PDO Mono Threads FAQs

PDO mono threads

PDO Mono threads also known as collagen stimulating threads are a very popular treatment at our clinic.

Patients like them for a natural improvement with an improvement in skin tightening and without an overfilled look

We will share some information on common questions about PDO Mono threads

Is there any downtime?

Patients are advised to minimize movement in the area treated so for example, if treating the lower face we would advise you to not visit your friend that makes you laugh lots (or cry for that matter!) You needn’t be completely unanimated but def trying to minimise movements and allow for the skin to respond to the thread should be adhered to.

Bruising may occur and that is not uncommon although we do take care to try to avoid, we can not promise this as there are bountiful amounts of blood vessels in the face, there are several of which we know the names of and their approximate location (anatomy does not read textbooks) but there are just so many collateral vessels that are not even named yet. 

No hot saunas, spas or intense exercise for a few weeks – for the same reason as above plus, minimising the chance of infection.

Is everyone suitable for mono threads?

Contraindications for treatment include:

  • Autoimmune disease
  • Pregnancy
  • Active infections or illness
  • Keloid scarring – mostly incase of infection as this is when the keloiding of the tissue is most likely… 

Are these threads made to lift?

These threads, by design, are not made to lift.  They have no ‘barbs’ to hold on to or anchor tissue, they are smooth and are designed to be left in vivo until they dissolve ( we excrete the filament over time through our kidneys and also our breath- amazing!) The tightening of the skin will lead to a SLIGHT lift, but lifting is not the purpose of mono threads; it is a desirable side effect of creating adequate amounts.  

There are threads available to lift and this is a Dr only procedure. 

What are the ideal doses for mono threads?

You need to have an adequate dose, for the area being treated.  We need to create a “mesh” in order to see real results.  We want to create a ‘sheet’ of collagen and therefore the cross hatching of threads in each area is required.  Your practitioner will advise you of the minimal dosage advised per area so you can prioritise your skin health by treating each area properly.  Starting with the areas we see first is probably best so typically patients tend to first treat either the undereyes or the lower face. 

Typically under eyes takes a minimum of 10 PER eye, and the lower face takes a minimum of 30 PER side. Allthough less can be used if the patient chooses to do it more gradually.

The mono thread full face treatment can use 100 threads or more.

We are increasing the collagen and elastin production (of the corrected types) with each thread, the thread will dissolve over a few months leaving behind a cylinder of collagen and elastin fibers in its place… We need to cross hatch the threads in order to build enough collagen so that we can see tightening of the skin tissue, a lightening and brightening effect should also be tangible. If we don’t cross hatch we are not creating enough collagen to see real results….. 

Will I see much difference straight away

When we are treating with mono threads, we are placing the thread into the skin in order to create new collagen and elastin which makes up the extracellular matrix of the skin.  You definitely need the right ‘dose’ to get the results. 

There may be an initial improvement as we have strengthened the tissue with a physical thread but the real results are not evident for several months.

Why does it take so long to see results?

Collagen is a protein that gives your skin its elasticity and firmness. (it is also present in other body tissues such as blood vessels, muscles, bones.)

When we are young we produce lots of collagen, sufficient to keep our skin soft and supple, our joints free from creaking and pain when we get up after sitting for long periods etc.  Sagging and wrinkling of the skin also occurs when we have less of it and also, with sun exposure , the collagen created can be damaged too- depletion of collagenesis of the correct kind leads to leather type skin….

UVA rays penetrate the to the dermis and alter the collagen fibres, creating unusual amounts of elastin in turn causing a production of enzymes called metalloproteinases.   This enzyme causes damage to the collagen produced and results in less elastic, youthful looking skin with no ‘glow’

The studies show that collagenesis (collagen production) can be boosted several ways for those whom are producing less or damaged collagen fibres

  1. Good nutrition with collagen dense foods
  2. Ablative lasers – removing the damaged cells producing damaged collagen.(down time required)
  3. Sunscreen – not so much to boost collagen production but to prevent photodamage of existing collagen and elastin fibres
  4. LED light therapy
  5. RF needling
  6. Mono threads
  7. PRP

New collagen formation takes about 12 weeks , this is why we can start to see results at about 8 weeks but real results will be more visible at 12 weeks.  This collagen production will continue for about.

How often do I need to re-do my mono threads?

Once you have seen a result, it will last approximately 12 months as we have rebooted the collagen production.  So, a 12 monthly treatment regime will be ideal.

Does having a thread procedure mean I don’t need injectables treatment?

No, these treatments target different parts of the anatomy, they do go well together but one doesn’t replace the other… this is not to say you have to continue with any or all but the likely story is that you will want to. They work really well together with injectables a good skin care and sun protection regime. When dose and placement is correct, the results are undeniable. The treatment has a very high retention rate, ie those who have it once will want to continue having it

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