What are PDO threads?
PDO Threads are used to strengthen the skin, improve skin elasticity, smooth out stubborn fine lines and tighten the skin. They are tiny needles containing threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO) which are inserted into your skin then removed, leaving behind the threads in the skin to stimulate collagen production and growth. Threads can also be used to add volume to an area.
When should you get PDO threads?
Threads are good for people who have had dermal filler and/or are at optimal volume (or it is done simultaneously with filler). If you are quite youthful and only have lines around the nasolabial & marionette areas, threads are a good option as you get to a point where you can only do so much with filler before you start adding too much bulk. Another example is someone who has fine lines under their eyes but aren’t a candidate for tear trough filler. Threads can be used under the eye to stimulate collagen production and to treat fine lines.
We have a couple of types of threads; the first one being a smooth, tiny thread. This one is implanted into the skin and released, leaving the thread in the body to help stimulate collagen. The other threads we have are known as double screws. These types of threads are wrapped around the needle to create a twist in the thread. This twist creates a larger inflammatory response than the smaller threads, resulting in a higher amount of collagen being produced. These are a really good option where a stronger hold is needed, such as above the eye brows or in deep nasolabial folds.
Contraindications include pregnancy, breastfeeding, keyloid scarring and some allergies. These can all be discussed during your initial consultation with The Aesthetic Collective's medical team.
Where can PDO threads be used? (Brisbane PDO Threads)
Threads can be used all over the face, including:
- Tear Troughs
- Crows Feet
- Frown Lines
- Forehead lines
- Marionettes
- Brow Lift
- Cheek Crepiness/Accordion lines
- Cheek Hollowing
- Oral Commissures
- Nasolabial Folds
- Perioral Lines
- Temples
- Chin & Neck Lift
They can also be used on other areas of the body, including:
- Hands
- Knees
- Butt Lift
What is the process?
We will conduct a consultation with you to confirm that you are a good candidate for threads. The treatment area/s will be numbed using a topical local anaesthetic prior to the threads being inserted. The actual insertion & removal of the threads is quick. Depending on the area, anywhere from 10-20 threads are normally used with larger areas like the chin & neck needing maybe 20-40 threads.
Can you get filler or anti-wrinkle with threads?
The short answer is yes! Threads can be used in combination with dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections and even PRP. You can even get filler or anti-wrinkle in the same appointment as threads. For example, if we are doing a brow lift with threads, it is recommended to treat this area with anti-wrinkle injections at the same time so that optimal results are acheived.
What is the downtime and how long until I start seeing results?
There is little to no downtime with threads. After treatment you can go back to your normal routine. Aesthetically, you may see some bruising or puffiness, similar to what you would experience post-dermal filler injections.
As with other skin treatments such PRP which stimulate a cell rejuvenation process, results are dependant on your body's ability to grow collagen. With the collagen reproduction cycle normally being around 12 weeks, this is the same amount of time it generally takes for you to see results. The extent of the results are individual based and depend upon how your body reacts to the threads.