PDO Threads

A polydioxanone (PDO) thread involves the insertion of small, dissolvable sutures underneath the skin. These biodegradable sutures have been used in surgeries for decades. They are made from colorless polyester that will dissolve in your body after about six months, which means there is no need to remove them. When we insert the PDO Threads, their presence triggers the fibroblasts in your skin to respond by producing greater amounts of collagen. This provides greater structure and elasticity to the skin, and corrects common issues of aging, such as sagging skin, poor texture, and wrinkle formation.

Please be prepared to discuss your full medical history with our provider. We will need to ensure that PDO Threads are safe and appropriate for you. This treatment is contraindicated for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as for those with an active skin infection or inflammation, and those with blood clotting disorders.

Please prepare for your appointment by taking the following steps. Your provider may give you additional instructions.

• Avoid using alcohol for at least five days prior to your appointment.
• Avoid the use of medications and supplements that can cause bleeding (e.g. nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs, oral vitamin E, and St. John’s Wort). If you are taking a medication that may cause bleeding on the advice of your physician, please obtain medical clearance before discontinuing it.

When you arrive at our clinic, we will explain the procedure and answer any questions you may have. Then, our physician will cleanse your face and apply a topical numbing agent. The physician will then create a small puncture site to allow for the insertion of the thread. After anchoring the thread in place, slight pressure will be applied to lift the tissue. The thread will not be visible.

Downtime is minimal, but you may have some swelling and bruising for up to two days. For one to two weeks, avoid rubbing your face, sleeping on your side, using saunas, or engaging in intense exercise. Results may vary, but some patients enjoy results for up to one year, while some may see results last longer.

We can customize a PDO Thread treatment to meet your particular skin goals. There are three main types of PDO threads:

• PDO Smooth Threads- These are smooth sutures. They work best for skin tightening, collagen production, and overall skin rejuvenation.
• PDO Barbed Threads- These PDO threads have miniscule barbs that “hook” into the skin. Because of this, they are able to effectively lift and tighten sagging skin.
• PDO Twisted Threads- As the name suggests, these PDO threads are comprised of multiple intertwined threads. They work by restoring lost volume to the areas that have developed a sunken appearance due to the aging process.

During your consultation, our provider will determine which of these PDO Threads is best suited to your needs. In some cases, we can achieve optimal results by using different thread types in different treatment areas.