What are PDO Threads?
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are absorbable sutures that can lift and rebuild the structures of the skin. PDO threads have received FDA clearance and are now recognized as a safe, minimally-invasive alternative to surgical face and neck lifts. Although PDO threads cannot completely replace a full face lift, they can delay the need for surgical procedures as well as increase the longevity of a previous facelift by supporting the skin and preventing sagging and premature wrinkles.
PDO threads are made from Polydiaxanone suture material that has been used in surgical procedures, such as cardiac, osteopathic and plastic surgery for decades. Hypoallergenic and non-pyrogenic, PDO threads are a safe and effective way to lift and tighten sagging skin. Once inserted into the skin, the threads will instantly lift loose skin and continuously stimulate neocollagenesis to improve skin texture, fine lines and wrinkles and the overall firmness of the skin. PDO threads also induces the formation of elastin, which is the main protein constituent of elastic connective tissue in the dermis, which gives you the . By stimulating the growth of bio-identical collagen and elastin in the skin, you can rebuild the building blocks and reverse the signs of aging.
How does it work?
Threads are classified largely into 2 categories, barbed and non-barbed. Barbed threads have little ‘arms’ on the suture that can pull up the skin and keep it suspended. These barbed threads are inserted into the skin and will hold and grab the skin, and as they are activated, will lift and suspend. Non barbed threads come in a variety of sizes and lengths. The primary mechanism of action of non barbed threads is to induce collagen and elastin production. This will smooth out uneven texture and create a scaffolding deep within the skin to tighten and volumize, for an all over youthful look.
Collagen and elastin are protein chains that act as a foundation that support and lift the skin. As you age, your skin loses these structural building blocks, causing the skin to sag and lose its firmness. PDO threads creates a mechanical inflammatory response that induces the body to create new collagen and elastin. This inflammatory response also increases blood flow to the area that brightens the skin and gives it an all over ‘glow’. They can also contract fat and tighten the surrounding tissues.
A PDO thread lift using Sapphire Threads, is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that can be used in the face, body, and scalp to increase hair growth.
Most facial procedures can take anywhere between 20 minutes to an hour, and simple individual areas can take between 5 to 15 minutes. Minimal pain is usually reported from the procedure, and local and topical anesthesia is used to alleviate any discomfort. Lifting is achieved immediately after the treatment, although optimal results are usually seen within 2-3 weeks. Threads will dissolve within 3-9 months, depending on the type of threads used, but neocollagenesis can continue for up to 18 months after the procedure as tissue constituents grow around the lattice created by the thread.
In addition to facial treatments, PDO threads are also used for body contouring. They are used to lift and tighten the stomach, the butt, and the breasts. Arm lifts have gained in popularity and used to tack up the ‘bat wings’ and the crepiness in the elbow and shoulders. Call us to find out more about body contouring and classes!
What are the different types of threads available?
There are many different threads available on the market and we understand that it can get a little overwhelming, especially if you are new to the industry. There are PDO threads as well as PCL and PLLA threads. There are cogs, cones, stamped and even permanent threads! There are barbs, monos, screws, springs, tornadoes, uni directional, bi directional, 2D, 3D and 4D threads and it can be difficult to decide which thread to use for what area and how many you need.
Sapphire Medical Aesthetics is proud to offer 4 threads that are unique and effective in achieving maximum results.
Screw Embossed Threads: These mono filaments have small ‘pillows’ on them that increases thread longevity in the skin. The spring like coil also increases thread length and offers superior volumization. The extra ‘pillows’ allows the thread to remain longer in the body, thereby increasing the amount of collagen and elastin formed around it.
Mono Beaded Threads: Small ‘beads’ are embedded along the thread increasing the surface area and traction strength of the thread allowing it to tack onto the skin better. This helps with migration that can occur in loose and compromised skin.
Hollow Core Threads: These threads have a specially designed tip to cut through tough star tissue from trauma, surgery or scars. Superior cutting ability allows for a smoother less painful procedure and better results.
Flex-hook Threads: These threads are shaped in a U shape and help to hold and anchor the skin using opposite vector technology. Great for the neck and nose as well as contouring the cheeks.
This is where education and training becomes a key point in achieving great results. Using the correct threads in the correct plane in the optimal vectors, will consistently give you amazing outcomes. Patient selection and setting realistic expectations with the client is an important factors in patient satisfaction.
Thread lifts can be largely divided into two types of lifts.
Sapphire Diamond Lift – This technique is used to enhance the overall shape of the client’s face. V-Line shaping is optimal in achieving a youthful look. A combination of barbed threads are used to lift the jaw and sculpt the cheeks. The procedure is custom tailored to each individual’s facial anatomy and shape. A combination of threads, prp and injectables may be used to increase longevity and immediate results. Contact us for more information and set up a training with one of our experienced trainers!
Sapphire Smooth – This procedure smooths and plumps sagging and sallow skin and irons out wrinkles and scars. Using all non barbed threads, the goal is to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles and fill and plump deep grooves and reduce the appearance of static wrinkles. Screw threads are used to fill in the deep lines in the forehead, neck and marionette lines. The prejowl sulcus is tightened and filled using various types of screw threads and the submental and chin area is smoothed and plumped with a combination of monos and screws. Once optimal results are achieved, results can last up to 18 months.
Who is the right candidate for Thread Lifts?
PDO thread lifts are effective for mild and moderate lifts. The heavier the tissue to be lifted, the more threads that will be required and the longevity of the lift will be reduced.
In most instances, once optimal lift is achieved, results will last anywhere from 18 to 24 months. However, the heavier the area to be lifted, a significant improvement is difficult to achieve and the duration of the lift will be shorter.
Sapphire Medical Aesthetics offers insight on how to do proper Facial Evaluations and how to choose the right aesthetic treatments for each indication. We also show you how to pick the right threads for different areas of the face and body, how many threads are needed for different facial types, and the optimal vector and pattern for insertion. Learn how to create custom treatments for each client based on their aesthetic needs.
Are PDO threads safe to use in combination with other Aesthetic treatments?
Absolutely! Other non invasive therapies such as fillers, collagen, prp, lasers and neurotoxins are great adjunct therapies that work well with PDO threads. It is important to know what therapies to do first and how long to wait in between treatments, to allow each product to work to its full potential and for the optimal aesthetic outcome.
