PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are absorbable surgical sutures made from a material so safe that they were initially developed and approved for cardiac surgical repair procedures. It has been useful for applications across different specialties in medicine. For aesthetic purposes, it can temporarily reposition, provide skin support, and also stimulate collagen production while it dissolves completely. When used skillfully in the right candidate, PDO threads can lift, reshape or redefine the contour of the face, particularly in the jawline, jowls, and cheek areas.
Dr. Michael Lum at Lumier Medical in Torrance, California has been training physicians and other health care providers about PDO threads since 2013. If you would like to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure, call to learn more or schedule an appointment online today.
PDO Threads: 3-Vector Cheek Lift using bidirectional, barbed PDO threads placed with 19x100mm long cannulas. Barbed PDO threads can be placed in the immediate subdermal plane with cannulas. Once inserted, the threads are shielded within the cannula. The skin is then repositioned and held in the direction of desired lift. Upon cannula removal, the PDO thread remains behind and its barbs are exposed to the immediate subdermis. Gentle pressure applied to the skin surface overlying the thread helps to engage the barbs. The PDO thread now maintains the skin in its lifted position.*
*Actual patients of Dr. Lum*
What is a PDO Thread Lift?
PDO threads are made of polydioxanone, an absorbable suture material. They come in a variety of sizes and are either smooth or barbed. Smooth threads are placed just beneath the skin in a pattern that can create a scaffold of support for skin that has crepiness. Barbed threads can also be placed just below the dermis to strategically reposition the skin and create a mild lift. Dr. Lum will often use this method to provide a mild cheek or jawline lift. This is a relatively straightforward, nonsurgical procedure that takes about 20-30 minutes to perform.
How long does it last?
PDO threads are completely absorbed by your body by around month 6. As your body breaks the material down into water and CO₂, it creates collagen around the thread. Your results may last between 8 to 12 months or longer in some cases.
What should I expect?
Dr. Lum will evaluate and discuss treatment options with you to determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. He also wants to make sure that your expectations are realistic.
There are multiple causes that physically age us. Therefore, one must always consider a combination approach to aesthetic enhancement as there is no magic bullet or one modality that “does it all,” not even cosmetic surgery. Dr. Lum might also suggest neuromodulators to relax muscles that affect your skin or facial contours, or refilling areas of volume loss.
Your face is thoroughly cleaned and prepped. Local anesthetic is gently injected into entry points for the threads. A tiny pilot hole is made with a needle and a smooth-tipped microcannula is inserted through this hole to place barbed threads just beneath your skin. Dr. Lum will reposition your skin with just the right amount of gentle pressure as the cannula is removed, leaving the barbed PDO thread behind to grab onto the underside of your skin. This will hold it in a lifted position. Smooth PDO threads can be placed with a smaller needle or cannula.
The most common side effects may include:
- Mild discomfort, swelling, redness or bruising
- A tightness sensation
- Mild sharp sensation from the lifting thread barbs
- Occasional “ribboning” of the skin—this is temporary, of course
- Failure to achieve the expected result. This is not a surgical facelift.
After the procedure, tiny bandages are applied over the entry sites. Elastic kinesiology tape with adhesive may be applied to relieve some of the pressure on the repositioned skin. This can be removed when you get home, though we recommend you keep it on for at least 12-24 hours if possible. Photographs will be taken before and after your procedure to evaluate results.
When do I see results?
You will see an immediate improvement right after the procedure, but once the swelling subsides, you may continue to see improvement over 2-4 months as the PDO suture material dissolves and stimulates collagen production.
When you’re ready to learn more about this fascinating procedure, call Lumier Medical today or schedule an appointment online.
