PDO Thread Contouring/Lift

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PDO Thread contouring/ lift?

Polydioxanone (PDO) thread contouring and lift is an effective non-surgical cosmetic procedure involving placement of PDO threads in the face and neck. PDO threads are not a new type of thread, the medical profession has been using it for wound closure worldwide for more than 15 years

How does PDO thread contouring/lift work?

PDO thread contouring /lift works by tightening the sagging skin tissues by inducing collagen production and to a lesser extent through the direct mechanical effect of thread placement.

Describe the PDO thread contouring/Lift procedure.

Prior to the procedure:

1. The doctor will take your medical history and perform a facial/neck assessment.
2. Photography of the treatment areas.
3. Administration of prophylactic antibiotics: oral Azithromycin 500 mg one hour before the procedure and for two days following treatment.
4. local anaesthetics (lignocaine with adrenaline) will be injected to numb the treatment areas. Your face will feel numb and your mouth may be asymmetrical for a few hours (similar to the experience of dental injections).

During the Procedure:

Fine, absorbable polydioxanone threads (similar to those used in medical suturing) are inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the skin using small needles. A combination of large sized, barbed threads called cogs and smaller threads called monofilaments are used. For a midface lift PDO cog threads are inserted in the jawline and cheeks, in the forehead for an eye brow lift and in the neck for a neck lift. This results in the ‘lifting’ of sagging connective and subcutaneous fat tissue. PDO monofilament threads are also inserted into the skin to stimulate skin tightening.

After the Procedure:

1. Antibiotic cream will be applied at the sites of thread insertion.
2. Ice packs may be applied to reduce the swelling and bruising.
3. Clients are advised to refrain from chewing or drinking hot liquids until their face has regained full sensation.
4. Clients are advised not to wash their face on the same day following the procedure. Gentle cleansing is permitted the next day.
5. Avoid opening the mouth wide and avoid routine dental treatment for at least 4 weeks post treatment.
6. Avoid taking aspirin for seven days after the treatment.
7. Avoid extreme temperatures (sauna, etc.) for seven days after the treatment.
8. Avoid having other cosmetic treatments for 14 days after the treatment.

What are the benefits of PDO thread contouring?

This procedure is a safe, minimally invasive and cost-effective alternative to facial surgery. PDO threads are fully biodegradable, all that is remaining after six months is the new collagen stimulated by the procedure. It is a non-allergenic treatment with only minimal discomfort for three to four days following the procedure.

What are the side effects of PDO Thread Contouring/Lift?

Potential complications include:

1. Swelling for two to three days following treatment.
2. Bruising is minimal but patients taking aspirin or other blood thinning medicine such as Plavix or vitamins such as vitamin C and vitamin E may be more susceptible to bruising.
3. Protrusion: if the thread was placed too superficially (this can be removed).
4. Puncture of a blood vessel causing bruising or a haematoma. The use of cannulas to insert the deep cog threads helps minimise this.
5. Facial nerve trauma. Cannulas are used to avoid this complication.
6. Granuloma/foreign body reaction if the threads are placed too superficially within the skin (the thread can be removed).
7. Existing asymmetry can’t be 100% corrected.

To manage any feelings of discomfort following the procedure oral paracetamol two to three times daily after meals is usually sufficient. Do not take any anti-inflammatory drugs (unless required for medical purposes) such as Nurofen (ibuprofen) because this category of drugs suppresses inflammation and inflammation is import for new collagen production.

When will you have a follow up?

We review our clients at seven days, one month and then at three months post treatment. However, in the event of any concerns, please contact the clinic responsible for your treatment immediately.

Contraindications for PDO thread contouring:

1. Active acne or skin infection.
2. Keloid predisposition.
3. Auto-immune diseases: scleroderma, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, etc.
4. Anti-coagulant medication: coumarin & heparin (aspirin).
5. Haemophilia.
6. Pregnancy, IVF.
7. Malignancy/Chemotherapy.
8. Hepatitis B & C, HIV.
9. History of bacterial endocarditis: Such clients need antibiotic prophylaxis for this procedure.
10. Existing systemic infection.
11. Porphyria.
12. History of Herpes simplex labialis: give oral acyclovir prophylaxis.
13. Body dysmorphic disorder,
14. Unrealistic patient expectations.

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