What are PDO Threads
Thread lifting is a general term which applies to the use of PDO sutures to affect an aesthetic benefit that lifts and tightens sagging skin tissues through mechanical lifting and by inducing collagen production.
The two main treatment types are skin rejuvenation which relies on collagen production to increase skin health and elasticity for a tighter tone, and lifting treatments which use barbed threads to physically lift/tighten the skin immediately while the long-term benefits take time to kick in.
WHAT IS POLYDIOXANONE
Intraline’s Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are essentially the cosmetic version of the resorbable sutures used regularly in heart surgery. With an excellent safety profile and virtually non-allergenic, PDO suture use has nearly 40 years of medical history supporting its use. PDO is manufactured through the polymerization of p-dioxanone to create a resorbable sterile filament which produces fibrosis in the surrounding tissue giving rise to creation of type I and II collagen.
Fully resorbable through enzymatic hydrolysis the threads are broken down within 6 months to a year leaving behind the resultant healthier skin.
WHAT IS A PDO THREAD TREATMENT
There are many different Threads and several different Thread treatments. What makes Intraline Thread treatment different is the quality. Intraline use the highest quality CE marked PDO (Polydioxanone) Threads and are provided by individually trained practitioners. The treatments are designed for individual patients with individual concerns.
The threads are placed in or just under the skin and stimulate the production of your own collagen, elastin, and Hyaluronic Acid. They also stimulate the development of new blood vessels and improve lymphatic drainage, giving way to better skin quality with a smoother, brighter appearance. The results start immediately and will continue to improve for 6–8 months, ultimately lasting up to 18 months. The collagen produced will provide tension and firmness which will help tighten and lift the skin tissue. Elastin provides the kind of elasticity associated with youthful skin and the Hyaluronic Acid binds to water, giving enhanced hydration. This combination of effects results in an amazing rejuvenation to ageing skin and helps reverse and slow the ageing process.
After implantation, the body absorbs the threads over a period of 6 to 8 months via biological (enzymatic) degradation or hydrolysis. This will eventually result in the formation of water and carbon dioxide both of which are naturally excreted from the body.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN REJUVENATION THREADS & LIFTING THREADS PDO
Thread treatments are growing quickly in popularity due to widespread global adoption of the technology. However, with so many different PDO Threads to choose from how do you know which one to use and for what treatment? PDO Thread treatments are one of the loudest buzzes in aesthetic medicine right now, and they can be divided into two main categories: Rejuvenation PDO Threads and Lifting PDO Threads also known as COG PDO Threads.
REJUVENATION PDO THREADS
Rejuvenation PDO Thread treatments take advantage of the regenerative changes that take place in the dermis and subcutis from the expert insertion of PDO Threads using specific techniques. Multiple modes of action including Neo-collagenases (the body’s production of fresh collagen) from a foreign body reaction, micro-circulation stimulation, increased metabolism, lipolysis, muscle relaxation, and increased tissue adhesion, result in skin tightening (by thickening and hydrating the skin). Rejuvenation PDO Threads are used when the main goal is to improve skin quality rather than lifting, but strategically inserted they will provide a small amount of lift via skin tightening as well as facial contouring.
Rejuvenation PDO Threads include.
• Mono PDO Thread is a single filament smooth PDO Thread folded in half.
• Double PDO Thread is two smooth PDO filaments twisted around each other and folded in half.
• Triple PDO Thread is three smooth PDO filaments twisted around each other and folded in half.
• Spiral (or Screw) PDO Thread is one smooth filament that is wrapped around the needle.
• Double Spiral (Tornado threads) is two smooth PDO filaments twisted around each other and around the needle
LIFTING PDO THREADS
Lifting threads have barbs, also known as Cogs along the length of the thread with the aim of affixing the skin in a position to give the appearance of a minor facelift. Typically, depth of placement for a Cog PDO Thread is the subcutaneous tissue and the effect is twofold with an immediate lift due to the barbs being activated and hooking into the underside of the skin and long-lasting effect due to the gradual metabolism of the thread which leads to skin rejuvenation.
The amount of lift provided from a Cog PDO Thread treatment is typically only a few centimetres and results are not permanent. There are many types and sizes of Cog PDO Threads, but Intraline focuses on the most effectively used types for classic multiple point lifting and non-surgical rhinoplasty. The Intraline Dimension 360 threads are made by cutting cogs in a spiral pattern into a mono PDO filament. Our newest Cog PDO Thread is the Dimension 720. It is a moulded Cog PDO Thread. Our moulded technology allows the thread to maintain its integrity of shape and provides four times the strength of non-moulded threads.
Allow yourself time to recover from your Intraline PDO Thread Treatment. It is imperative that you understand and follow the below aftercare instructions to maximise the results of your treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Bruising: Bruising around the treated area immediately after your treatment is common. The degree of bruising may vary depending on the area being treated as well as the individual patient. Be aware, that in some cases, considerable bruising may occur.
Swelling: Swelling around the treated area is common and can be expected to last 1-2 weeks and can hide or exaggerate initial results until bruising subsides.
An inflammatory reaction is part of the healing response of the skin which in turn will result in collagen growth and skin improvements. Redness: It is common for the treated area to turn red after your treatment.
Visible redness may last up to 14 days from the date of your treatment.
Discomfort: Experiencing some pain and discomfort after your treatment is normal, including a tightening or pulling sensation. Discomfort can last up to 7 days.
Tenderness: The treated area will feel tender following your procedure. Please try not to sleep or rest on the treated area.
Infection: Do not touch any open injection points until they have closed and healed. Signs of infection may include additional redness, inflammation, extra pain and, or heat. Contact your practitioner immediately if you have any concerns or signs of infection.
AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS
- Wash treated areas carefully.
- Avoid make-up.
- No alcohol for 7 days
- Avoid taking vitamin C and vitamin E for 7 days
- Avoid exercise for 7 days following treatment.
- If discomfort occurs use pain killers such as Paracetamol, avoid any NSAID painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin. These medications may increase bruising.
- If swelling or redness occurs, apply cold compresses.
- Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures for 10 days.
- Day 2, mineral make-up may be applied to face.
- Apply sun protection SPF 30/50
- Avoid dental procedures and try to avoid opening your mouth excessively for 7 days.
FOLLOW UP INSTRUCTIONS
• A review will be booked 6 weeks following your procedure.
• In the event of an issue or concern, immediately contact the clinic
• In extreme cases, temporary facial numbness may occur due to local anaesthetic, swelling, hematoma, pressure of the cannula or the PDO Thread on the nerve. In such cases, your practitioner must be contacted immediately.
• Refrain from having any other aesthetic treatments in the treated areas for a minimum of 14 days.
FURTHER TREATMENT
The result of your Intraline PDO Thread treatment may take up to six months to notice a dramatic difference. At this stage you may decide to have further PDO Thread treatments on different areas of your body, please contact your practitioner for a consultation.
