There are different kinds of threads which may be used to lift any part of the face, including the forehead, cheeks, jowls, jawline and neck. The two main types are made of either Poly L lactic acid (PLA) or polydioxanone (PDO). Both PLA and PDO have collagen stimulating properties and are resorbable (dissolve over time leaving tighter ‘repair’ tissue as they often produce Type 3 Collagen behind to prolong the result). The threads are either smooth (monos) for improving skin texture or consist of barbs, cogs, anchors or screws to reposition the tissue.

A typical treatment involves placement of the desired number of PDO/PLA threads, which may range from a single thread per side but can involve 50 threads or more to treat the face and neck. Various entry points are considered depending on the individual face shape and requirements. Local anaesthetic is used to make the procedure as pain free as possible. The threads are introduced with a needle or a blunt ended cannula which is removed once the threads have been positioned. Threads which are used to reposition the skin will have the ends protruding after insertion and they are trimmed to below the level of the skin once the desired lift has been achieved. Smooth threads are anchored to lift and stimulate collagen.  Treating the face and body with Monothreads gives ultimate skin rejuvenation

At our clinic, we offer PDO threadlifting to achieve the following:

PDO brow lift - threads in the brow area can benefit saggy brows, heavy eye lids and in some cases improve forehead lines.

PDO cheek lift - this is a common problem area due to volume loss and gravity. A PDO cheek lift can be a very rewarding treatment to reverse sagging, stimulate more tissue plumpness and rejuvenate the face. Lifting the midface can also lighten the jawline and jowls, to a subtle extent.

PDO cheek & jowl lift - this combines the benefit of a PDO cheek lift, with additional threads to the jowls should they be a significant problem. Jowls are exceptionally hard to address with other injectable aesthetics treatments (there is no role for botulinum toxin here, and filler tends to add volume, able only to disguise jowls).

Combinations of the above can also be performed in the same sitting.

​

Contraindications

​

It is vital that PDO threadlifting is delivered by an experienced Doctor or Nurse, with excellent attention to procedural sterility. The main contraindications are a known allergy to the products used, pregnancy, breastfeeding, broken, inflamed or infected skin, prosthetic facial implants, immunosuppression, anticoagulation therapy, bleeding disorders, history of keloid scarring and/or Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD).

​

Side Effects & Complications

​

Swelling, bruising, bleeding, pain and redness are recognised side effects. Swelling and bruising are relatively common and usually subside in a few days, but can last up to two weeks. Rare complications: infection, haematoma, nerve injury, threads can be visible if placed too superficially or in very slim individuals, asymmetrical results, dimpling of the skin. Your consultation will provide a thorough overview of the procedure’s risks and benefits.