FAQ: Smooth PDO Threads with Emily!
Posted January 18, 2023 in BOTOX® Cosmetic, Filler, Injectables, MedSpa Treatments, Uncategorized
Here at the MedSpa at Wake Plastic Surgery, we are constantly searching for new techniques and services to bring to our patients. One of the most recent additions to our menu are Smooth PDO Threads – to learn more about this new treatment at our MedSpa, we asked our Nurse Injector Emily to answer some frequently asked questions:
What are PDO threads?
PDO threads are polydioxanone sutures (dissolvable sutures) that have been used in surgery for many years. These threads, when placed in the proper plane of the skin, can stimulate neocollagenesis: the body’s ability to create collagen. This in turn can tighten the skin, improve skin texture and appearance, as well as add volume to areas that have deficits.
What type of threads do we use?
We use only V Soft PDO threads which are FDA cleared, ensuring the highest level of quality and safety for our patients. These threads are 10 to 20 times stronger than other competing brands, which means we can achieve better and longer lasting results.
What does the procedure entail?
This procedure is minimally invasive and very well tolerated by most patients. The area to be treated is numbed using a topical numbing agent, and the fine PDO threads are placed below the surface of the skin. Pain, swelling, and bruising are minimal, and no downtime is required.
Who can benefit and where can they be placed?
Smooth-filler PDO threads can create structure, tighten skin, and improve texture by stimulating neocollagenesis. So, anyone experiencing the signs of aging…loose skin, volume loss, etc… would be a good candidate. Smooth threads can also be a great treatment option for acne scarring!
These threads can be placed almost anywhere on the body that tightening and/or volume are desired. They can also be used to enhance other treatments – such as Botox in the glabella to help smooth the area, in the edges of the lips to create a well-defined border, or to accentuate the peak of the lip when getting lip filler. Threads can also be placed in the neck to help soften necklace lines, known as ‘tech neck’, or used below the chin to help with skin tightening. Smooth filler PDO threads can also work beautifully when placed in the abdominal skin or above the knees to help tighten crepey skin.
How long do they last?
Once the desired result is reached, results can last 12 to 18 months or even longer for some patients. Many patients will require 2 or 3 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart, to reach their desired outcome.
We’ve seen these threads available to buy online, and several DIY beauticians on social media perform this procedure on themselves. Would you advise for or against this and why?
Although this is generally a very simple, safe procedure, it doesn’t come without potential risks. This is why it is important to use only highly trained medical professionals – with an RN degree or higher – to perform this or any other injectable procedure in the safest, cleanest environment possible. Infection is just one of many serious potential complications and while good results can last a year or more, bad results will last just as long or even longer. An RN understands facial anatomy and where all the major blood vessels and nerves are, as well as the proper dermal plane for placement in order to achieve the safest and most optimal result.
If you are interested in this new offering or others at our MedSpa, please call our office here or reach out via inquiry so that one of our staff can help you schedule an appointment or consultation.
