What is a PDO Thread Lift?

PDO Thread Lifts are the strategic placement of surgical grade suturing threads into the superficial fatty tissue to help address changes associated with ageing.

Classically, this is seen as jowling, turkey neck and loss of jawline definition, additionally PDO Threads can also be used to address hooded eyes.

Ageing is complex however with PDO Threads we can address the accumulated deficiencies in collagen and elastin within the skin and superficial fatty tissue layers providing patients with a refreshed look.

As the body ages, 25% of collagen is lost at the age of 40 and up to 80% of collagen by the age 70. Oral supplements can help reduce the rate of reabsorption but unfortunately it does not help with stimulating collagen in the exact area of concern where ageing is most visually affecting the individual. This is where PDO Threads are useful to provide targeted collagen production either as a lifting treatment (Barbed PDO Threads), or within the skin (Mono/Smooth Threads).

For PDO Thread Lifts the patient leaves the clinic with an immediate lift, the maximal result is seen between 6 and 12 weeks depending on the patient. The threads are delivered during a non-invasive procedure over 60 – 90 minutes and discomfort is kept to a minimum with topical and infiltrated local anaesthetic.

During your consultation, we will determine whether or not you qualify for this treatment. We base this not only on the condition of your skin, but also your lifestyle habits, general health, and aesthetic goals. This treatment is a good choice for many, and most people who consider this treatment tend to be a good candidate. A good candidate is someone who is looking for a:

• Non-invasive alternative to surgery
• Promoting collagen production
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
• Reversing the signs of ageing
• Enjoying long-lasting results

Because everyone ages at a different pace, there is no one age at which patients should consider this treatment. The right time to consider a Thread Lift is when you are beginning to see early signs of ageing. Sometimes patients ask us if they should postpone treatment until they really need it. We usually recommend that if a patient is interested in the treatment, they go ahead and pursue it as soon as the signs of ageing are developing. If you delay treatment, you may find that a Thread Lift alone may not be enough to resolve your concerns.

When more threads are administered during the procedure downtime tends to increase. Ideally patients have their initial ‘big’ treatment (60 – 90 minute procedure) and then microcontour at the 6-week mark to achieve their final result (45 minute procedure).

The layering of treatments prevents prolonged and uncomfortable downtime. Furthermore reducing the risk of asymmetries that compound when multiple threads are used in a single session as it becomes more complex to balance the many vectors being used to correct age related changes.

Ultimately this is a very personal and individualised procedure and requires a thorough pre-assessment to fully educate the individual, provide realistic expectations and identify any contraindications to the treatment.