PDO Thread Contouring/Lift in London

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PDO® Thread contouring/ lift?

This is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure involving the placement of threads in the face and neck to lift and rejuvenate the appearance of these areas. PDO® stands for polydioxanone – a synthetic fibre which is widely used in general surgery as suture material. PDO is bio-compatible and biodegradable, dissolving naturally in the human body over time. PDO® threads are fine threads that can be implanted under the skin and used to enhance the appearance of various areas of the face.

How does PDO® thread contouring/lift work?

There is immediate improvement due to the anchoring effect. Insertion of needles into the skin also causes ‘micro-injuries’ which stimulates collagen synthesis and tissue contraction. The barbs in the threads also lead to collagen stimulation over a period of several months, hence further improving the lifting effect. In 6-8 months following implantation, the threads begin to be absorbed into the body, further stimulating the natural regeneration of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production. The best effects from PDO® treatment is seen in approximately 6 months. 

Describe the PDO thread contouring/Lift procedure?

• Face to face/Telephonic/ video consultation to assess the suitability for PDO® thread lift treatment and discussion of the procedure and potential complications.
• Thinking time( cooling off period) will be given to help in making an informed decision. 
• On the day of the treatment, prior to the treatment you will be given simple pain killers and antibiotics. Following this , local anaesthetic will be injected in the area of the treatment. This is followed by the injecting  PDO® threads  into the subcutaneous layer of the skin using small needles preloaded with the threads. Although the PDO threads remain in the skin, they are invisible and cannot be felt. For a midface lift PDO threads are inserted in the jawline and cheeks, in the forehead for an eye brow lift and in the neck for a neck lift. This results in the ‘lifting’ of sagging tissue. 
• Antibiotic cream will be applied at the sites of thread insertion. 
• Ice packs may also be applied to reduce swelling and bruising. 

What is the aftercare?

Clients are advised not to wash their face on the same day of the procedure, to avoid opening the mouth wide (such as routine dental treatment) for at least 4 weeks post treatment. 
Aspirin and extreme temperatures (i.e. sauna) should be avoided for seven post treatment.

All clients who have undergone a PDO® thread lift procedure are reviewed at seven days, one month and three months post treatment. 

What are the benefits of PDO® thread contouring?

PDO® thread contouring is a safe, minimally invasive and cost-effective alternative to a surgical face lift. PDO® threads are fully biodegradable, all that is remaining after six months is the new collagen stimulated by the procedure. It is a non-allergenic treatment with only minimal discomfort for a few days following the procedure.

What are the side effects of PDO Thread Contouring/Lift?

It is normal for clients to experience some swelling and bruising for several days following the procedure. Any feelings of discomfort following the procedure can be effectively managed by oral paracetamol. Other side effects such as lumpiness at the site of thread insertion and infection are rare.

What are the contraindications for PDO thread contouring?

This procedure is not suitable for clients who have active acne or skin infection or who are pregnant, breastfeeding or undergoing IVF. Clients with any known allergy (to the ingredients) or foreign-body sensitivities to plastic/biomaterial, past permanent filler implantation, acute and chronic skin diseases, autoimmune diseases, sepsis or infection should not undergo treatment.

Who performs the procedure? 

At Clapham Skin clinic, PDO® thread lift treatment is carried out by Dr Baba, a highly trained and experienced aesthetic doctor who is also a senior trainer for this procedure at London Aesthetic Academy (www.londonaestheticacademy.co.uk) will perform your procedure.