This post is to go hand in hand with my series of How to do Threads Videos
PDO threads
These are the most popular ones used in aesthetic practice, they last 6-12 months, which means they are completely absorbed within 6-8 months and will continue to stimulate collagen production for another 4-6 months.
PDO threads cause changes in the subcutaneous level (dermis), they induce an inflammatory reaction, and stimulate new collagen production.
PDO threads are effective in improving pores, & fine wrinkles, by causing collagen to form in the dermal matrix to increase the thickness of thinning skin.
Body PDO Threads are used to tighten sagging skin on the stomach, buttocks, back, inner thighs, and upper arms, treat cellulite and stretch marks.
PLLA threads
PLLA threads can last up to 1-2 years after insertion and will eventually be broken down
PLLA threads are often used as an alternative to fillers and botulinum toxin, as they act as a volumizer and are able to stimulate the production of Type 1 and Type 3 collagen. They are much more powerful collagen stimulators than PDO threads, however they are a lot stiffer & take longer to settle. These are the the ones you’re more inclined to experience the “pinchy” feeling with
PCL threads
PCL threads have become more popular over the last few years. They last more than 2 years in the body and are also broken down into naturally occurring substances in our skin. Due to the length of collagen stimulation, they are more powerful than PDO or PLLA threads. These are best used for jawline tightening, nose lift, and mid-face tissue replacement.
A sterile environment & a super clean face & hands are of the utmost importance when using threads. Make sure your hands and face are clean, & clean the area with an alcohol swab or with something like hypochlorous spray, Hibiclens or an antimicrobial wound spray.
As a starter thread, PDO is your best bet as they break down a lot faster, even though you need to do them more often.
As a general guide, threads are repeated every 4-6 weeks initially, until you get the results you’re happy with. It’s then a case of continuing every 2-3 months in the same area to maintain the results
Thread bumps……..These occur if you don’t hit the correct plane, or you don’t push the thread in all the way ie all the way to the little handle. If this happens, you can place a piece of surgical tape over the bump (replacing it every day) or you can apply gentle heat ie an RF device, a warm compress, or even a warm coffee mug held against the face. This will soften the thread & help it settle quicker.
If a thread works its way out, this is usually because it was in the wrong plane, or not pushed in fully. If you see a little tail of a thread, clean the area with alcohol or hypochlorous spray, & with some clean tweezers that you’ve soaked in alcohol, grab the tail & extract the thread. This will only work with smooth or screw threads, you can’t extract a cog thread this way, because the little barbs will have grabbed onto the skin, & you can cause tissue damage.