Non-surgical face lift @ Regent Street Clinic™

What is a PDO Thread Lift?

PDO therapy is an effective cosmetic technique that lifts and tighten sagging skin tissues by inducing collagen production. It involves the implantation of fine, absorbable polydioxanone threads (similar to those used in medical suturing) into the subcutaneous layer of the skin using small needles. These threads remain implanted in the skin causing micro-injuries that stimulate collagen synthesis and tissue contraction. After six months, the threads will be absorbed into the body leaving new collagen in their place. 

The procedures is usually carried out using local anaesthetic, and there is very little downtime, if any, depending on the treatment area. Side effects are minimal but may include swelling and bruising that lasts 2-3 days, and patients can continue with normal activities immediately after. 

PDO Therapy  can be used on the cheeks, brow, jawline, neck, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, arms, thighs and abdomen. The lifting effect is at its peak after 6 months when collagen has formed around the threads, and lasts between 18months - two years.

How does the Thread Lift work?

The threads used in the Thread Lift are made of soluble PDO (polydioxanone) which is a material that has been used in medicine for many years, mainly in surgery. However, research has shown that PDO relaxes muscles and tendons, and also stimulates the neocollagenesis process, which encourages the production of new collagen in the skin. PDO also stimulates the synthesis of elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin, both of which are vital for keeping the skin looking plump and youthful. 

The PDO thread is inserted into the skin through a very fine needle. Depending on the area to be treated, the thread is introduced into either the skin itself, the subcutaneous fat, or the muscle. A lifted appearance can be seen immediately following the treatment; however, the results will improve in the following days and weeks as the PDO stimulates neocollagenesis, which in turn produces collagen. The overall texture of the skin is improved; it becomes thicker, tighter and firmer and fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed away. 

Different thicknesses and types of thread are used for different areas of the face. Short, non-barbed threads can be used to treat fine lines on the face, as well as tightening and lifting areas such as the jaw line and neck. Thicker "cogs" or barbed threads can give a significant improvement to the mid and lower face. Sometimes we will use a combination of both non-barbed and barbed threads to give best results. 

The threads are naturally absorbed by the body in six to eight months; however, the effect of the treatment can last for up to two years.

Which areas can be treated with PDO threads?

The threads are extremely versatile and can be used all around the face and neck. 

The Thread Lift can treat vertical and horizontal wrinkles on the following areas: 

• Forehead
• Sagging brows
• Drooping cheeks
• Pronounced nasolabial (nose to mouth) folds
• Marionette (corner of mouth to chin) folds 
• PDO threads can also be used for the following: 
• Sagging jawline
• Neck / decolletage
• Chin
• Jowls
• Eye bags 
• Abdominal lipolysis (fat breakdown)
• Bum lift
• Skin rejuvenation
• Smoothing wrinkles
• Narrowing the pores
• Skin Lightening
• Increase the volume
• Lifting the skin
• ANTI-AGEING, fresher, younger appearance.

What results can I expect with the PDO lift?

The PDO threads will give the skin an immediate, natural improvement in appearance. After about 10-14 days, the process of natural body protein synthesis begins and continues over a period of two years, keeping the texture of the skin smooth and supple.

Lifting PDO thread is a treatment dedicated primarily for patients aged 30-65 years, however the benefits extend to all age ranges. 

The treatment effects are: 

Patient selection and good communication is essential

The technique for thread insertion is relatively straightforward, provided suitably trained and experienced practitioners carry it out. It is important, prior to any treatment, that certain criteria are assessed to determine the patient’s suitability for PDO threads. Firstly, the patient’s medical history has to be checked. Auto-immune diseases, hepatitis B and C, HIV infection, pregnancy and breastfeeding, anti-caogulation therapy, existing infection and history of keloid formation are all contraindications for treatment. 

Care should be taken with patients who appear to be suffering from body dysmorphia. These patients sometimes demand results, which a non-surgical procedure like PDO threads cannot achieve. 

PDO threadlifting can give good results in the late 30s to 60s age group where a ‘finger’ test is positive, however it is not suitable for everyone. The test is positive if a finger can be used to get a satisfactory face or neck lift with a little finger skin elevation. The elevation, in my method, should need the finger to move 1-3cm only. In very lax skin or in very obese patients, a much greater finger elevation is needed – the finger may need to be elevated three or more centimetres. If the finger test is considered negative, then the patient would not be a suitable candidate for a PDO threadlift.

Excellent lower face lifting and anti-ageing rejuvenation achieved using twisted mono threads with a 29G needle size.

The procedure was vitually painless and there was minimal bruising with no downtime whatsoever. 

PDO thread lifting can be achieved with straight mono threads as well as coiled treads, the super spring thread, which adds volume as well as lift.

Source:http://www.regentstreetclinic.co.uk/pdo-thread-lifting/4593733189