PDO THREADS: Everything You Need to Know
The Fountain of Youth may not be real (with the exception of sculptra), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to maintain your dewy, youthful appearance. So many skincare brands promise supple skin and that they’ll erase wrinkles. But have you heard of PDO threads?
What are PDO threads?
PDO—or polydioxanone—thread lifts have actually been around for a long time and were used for gynecological disorders and stitches after medical procedures. But now they’re used to tighten up loose, sagging skin to give you a fresh-faced look. They’re made of super-thin protein threads that are thinner than hair. Don’t let “threads” scare you—they’re nothing like the bad face lifts of the ‘90s. Instead, they promote collagen production and renew your skin at a cellular level.
What’s the difference between PDO, PLLA and PCL threads?
The biggest difference is the strength and durability of the threads themselves. PDO dissolves after 6-9 months, PLLA after 12-18 months and PCL after 2-3 years. PLLA and PCL are more stiff than PDO, which can lead to inflammation and discomfort for a lot of people. They also haven’t been approved by the FDA.
How do PDO threads work?
The protein in PDO threads relaxes tendons and muscles while also promoting blood flow and stimulating collagen production, elastin and hyaluronic acid, all of which keep skin looking young.
What does the process look like?
When you come in for PDO threads, the surface of your skin is numbed and PDO threads are injected with a needle so tiny you probably won’t even notice it. The whole thing takes maybe 15-30 minutes, after which you can go about your day as you normally would—work, class, the mall, etc. You do you.
What areas can be treated?
You can use PDO threads to tighten up any skin that’s a little loose or lined, including the face and neck, nasolabial lines (those pesky lines that go from the outside of your nose to the corners of your lips), forehead wrinkles, crow’s feet—you name it.
What do results look like?
The best thing about PDO threads is that they give you a natural-looking appearance that will have people turning heads (in a good way!) almost immediately. You can usually expect full results about 10-14 days after your first treatment, with your appearance only improving over time. The thread itself is biodegradable and usually dissolves after 12 weeks or so. But fear not—your skin will still look smooth and supple.
After 6-9 months, you may be ready for a follow-up treatment. But after that, your threads should last for 3 years.
Are PDO threads safe?
Totally. They are FDA approved and to our knowledge, there have been no reports of allergic reactions, severe skin sensitivity, or other major side effects or risks.
Who can get PDO threads?
Pretty much anybody can get PDO threads; however, there are some cases where it might not be the best fit. If any of the following apply to you, definitely check with the experts first before making the decision to get PDO threads.
PDO threads might not be good for you if you:
Have acne, broken skin or are prone to cold sores
Have taken anticoagulation medications like aspirin, warfarin or heparin
Have consumed alcohol within 48 hours of treatment
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have an autoimmune disease, diabetes or infection
Anything I should do before getting PDO threads?
PDO threads are noninvasive, so there isn’t a lot of prep work involved. You might want to avoid the following, though:
Alcohol
Gingko
Omega fish oil supplements
Vitamin E
High-intensity workouts
Steam rooms and saunas
Anything I should do after getting PDO threads?
Most people don’t report major side effects after getting PDO threads. You might experience a little tenderness, but it’s nothing some ibuprofen can’t fix. As far as aftercare goes, we recommend the following:
Avoid other aesthetic procedures for a week
Avoid extreme temperatures and alcohol for about a week
If you’re taking anticoagulant medications that have been prescribed by your doctor, you should continue to do so. Just know that you may experience some bruising
Gently wash the area where you got threads, but try not to rub or massage it for about two weeks
Don’t overstretch the area for four weeks (basically, don’t get PDO threads and schedule a dentist appointment in the immediate future)
Avoid any heat treatments, like radio-frequency, IPL or laser
TL;DR …
PDO threads are made of a protein that beautifies your skin at a cellular level and dissolves over time. They're safe (FDA approved!), effective and long-lasting. The procedure is quick, and prep and aftercare are super straightforward. Give us a buzz and we’ll be happy to help you figure out if they’re the right option for you!