Some say that PDO smooth threads are now considered the “next big thing in cosmetics after Botox,” some say. At this point, you probably have a couple of friends who have already done it (even if they’re not talking about it). For many people nowadays, injectable beauty treatments are no longer the “big deal” they used to be; instead, already quite an extension of their skincare routine.
Another buzzy treatment gaining popularity with Botox and fillers is PDO smooth threads. This minimally invasive treatment adds that desired volume under the skin — even Duchess Fergie opened up on trying herself. It tightens sagging skin, smoothens fine lines and wrinkles, and strengthens one’s skin overall. Little to no downtime is needed, and it’s (nearly) painless – that’s it for you. Sounds too good to be true? Well, today, let’s tap into the basics and find out everything there is to know about PDO smooth threads and if it truly is the next big thing after Botox.
What are PDO Smooth Threads?
PDO smooth threads, or polydioxanone smooth threads, are absorbable surgical threads that doctors can virtually use anywhere, either on the face, the body, or both. These threads are thinner than human hair and are made of protein. These threads are usually inserted below the skin, eliciting mild injuries that the body responds to by adding structural proteins such as fibrin, elastin, collagen. Consequently, this phenomenon results in a much smoother, plumper skin appearance.
This procedure is a versatile service utilized in different areas of the face and the body as an alternative for — or, at times, in complement towards — dermal fillers, Botox, and other surgical procedures. Once inserted under the skin, these polydioxanone threads tighten, lifting, and smoothening the treated skin areas. PDO smooth threads can be used for many purposes – from facial lines and fold treatment, to crepey skin reversal, to a facelift effect creation – all without that invasiveness of those other typical procedures.
How Does It Work – The Procedure
PDO smooth threads involve a procedure performed by inserting these said threads, made from protein and are extremely thin, guided through the treated area using a needle and cannula. The typical process takes around 45 minutes, with experienced pinching or pulling sensations during the procedure.
Steps
- First, a consultation with your doctor needs to be done, deciding the number of threads necessary in achieving your desired effect.
- Next, one-inch absorbable surgical PDO smooth threads are then inserted through a very tiny needle into the targeted areas of the face, the body, or both.
- It may take more or less six (6) seconds to insert these smooth threads after an alcohol swab cleanses the area. Typically, doctors place about six (6) threads per session, so it’s indeed a quick treatment.
Some patients decide to opt for barbed threads for those who need heavier lifting like that of a facelift effect. These surgical sutures tend to be larger and have almost microscopic barbs etched into them. Imagine the barbs at the ends of fish hooks. Sounds scarier? Well, that’s the only extent of this PDO smooth thread type, we swear. These barbed threads take longer and may require a few more minutes to insert. Sessions utilizing barbed sutures will be depending on how many barbs are being inserted, which might take 30 to 45 minutes.
Target Areas
- Cheeks
- Jaw
- Mouth area folds
- Jowls
- Nasolabial folds
- Neck
- Brows
- Under the eyes
- Crow’s feet
- Marionette lines
Other common areas for treatment may include the lip area, near and around the eyes in treating crow’s-feet, on the forehead in treating those “11” lines, and around the mouth for those unwanted marionette lines. PDO smooth threads can complement and be used in the replacement of Botox. It is also a substitute for dermal fillers and lip area treatment.
Why Consider This Procedure – The Benefits
PDO smooth threads are recommended for areas with tired and crepey skin, commonly seen around the areas of the eyes, the upper lip, the hollows in the cheeks, under the chin, and around the mouth, especially those called “laugh lines.” This treatment is excellent because it is very versatile, possible anywhere on the face or body where there’s a need for a bit of tightening or smoothing or lifting. There are different applications for all age groups.
PDO smooth threads can be applied at least every three (3) to four (4) months, much like Botox treatments. It can also be an excellent option for areas where Botox is impossible to be an option like the cheeks. In addition, PDO smooth threads are also milder alternatives to the traditional surgical facelift, which can be expensive and need ample recovery time. Here are some of the most common benefits one can get after having PDO smooth threads:
- Tightens skin
- Improves skin structure
- Rejuvenates skin
- Improves acne scarring
- Stimulates neocollagenesis essential for long term collagen production
What Happens After – The Results
Results of having PDO smooth threads will not be seen as much right away. Let us remember that this procedure is a preventative treatment by nature; however, improvement and fair results will start manifesting as these threads dissolve, with the body laying down new collagen, elastin, and fibrin. It takes around a month (or four weeks) to start seeing the first results, with results peaking the fourth (4th) to sixth (6th) month.
Does it hurt?
Most of the time, PDO smooth threads will make you feel a bit of pinching when inserted and pulled through the treatment area. Post-treatment, some can experience a pulling sensation if they opt to use barbed threads, which goes away eventually after about two (2) weeks. Typically, there are no signs or after-effects of the treatment seen except for the occasional bruise, easily remedied by avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen in-take the week before your treatment.
Patients should look normal the next day for both PDO smooth and barbed threads, but only with barbed threads leaving you feeling a bit sore.
Takeaways on PDO Smooth Threads
After everything said, it is safe to assume that these are better than the traditional Botox. But what can make this procedure even more compelling is the discipline and aftercare we do and practice after our initial, and even in the succeeding procedures, we’ll have. Maximize the excellent results PDO smooth threads offer by taking care of yourself as much as possible.
Are you excited now and want to try PDO smooth threads yourself? Our great friends at Isla Aesthetics will help you every step of the way. Visit them now! http://islaaesthetics.com/
