Using PDO Threads for Skin Firming & Tightening

 What are PDO Threads?

PDO threads or Polydioxanone threads are special dissolvable medical grade threads that are thinner than hair.   PDO is a commonly used as a dissolvable suture material and has potent collagen stimulating properties, providing strength to healing wounds. 

As the threads dissolve, a foreign body reaction is triggered, increasing the blood flow in the treated area and stimulating neocollagenesis (the production of new collagen in the skin). 

PDO Mono Threads or short threads are designed to perform a revitalisation skin treatment, the treatment is beneficial for skin tightening, skin thickening and for globally stimulating collagen improving skin texture thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles.

Is PDO Thread Treatment new?

PDO Thread treatment is a Korean cosmetic trend and has been used in Asia for many years, also known as “short threads”, “monos”, “floating threads” or “Korean threads”.  The treatments provide a subtle, natural result, with improvements in the skin quality, firmness and a gentle tightening effect.  This is an alternative for patients who do not wish to have more fillers or neurotoxins, but wishes to improve some skin laxity or wishing to have firmer and “thicker” feel to their skin. 

What is involved during a PDO Thread Treatment?

Treatment involves the insertion of multiple short PDO threads just under the skin, in a planned “mesh” like pattern, to stimulate collagen in the treated areas.  Local anaesthestics can be administered to the area requiring treatment to make the treatment more comfortable.  Generally to have a noticeable effect, a good number of threads are required.  

What do expect from PDO Thread Treatment?

PDO threads is a non surgical treatment and only treat the superficial skin.  Laxity from sagging deep facial muscles and deep facial fat pads cannot be treated using PDO threads.   A thorough consultation with realistic expectation is required prior to treatment to make sure this treatment can meet your goals.

As the PDO threads dissolve, the area treated will be replaced with more collagen fibres, a gentle tightening and firming of the skin in the treated area can be expected.

Are there any contraindications to PDO Thread Treatment?

If you are pregnant or breast feeding, have an active inflammatory skin condition that requires treatment, or active infection; or if you have recently received other collagen stimulating skin treatments.  Your doctor will discuss contraindications with you. 

What are the possible complications with PDO Thread Treatment?

The most common complications are related to the procedure, such as bruising, swelling, pain, redness, temporary irregularities where the threads are placed. Generally these reactions are temporary and resolve within several days after the treatment.  Infection and hypersensitivity to the implanted material is rare.  Your doctor will discuss the possible complications prior to treatment.

What are the areas that can be treated?

Many areas can be treated such as lower face, jawline, jowls, neck, and around the eyes. 

Do I need repeat treatments?

Generally we recommend at least 2 treatments 3 months apart and re-treat every 1-2 years.  A consultation with our doctor is advised before any treatments.