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PDO thread lifts are a procedure used to make the skin look younger. Unlike other cosmetic solutions like plastic surgery, a thread lift is minimally invasive. Some of the purposes for this cosmetic procedure include loose skin, weight gain, and unwanted facial lines. There are different types of threads used for the procedure.
So what are the most commonly used threads for PDO thread lifts? These are mono, cog, and screw threads. Each has a unique specialty, with doctors choosing the material based on the patient’s chief complaints. Specialists are careful about visible sutures since using the wrong material may decrease the effects of the procedure.
Let Dr. V and our staff help you discover the true beauty hiding within. Book your consultation with us today to learn more about your ideal cosmetic treatment.
Polydioxanone, or PDO, is the standard material used for thread lifts today. PDO threads are the safest and most trusted due to their biodegradable components, which are easier to use during surgical and non-surgical procedures.
Thanks to chemical breakdown, PDO is easily absorbed into the body after 6 months. People who undergo the procedure will produce more collagen, helping patients get tighter skin and a youthful appearance. There are 3 commonly used PDO threads:
Although some doctors may combine them in some instances, these threads have specific uses.
For skin rejuvenation, mono threads are the most popular choice. These threads are short and easy to insert under the skin. Doctors also use them to tighten the skin and reduce wrinkles. Once under the skin, the mono threads trigger the body’s collagen synthesis to tighten loose skin and improve texture.
Most people need around 10 to 30 mono sutures for maximum effect. Doctors can place them on both the face and body.
Another kind of PDO thread is the cog thread. Specialists typically use cog threads to contour the face and increase collagen production. Most doctors use it as part of a regimen to improve patients' facial structure. The cog works by triggering the body’s natural collagen response, with effects most felt after 6 months.
Most patients will need another cog thread lift after 2 to 3 years. Common areas for a cog PDO thread lift include the cheeks, neck, and jaw. Cog threads have barbs, improving facial structure by instantly lifting and tightening the skin. While under the skin, the produced collagen will reintroduce healthy skin cells.
Doctors typically recommend cog threads for patients aged 45 and above.
Screw threads are composed of one or two threads fused in the fine surgical needle. Screw threads provide volume in areas of the face where the skin seems to have sunk. A kind of screw thread, the Multi Screw, has a more pronounced effect on the face.
Doctors usually use screw threads for face-lifting procedures. They’re inserted in parts of the skin that have sunk, working to restore the tightness in these areas. As the sutures reintroduce collagen, the threads bring back volume and replenish skin texture and elasticity.
The doctor and the patient work together to choose the correct PDO thread for the procedure. Factors like texture, absorbability, and size affect how a specialist chooses the thread. There are cases when doctors use 2 kinds of threads for better effects.
PDO threads are either barbed or non-barbed. Non-barbed sutures are smoother, and most specialists use them in facial areas with thin tissue. These include the areas surrounding the eyes.
Barbed threads have structures that anchor to the skin more easily. They come in 2 types:
Both barbed threads function by anchoring themselves onto the tissue beneath the skin. While dislodged in the area, they work by causing tiny tears that force the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen makes the skin repair imperfections more easily, reintroducing tightness and smoothness. Doctors may use barbed sutures on the face, neck, and other body parts.
Although PDO threads are the most popular, 2 other major categories are also used in other procedures. These are:
PLA threads are an alternative material made of lactic acid. They were previously found in other medical equipment like planes, pins, and mesh. PLA threads improve saggy areas of the skin, tightening them to create a more youthful and fresher appearance. Physicians use cones to place the PLA threads in place.
Much like PDO, PLA threads are minimally invasive. They also restore collagen and are naturally absorbed back into the skin. Still, PDO threads are better for repositioning and rejuvenating skin tissue. Doctors also recommend PDO threads more since these are safe for patients of all ages.
PCA, or polycaprolactone, is another thread used for lifting procedures. The skin naturally absorbs these threads after some time. These threads trigger the release of collagen when they decay. Unlike PDO and PLA threads, PCA works by triggering the body’s collagen production over a more extended time.
Since the PCA allows the body to release more collagen for a longer time, it may provide a more moisturized appearance. However, PCA threads are a newer technology than PDO and PLA—their effects on the body are less established. These threads are also less stable when used for repositioning the face.
If you’re unsure what type of thread material to use for a thread lift procedure, you need to talk to a specialist. Working with the doctors allows you to develop a treatment plan appropriate for your age, affected areas, and treatment goals. One of the best places for a thread lift is Dr. V Medical Aesthetics, an established med spa.
The professionals at Dr. V medical Aesthetics specialize in non-surgical treatments that allow clients to achieve their desired appearance without going under the knife. The clinic employs the safest techniques to accommodate the needs of all clients. Our team is composed of qualified specialists who are ready and willing to assist you throughout your journey to better skin.
The team at Dr. V Medical Aesthetics always makes sure to take the best course of action for your skincare goals. Contact us today for more information.
Dr. V Medical Aesthetics is ready to help you achieve your beauty goals. Contact us today to learn more about any of our services, and exactly what our team can do for you.
