PDO Thread Lift Using EuroThreads
Non-surgical procedures, such as EuroLift and EuroMesh, to lift, tighten, contour and volumize areas of facial laxity, irregular texture and sagging skin have been steadily growing in popularity in the world of aesthetic medicine. EuroThreads are dissolvable sutures made of polydioxanone or PDO, a synthetic biodegradable polymer, which is highly versatile and has been used in surgical applications for many decades. These threads are carefully inserted under the skin in strategic areas to provide lift, contour, smoothing and tightening of the cheeks, jowels, neck, and other areas, thereby restoring a more youthful appearance. PDO threads naturally dissolve within the body by hydrolysis over a period of 6 months. However, they promote regenerative changes in the skin during that time by stimulating collagen, increasing microcirculation, and promoting tissue adhesion. Consequently, the amazing cosmetic results that are achieved can typically last 12-15 months or more.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Does the Procedure Involve?
PDO thread insertion is an office-based procedure. After assessing appropriate candidacy for treatment, informed consent for the procedure is obtained from the client and questions are answered by our experienced physician-injector. The skin is then cleansed using an antiseptic wipe or solution and the appropriate treatment area is marked.
For the EuroLift procedures, a small amount of local anesthetic is injected to numb the skin. A small needle is then inserted to create an entry point in the skin and then removed. The PDO thread is attached to a blunt-tip cannula, which is then inserted through the entry point and carefully advanced underneath the skin to the appropriate position. The thread is then engaged and the cannula is withdrawn leaving the PDO thread anchored in place. A 30-50% lift can generally be achieved with some of the lift occurring immediately and the rest occurring over the ensuing 3-6 months from collagen stimulation, increased microcirculation and tissue adhesion. The office treatment generally takes 30-60 minutes to perform and does not involve any surgery. With the use of local anesthetic, pain from the procedure is generally mild to minimal. The procedure is generally well-tolerated although some degree of discomfort, swelling, bleeding and bruising may be experienced. Post-treatment care instructions are provided to our clients afterwards.
For the EuroMesh procedures, a potent topical numbing medication is applied to the treatment area. The PDO threads are attached to small insertion needles, which are carefully inserted under the skin in strategic patterns. The threads are then engaged and the needles are removed leaving the PDO threads behind. Collagen stimulation, increased microcirculation and tissue adhesion is promoted over the next 6 months as improvement in skin pores, acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, and skin irregularities gradually occur. The office treatment is well tolerated, generally takes 30-45 minutes to perform and does not involve any surgery. Pain from the procedure is generally mild although some degree of discomfort, swelling, bleeding and bruising may be experienced. Post-treatment care instructions are provided to our clients afterwards.
What Are Commonly Treated Areas with PDO Threads?
EuroThreads can be used in a variety of areas to lift, contour, smoothen, texture and volumize skin. Common areas include cheek and jawline lift, necklift, neck rings, chin fullness, browlift, lip lines (smoker’s lines), and numerous areas for fine lines, wrinkles, skin pore and scar tissue attenuation.
How Long Do the Results Last?
The results of the treatment generally last 12-15 months for most patients.
Are There Any Side Effects?
PDO thread insertion is a well-tolerated procedure for the majority of patients. However, no medical treatment is risk free. During the treatment, patients can sometimes experience mild to moderate bleeding or bruising, especially at the needle insertion sites. As a result, we do not advise that PDO thread insertion be performed within 10 days of a special event, party, social function, or special occasion. We also recommend that our clients do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), blood-thinning medications, fish oil, or any herbal supplements within 7 days of injection unless your medical physician states otherwise. Also, no alcoholic beverages should be consumed within 3 days of injection. Post-treatment care instructions are provided after the procedure and are very important to follow to minimize potential adverse effects. Temporary swelling, soreness after the procedure, and facial tightness are not infrequent. Transient skin dimpling and thread visibility may occur but generally resolve within a few weeks. Ice can be applied for 24-36 hours afterwards and/or fresh pineapple to help with swelling, discomfort and bruising should they occur. For most patients, these symptoms can last about 3-7 days after treatment, but individual results can vary. Other less common risks and complications are possible, but infrequent and our physician will review these with you during the informed consent process prior to any treatment so that you can ask questions and make sure that the treatment is right for you.
Who Are Not Candidates for Treatment?
It is not recommended that PDO threads be inserted in patients who are pregnant. Patients with thin skin or excessively heavy skin will not benefit from treatment. PDO thread insertion is not a replacement for surgical facelift in the appropriate patient. Previous hypersensitivity to polydioxanone is a contraindication to treatment. Treatment should not be performed if there is active infection involving the treatment area. Our physician will review your medical history, allergies, and other pertinent information with you prior to treatment in addition to assessing your face to make sure that you are an appropriate candidate for treatment.
