Threading is a safe and effective technique that involves introducing threads under the skin to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin. The threads are made of polydioxanone (PDO), which dissolve after 6 months and has a lasting effect for up to 2 years. These threads can be used in combination with botulinum toxin and fillers for best results.
The threads have an immediate mechanical lifting effect and will continue to stimulate your own collagen over the next few months. Therefore the optimum results are expected 3 months later. PDO threads have 4 major benefits:
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic and takes between 45-60 minutes.
Polydioxanone (PDO) is an extremely safe material used regularly in heart surgery, which encourages cell cohesion.
PDO threads are absorbable and biodegrade after 6 months however the effect last for many more months.
There are two main categories of PDO threads:
Barbed PDO threads are strong threads with strong lifting capacity. They anchor the skin and lift it up. 4-8 threads on each side are needed.
Non-barbed PDO threads are fine threads with a small lifting capacity. There are used for skin tightening and rejuvenation, where skin lifting is not needed. These threads are much cheaper than barbed PDO threads. These PDO threads can be used where lifting is not needed and we will work by tightening the skin. For example, these are very useful in the arms and abdomen.
If you come across very cheap PDO threads treatments, this could be explained by the fact that cheap non-barbed PDO threads are being used, which has poor lifting capacity.
The face is covered with a numbing cream before being injected with a local anaesthetic. Once the local anaesthetic has taken infect, the PDO threads are introduced with minimal discomfort.
We use blunt cannula rather than needles to introduce PDO threads under the skin. Blunt cannulas avoid blood vessels and important structures, unlike sharp needles that would cut through them. Alongside a good technique, PDO threads are introduced with minimal risk of bruising.
The lifting results are instantaneous. However, the best results are obtained after 3 months as PDO threads also stimulate the production of collagen, which help to tighten and lift the skin.
PDO threads treatment can take between 30-60 minutes.
PDO threads effect should last up to 2 years depending on the quality of your skin and your lifestyle. It is best to have an annual review and repeat the procedure once a year if you would like to keep the lifting capacity at its peak.
PDO threads are very safe and complications are rare.
You may not be suitable for treatment if you have any of the following:
