PDO Threading
Experiencing Sagging Skin?
Have you heard of PDO (polydioxanone) threading? PDO threading is an effective cosmetic treatment for both men and women that can lift, tighten, smooth and contour the overlying skin tissues. It is often referred to as a non-surgical face-lift. It involves embedding fully dissolvable threads into the subcutaneous layer of the skin using very fine needles. Dr. Ellyn Levine of Trilogy Health in La Mesa is proud to add this to her growing list of cosmetic services.
Benefits of PDO threads include:
- Forehead and Brow Lifting
- Face Contouring
- Improving appearance and adding fullness to area under the eyes
- Reducing Nasal Labial Folds and Marionette Lines
- Lifting drooping checks, Jowls and Neck area
- Smoothing overlying wrinkles
- Reducing redundant skin
- Reducing crepiness of skin including décolletage area and above the knees
How does it work?
PDO threads are embedded under the skin using fine needles or cannulas into the skin, muscle or subcutaneous fat. The PDO threads will start stimulating collagen and fibroblast production resulting in tighter and firmer skin as fine lines and wrinkles are reduced. Elasticity of the overlying skin also improves due to the cellular rejuvenation taking place around the embedded PDO threads. Some threads have configurations that lead to smoothing of wrinkles in the overlying skin and some threads have tiny fishhooks that can be pulled to hold onto the tissue to create a lifting and voluminizing effect.
- How soon can you see the effects? Most people will notice an improvement immediately but results will continue to improve occur over the ensuing days and weeks as the underlying PDO threads stimulate collagen production in the treatment area.
- How long does the PDO thread skin treatments last? Although the threads complete dissolve in 6 months, the effects can last 12-18 months since the body begins producing collagen and elastin around the threads that it was supporting.
- Are they safe?
PDO have been around for over a decade as medical sutures for many types of surgeries and have a long safety track record. PDO threads also have gained FDA approval. They completely dissolve in 6 months without causing any fibrosis or scarring or risk of bacterial infection. The most common complication is temporary bruising caused from the needle insertions. - Is PDO threading painful?
PDO threading is very well tolerated and often only numbing cream is needed especially for areas where only small needles are needed to smooth and reduce wrinkles. For lifting procedures, lidocaine is often injected in the treatment area for additional numbing. - Is there any downtime?
Bruising and temporary swelling are common after the procedure and may last anywhere from 3-10 days.
Can I get fillers or laser procedures if I have PDO threads?
Yes, fillers can be used in conjunction with certain types of threads to enhance volume especially in the lines around the mouth and under the eyes. Other times, fillers are best added after 2-4 weeks to allow the PDO threading changes to take place to ensure optimal placement of the filler. Laser procedures may be done after 6 weeks of the PDO threads placement.
How much does PDO threading cost?
Cost of PDO threading depends on multiple variables such as the number of threads used, the type of threads used, the size of the treatment area and whether or not lifting threads are used. In general, the treatment can cost anywhere from $1500 to $4500. Fillers can also be used in conjunction with PDO threading to enhance the smoothing and lifting effect and thereby increase the cost further.
Who should not get PDO threading?
- Those with active skin infections including acne may not be candidates for PDO threads until their infection is resolved or controlled with treatment.
- Patients prone to cold sores should avoid having PDO threads placed around their mouth area.
- PDO threading is not recommended if pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Those with underlying auto-immune disorders
- Those with uncontrolled diabetes
Are they any medicines that should be stopped prior to my PDO threading treatment?
It is recommended that you stop taking fish oils, Vit E, evening primrose oil, magnesium, ginkgo, flax seed oil as they may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising.
If you are on a blood thinner such as warfarin, Xarelto or aspirin, Dr. Ellyn Levine will help you determine if you may be a candidate for PDO threading.