PDO Threading All you need to know.
What is a PDO Threading:
A PDO thread lift is a revolutionary new treatment in the world of aesthetics, but PDO threads themselves have been used safely for decades for various applications, like treating gynecological disorders or suturing incisions after medical procedures. When used as an aesthetic treatment, there are a few things you should know.
First, it mechanically results in instant skin lifting. Second, it contracts fat tissue to result in instant skin tightening. Third, it promotes collagen production and neovascularization to renew your skin at the cellular level. All of this works together to give you enhanced skin texture, fewer fine lines and wrinkles and more elastic skin.
Who is it for:
In general, men and women in their 30’s and above who have mild to moderate sagginess, wrinkles, and lines in the forehead, face, and/or neck are typically good candidates.
Pre-Treatment Instructions:
- Aspirin based products and anti-inflammatories should not be taken one week prior to your treatment because they can cause bleeding.
- Omega 3 fish oils, Arnica tablets, vitamin E supplements, and best to avoid green and ginger teas for 3-10 days leading up to the thread procedure. This is to help you avoid bruising. If it is medically important for you to take blood thinners, please continue but let the doctor know so that special care can be taken to reduce bruising.
- Ideally, there should be no Botox® or filler injections in the area to be treated with PDO threads a week before the procedure.
- A topical anaesthetic can be applied 10-15 minutes before the procedure.
- Any aesthetic procedure causing an inflammatory effect should not be performed 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the procedure, for example, Laser, IPL, Fraxel, Dermapen®
- Please come to your appointment with a clean make-up free face.
- Smoking and all kinds of alcohol must be avoided for at least one week before the procedure as they can dehydrate the skin and even affect the anesthetic step. It helps in speeding the recovery process and providing the best treatment results.
Post-Treatment Care:
- Ice the treated area for a few minutes for four to five times during the day for the first week if you are experiencing slight bruising or swelling.
- Restrict facial movements for one day. Make sure to rest for a full day after getting the treatment.
- You can move around wherever you want, but don’t perform any strenuous activity or heavy lifting for three weeks.
- You can take pain killers such as acetaminophen as required after the procedure. Try consuming them after a meal to avoid any risk of nausea.
- It is best to avoid aspirins for the next two weeks after the treatment.
- Avoid applying makeup or facial cream for at least 48 hours.
- You should not drink a beverage with a straw and focus on drinking liquids or consuming soft foods for at least a week.
- Chewing gum should be avoided for at least two weeks.
- Experiencing slight discomfort in the first two days after the procedure is normal, it will gradually reduce.
- For the first few nights after the treatment keep the head elevated, at least at 30 degrees. The use of a horseshoe-shaped airplane pillow helps you to sleep on your back. It is recommended that you sleep on your back to prevent any swelling. Avoid straining or placing pressure on your face as it may result in threads misalignment.
- Any direct pressure to the face should be avoided for three weeks. In this recovery time, avoid excessive chewing, laughing , yawning or contact sport.
- Don’t pull your facial skin, massage, scrub or exfoliate the skin for at least three weeks. You are also not supposed to wash or touch your face for at least 12 hours.
- Follow the care guidelines the practitioner gives you regarding the incision wounds.
- Avoid getting any dental treatment for at least two weeks after getting the PDO thread lift.
- Wash treated area gently with a mild facial cleanser and pat dry. Do not rub the area for 5 days.
- It is permitted to apply make-up, shave and wash hair but be very gentle for the first 5 days.
- Avoid direct sunlight and don’t use tanning beds for 3 weeks.
- Don’t use saunas or steam rooms for 3 weeks.
- It takes approximately 3 weeks to start seeing results and the full effect is seen after 4-6 months
- No Radiofrequency or Ultrasound should be done on the same area for 4 months following your last threading procedure as it will dissolve the threads.
- Any aesthetic procedure causing an inflammatory effect should not be performed 2 weeks before or 2 weeks after the procedure. E.g. Laser, IPL, Fraxel®
- A follow-up appointment in 2 weeks is advised and available should you have any concerns
What To Expect:
The treatment has a minimal recovery time, but there is still plenty you can do to enhance the recovery and get the best results. Some patients may experience nausea after the thread lift procedure due to the local anesthesia. However, it will pass after sipping small amounts of water.
- Temporary swelling or tenderness may occur. Avoid taking oral anti-inflammatories such as aspirin and ibuprofen as they negatively affect the collagen cascade and increase the risk of bruising. However topical or oral natural anti-inflammatory preparations such as arnica will help . You will be the healing process.
- There may be some bruising after the treatment. This will settle in a few days, though bruising can sometimes persist for a couple of weeks. Apply ice packs or a cold towel to the area as soon as practical after the procedure for 5-10 minutes at a time. Apply throughout the first few days as needed to keep the swelling down.
- Occasionally you may be aware of a tightness or pulling or “prickly” sensation especially when you suddenly move your face. Please keep facial movements to a minimum for two weeks. Avoid excessive chewing, laughing, yawning, wide smiling or drinking from a straw.
- Sometimes there might be a slight depression or skin irregularity at the entry points, or slight puckering of the tissues. These inconveniences will disappear after a few days