Temporary dimpling of the skin could occur, but it will clear within 5 days of the treatment. The side effects are minimal and similar to other cosmetic treatments, but we suggest avoiding getting this treatment the week of an event, in case of these visible, temporary side effects.
Who Should Not Have This Treatment
Deciding on a treatment plan on your own can be an overwhelming experience, but Dr Matla will put any concerns to rest and help determine the best course of treatment for the individual patient at your consultation. We do not advise this treatment for pregnant or breastfeeding patients, those with a tendency to keloid scarring or those with autoimmune diseases.
Due to the nature of cosmetic procedures, patients may require multiple sessions to achieve the desired results. Although the PDO thread lift treatment is beneficial in most cases, there is no guarantee that the treatment will be completely effective in addressing the patient’s concern. This will be discussed with Dr Matla in the consultation to determine the best course of treatment for the individual.
PDO Thread Lift Cost in the UK: What Affects the Price?
PDO thread lifts cost £250 per thread, and the 1:1 consultation is £50. However, this price is deducted from any treatment booked.
For PDO thread therapy, a consultation with a trained medical professional is vital in creating your bespoke treatment plan. With Dr Matla’s wealth of experience and ability to create a unique course of high-quality treatments for each patient, you’re only a consultation away from reaching your personal aesthetic goals.
Call 0333 444 1399 to book your one-to-one consultation today!
What Dr Matla’s Patients Say
I had Threadlift procedure on my face just over a week ago. WOW, the results are instant and amazing and will get even better over the next few weeks. Yes, I still have some swelling and very slight bruising but like all procedures that will settle down. Dr Matla and his team are very professional, and friendly, I felt at ease straight away, everything is explained in great detail during your consultation and before the procedure.
You’re given plenty of advice about your treatment and the downtime required afterwards. The clinic is easy to find with on-site parking. If you’re thinking about having aesthetic procedures, don’t hesitate to contact the clinic for a friendly consultation with Dr Matla. I will definitely be going back for further treatments.
I am no newbie to facial aesthetics and was very impressed with Dr Matla from my first visit. He was extremely helpful with suggestions for treatment and we agreed on a thread lift which I had a week ago! He explains everything as he does it and was gentle and I really can’t say it was painful (slightly uncomfortable but totally acceptable). I’m thrilled with the results one week in and I’m told that a month post treatment is the ultimate test! I would not hesitate to recommend him! Well located clinic with private parking and Jordan on reception was lovely! I will be coming back.
Dr Matla and his team (Jordan who has been present at my appointments) are fantastic. First class customer experience, as a more mature lady I have experience of aesthetic clinics from the past. Unreservedly Dr Matla is a genius when it comes to knowing how to make you look your very best. Subtle changes that have made me look so much fresher and I hope a bit younger. I recommend the PDO threadlift and the Nerfiti neck lift. Incredible results, really lovely clinic and the procedures were never rushed and I felt comfortable and relaxed. I won’t go anywhere else now. Thank you!
PDO Threads: Frequently Asked Questions
What are PDO threads and how do they work?
PDO thread lift is a revolutionary new therapy in the world of cosmetics. PDO threads have been successfully used for decades for a number of uses, including treating gynaecological issues and suturing incisions following medical procedures. When utilising it as an aesthetic therapy, there are a few factors to bear in mind.
For starters, it lifts the skin immediately. Second, it constricts fat tissue, tightening the skin immediately. Third, it promotes collagen synthesis and neovascularisation, allowing your skin to regenerate at a cellular level. All of this helps to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and make skin more elastic.
A thread lift is a technique in which a dissolvable suture is used to raise and tighten the skin. It is less invasive than facelift surgery and may typically be completed in less than 45 minutes without the use of a knife.
For Polydioxanone (PDO) thread lifts, biodegradable polyester suture is utilised. They are ideal for skin rejuvenation, although certain newer forms of thread lifts are more effective at raising drooping skin.
What are the different types of PDO threads?
PDO threads are one of three popular suture types utilised in thread lift operations. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and polylactic acid (PLA) are the other two forms (PCA).
PDO threads have been used in operations since the 1980s, making them the oldest of the three. They are made of a colourless polyester that degrades in the body after approximately six months.
The presence of these sutures in your skin stimulates fibroblast cells to create additional collagen. Collagen is the protein responsible for the structure and flexibility of the skin. Collagen depletion is one of the primary causes of ageing skin.
PDO threads can be further classified into three groups:
- PDO mono filaments By encouraging collagen formation, smooth sutures can help revitalise the skin.
- PDO gear threads These threads feature barbs that hook into your skin like tiny fishhooks in order to provide facial support and lift.
- PDO threaded screws. These consist of one or two interlaced threads and are used to restore volume to sagging skin.
Other varieties of thread
PLA and PCA are more contemporary than PDO. They have a longer half-life in the body and encourage more collagen formation. PLA threads are absorbed in around 12 months, while PCA takes between 12 and 15 months.
Each thread type is well suited for a specific function. PDO threads are more effective at restoring and revitalising tissue, whilst PLA and PCA threads are more effective at lifting sagging skin.
How do PDO threads work on different areas of the face and body?
A PDO thread lift treatment can help tighten sagging skin on the face, neck, and body while improving skin quality (smoothing and rejuvenating) (arms, abdomen and buttocks). Monos, cogs, and combinations of threads will be used depending on our goals. Mono threads are generally recommended for younger patients who are not yet sagging and wish to retain their skin quality. Mono threads can also be used to tighten the skin in certain places or to prepare the skin for cog threads in older patients. Cog threads are generally appropriate for patients in their 30s and up who have symptoms of drooping skin, such as jowls.
Which facial regions can a PDO thread lift treat?
A thread lift can be used to treat the majority of aged facial features. The areas surrounding your cheeks, jaw, neck, and eyes are frequently addressed.
What happens before and during the treatment?
Before we begin, a topical numbing agent and a local anaesthetic will be applied to the treatment site. The needle used in this treatment is so small that it will not cause you any discomfort. We do, however, administer anaesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Once the anaesthesia has worn off, your treatment will begin. PDO threads are introduced via cannulas or blunt-tipped sharp-tipped needles. After being implanted into the appropriate layer of skin, they act as anchors as the skin is raised upwards. The extraneous threads are then snipped.
Is my treatment going to take a long time?
The length of your treatment is determined by the affected area. Cleaning and prepping the skin, as well as the application of numbing medicine, normally require about 30 minutes before the procedure. The therapy itself takes about 15-30 minutes to complete.
Can PDO threads be used in conjunction with other treatments?
Absolutely! When PDO threads are combined with PRP and other cosmetic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections and dermal fillers, the results can be remarkable.
What is the longevity of the threads?
The thickness of the threads, the quality of the threads, and your body’s rate of metabolism all influence how long the PDO threads last. However, the majority of our clients report that the threads have disintegrated within six to nine months.
In a report published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, a surgeon with 16 years of experience with thread lifts states that he has observed results lasting anywhere from one to nine years. Three to four years is a typical duration for the outcomes of younger individuals. Typically, older individuals with poor skin volume or elasticity only experience advantages for one to two years.
When can I expect to get the results?
Some of the treatment’s effects, such as skin lifting and some of the contouring effects, are noticeable right away. In fact, when you leave our clinic, your skin may appear tighter than it will a week later.
Within one to two months of your procedure, you will witness the complete benefits of your PDO thread lift. Your age has a big impact on how long it takes you. One of the most important elements in how rapidly your body generates new, healthy collagen is your age. Collagen is the protein that plumps up, smoothes out wrinkles, and fills in fine lines.
How many sessions will I require?
After just one treatment, the majority of our clients are pleased with the outcomes. Come back six to nine months after your initial treatment to see if you need a second treatment. After that, you should be good for three years without needing another treatment.
Surgical vs non-surgical PDO thread facelift?
A non-surgical thread lift should not be seen as a replacement for surgery as the results are less dramatic, and the procedures do need to be repeated. However, a non-surgical thread lift is quick, relatively pain-free, has minimal downtime, and no overnight hospital stay. There’s no scarring, and the risk is minimal compared to surgery. It’s also great for clients who have respiratory or heart diseases and cannot tolerate anaesthesia. It is a temporary procedure, it’s a great option if you want to try a new look.
What aftercare is required?
The majority of people are able to resume normal activities with immediate improvement in their appearance. Some people will experience redness, pinprick marks, and swelling, as well as puckering at the suture site and indentations at the insertion and exit points. The immediate side effects should subside within two weeks.
It is possible that the sutures will be tender for up to a week after the procedure. You can take some simple paracetamol to help with this if necessary, but most patients skip this step. Although you should not be able to see the stitches or anchoring cones beneath your skin, you may feel them when applying skincare or make-up.
The patient will be advised :
- Sleep on your back for 5 nights.
- Make-up should not be worn for 24 hours.
- No facials or facial massage for 14 days.
- No extreme facial expressions for 2 weeks.
- Application of anti-biotic cream as advised.
- To attend a review appointment as advised.
- For 14 days after treatment, avoid alcohol, strenuous exercise, sunbathing, and extremes of heat or cold. These activities have been linked to an increase in swelling and a prolongation of its duration.
- Swelling may worsen in the first 24 hours, but it should subside within a few days. Cold packs can help to reduce swelling.
- Bruising may take a few days to appear; arnica can aid in the removal of bruising. It is best to avoid aspirin and alcohol for the first 12 to 48 hours after treatment.
- As the swelling subsides, the tenderness should subside as well.
Potential PDO thread complications?
Facelift surgeries have a much higher risk of complications than PDO thread lifts. When performed by a trained professional, there is less risk of scarring, severe bruising, or bleeding.
Minor complications occur in 15 to 20% of procedures, but they are typically easily corrected.
Complications that could arise include:
● Discomfort
● Pain
● Minor bruising
● Scarring
● Snapping of threads
● accumulation of blood (hematoma)
● Bleeding
● Hairloss
● Inflammation
Additional Procedures May Be Required: In some cases, a single PDO Lift procedure may not be sufficient to achieve optimal results, and additional procedures may be required. Although maximum results are expected, there can be no express or implied guarantee or warranty on the results that may be obtained. The patient will be instructed and agree to follow all safety precautions and post-treatment instructions, and a written copy will be provided.
Safety
Thread lifting is safe, but not entirely risk-free, Dr Matla will discuss all the risks and benefits with you at consultation and again prior to treatment.
ABOUT DR MATLA AESTHETICS NEWCASTLE
DR MATLA MBBS, MRCGP, DFSRH
Dr Matla is a Newcastle-based GP, practising both Aesthetics and General practice, who has a vast amount of experience in medical emergencies and routine medicine. He believes in building trust with his patients and understands that the decision to pursue skin health and cosmetic enhancement is part of a much larger decision to improve the overall quality of your life.
Dr Malta focuses on developing a unique individual course of treatment for each patient, reflecting your own personal goals and concerns. He offers the latest techniques to ensure his patients have a comfortable recovery and speedy result turnaround. Please read more on available face treatments and Body Thread Lift options.
