PDO threads demystified.....

Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are one of three types of sutures commonly used in thread lift procedures. The other two types are made from polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA). PDO threads have been around the longest of the three and have been used in surgeries since the 1980s. They’re made from a colorless polyester that breaks down in your body after about 6 months. The presence of these sutures in your skin triggers cells in your body called fibroblasts to produce more collagen. Collagen is the protein that gives your skin its structure and elasticity. Loss of collagen is one of the main causes of aging skin. PDO threads can be further divided into three categories: PDO mono threads, PDO cog threads, and PDO screw threads.

PDO mono threads are smooth sutures that help rejuvenate your skin by stimulating collagen production. PDO cog threads have barbs that latch into your skin like small fishhooks, to provide support and lift parts of your face. PDO screw threads are made up of one or two intertwined threads, these are used to help restore volume to sunken parts of your skin.

The procedure can often be performed in under 45 minutes without needing to go under a scalpel. You may have some swelling and bruising for the first 24 to 48 hours but you can return to most of your daily routines right away. You should avoid rubbing your face as much as possible the week after your procedure to avoid accidentally dislodging the thread.

According to Healthline, potential complications of a PDO thread lift include visible sutures (especially in people with thin skin), pain, minor bruising, infection, snapping of threads, accumulation of blood (hematoma), inflammation, dimpling (orange peel-like skin texture), hair loss, and salivary gland injury. Other sources also mention skin puckering, insertion site infection, soreness, swelling, displacement of the threads, asymmetry, visible threads under the skin or even poking out at a point of entry or exit and scar tissue. However, these risks are much lower than those associated with facelift surgeries.

According to AEDIT, the cost of a PDO thread lift procedure can range from $700 to $4,500 depending on location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery1. CareCredit states that smooth threads typically cost between $20 to $40 per thread while pulling (barbed) threads can cost between $200 to $500 a thread.

If you are looking for a non-surgical option to improve skin laxity, sagging skin, jowls, jaw contouring, you may consider PDO threads. Consultation is required to ensure candidacy! Come book with Luminous Health & Wellness today!

References: Healthline.com