Treatment: ThreadLift (PDO Threads)

The BeautyLift is a procedure, which uses specialised threads made from Polydioxanone (PDO) to lift, tighten and rejuvenate the skin.

PDO threads are soluble threads that have been used in surgical procedure for many years. Research however has shown that these PDO threads:

When placed in the skin
stimulate the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, improving skin tone, tightness and plumpness.

When placed in fat
results in fat breakdown and fat loss

When placed in muscle
causes muscle relaxation similar to the effects of Botox.

If you google ThreadLift you will find many different versions on the internet and it can be quite confusing. Some will use permanent threads, some involve skin incisions and some have barbs and cones along the thread – PDOs threads are different!

The threads are extremely versatile and can simply be used anywhere on the face, neck or body where rejuvenation and lifting is required. Different lengths and thicknesses of threads are used for different areas. Short fine threads can be used around the eyes and upper lip and thicker strands can be used can be injected into muscle as an alternative to Botox. Longer threads can be used to correct and lift the jawline and neck.

Common indications include:

• Lines are wrinkles - Forehead, cheeks, under the eye, upper lip, nose to mouth lines and marionette lines
• Full face rejuvenation
• Sagging cheeks or jawlines/jowls
• Crepey necks and double chins

During your consultation with the Doctor a full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability, and the benefits and potential side effects will be discussed in full. Prior to the treatment your face will be photographed and the area to be treated marked out. Anaesthetic cream or local anaesthetic injection will used so the procedure is virtually painless. The procedure can take between 15 -45 minutes depending on the number of threads you are having.

As with any treatment involving needles there is always a small risk of redness and bruising however this largely depends on the number of threads you are having and the extent of the procedure. Most patient’s can return to the normal daily activities immediately.

PDO threads can give an immediate and natural improvement in appearance however typically the first effects are visible are 2-3 weeks with considerable improvement after 2-3 months, when collagen induction begins. This improvement continues for up to 6 months. The body naturally absorbs the threads in six to eight months however the effects of the treatment can last for 1-2 years.

• Your initial visit to The Aesthetic MediSpa begins with a no obligation consultation, which typically last for around 30 minutes.
• Your consultation will be carried out by our highly experienced Aesthetic Doctor, who has been practising Aesthetic Medicine exclusively for over 15 years.
• Your consultation will begin by listening to and understanding your concerns and requirements and discussing how best we can meet and exceed your expectations.
• The various treatment options, together with the benefits and any potential risks of the treatment will be discussed.
• You will have ample opportunity to ask questions during your consultation, which will be answered honestly and openly.
• There is no obligation to book the treatment with us after your consultation and you will not be rushed into making a decision.

• As with all needle based treatments there is always a small possibility of bruising after your treatment. To reduce this risk we advise that you do not take anti-inflammatory pain-killers (e.g. Aspirin, Ibruprofen Nurofen, Voltarol) or St Johns Wart or Vitamin E supplements, for at least a week before your treatment, as they all increase your tendency towards bleeding.
• Alcohol will also increase your tendency towards bleeding therefore we advise you to refrain from alcohol for 24 hours.
• Before your treatment you will be provided with a detailed consent form which you will be asked to read and sign.

• After the treatment some bruising and swelling is to be expected.
• Slight depressions or skin irregularities can occur at the entry and entry or exit points which are related to the efficiency of the treatment. These generally disappear within a week after the treatment.
• The doctor will provide you with 2 antibiotic tablets. One tablet is to be taken the following day and the second tablet is to be taken the day after that.

• To apply ice or cold towel to the treated areas immediately after treatment
• Take paracetamol 1-2 tablets 6-hourly as required. A stinging or “pulling” pain or discomfort is normal. For the first 7 days avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen, because inflammation is necessary to initiate the new collagen formation process.
• Avoid alcohol and anti-coagulant medicine (aspirin, unless prescribed for medical indications) and blood ‘thinning’ vitamins e.g Vitamins C & E for 7 a week, as this can exacerbate bruising.
• For the first few night keep your head elevated, at least 30 degrees and sleep preferably on your back to avoid rubbing against the pillow.
• For the first 5 days clean and dry your face gently without rubbing and when washing hair, shaving or applying make up please do it carefully.
• For the first 10 days avoid temperature extremes e.g. saunas, sunbeds
• For the first 3 weeks keep facial movements to a minimum and avoid excessive chewing, talking, yawning, and other facial movements e.g. drinking through a straw. Do not have facials or facial massages, do not undergo dental treatment, and avoid contact sport too for the first few weeks
• For the first 2 months avoid having Radio Frequency (RF) or any heat producing device (laser, IPL, etc.) treatments in the thread treated areas.

• You will have a routine review appointment made 1 week after your treatment and then again after 3 months however we are always happy to see you again (or liaise on the telephone or via email) to discuss your treatment or if you have any concerns.

• One of the great advantages of threadlifts is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent. You are always in control of your looks-you can continue or change the treatment you have had or repeat the procedure as often as you like.
• For your convenience we have a text reminder service to let you know when your next treatment is due. Please inform our staff if you do not wish to receive reminder text messages.