PDO Thread Lift – the Non-Surgical Facelift

Hailed by many of the top news stations and celebrities such as Oprah as a “cutting edge procedure with no cutting edges”, Thread Lift is a non-surgical procedure that achieves face-lift-like results.

 PDO Threads was developed in Korea and soon gained popularity all over the world

 

 

What is PDO Thread Lift ?

“PDO” stands for Polydioxanone, a synthetic absorbable material commonly used in surgical sutures. These super-fine threads are certified by the Korea Food and Drug Administration. PDO Thread Lift is an effective technique to lift and tighten sagging skin, re-define facial contours and induce collagen production, all at the same time.


How does PDO Thread Lift works ?

 

As we age, our facial support structure weakens, and we lose facial fat. PDO Thread Lift counter these aging effects with a double lift and collagen regeneration effect.

 

1. An immediate lifting action - when inserted underneath the skin, the threads act as a "scaffold" to "hold" the skin against the effects of gravity. The "mesh" of threads also shapes the face by lifting and supporting sagging structures, creating a V-shape silhouette.

 

  A recent development in thread lift is the introduction of barbed PDO threads. The barbs literally grab on to skin tissues for additional support. As a result, patients achieve longer lasting and more visible lifting results.

 

 

2. A regeneration action for gradual and natural improvement – PDO threads restore lost collagen through the process of skin healing and suture reabsorption.

 

When our body surrounds the PDO threads with collagen, facial volume is maintained and fine lines reduced.



 

 Who are suitable candidates for PDO Thread Lift ?

 

Ideal candidates for PDO Thread Lift are patients who have not started to suffer from deep wrinkles and excessive sagging skin. They are usually people aged from late twenties to early fifties. PDO Thread Lift is indicated because these patients have begun to see more prominence jowls, droopy cheeks, sagging brows or deeper laugh lines. PDO Thread Lift is a also good alternative for people who would like a facelift, but can't afford it or don't want the risk or long recovery time associated with the traditional surgical facelift.

 

PDO threads can be applied to flabby cheeks, droopy eyebrows, sagging neck skin, jowls and laugh lines.

 

 

How long does the results of PDO Thread Lift last ?

 

An immediate improvement is seen after PDO Thread Lift. The results generally last up to 24 months.

 

Photo source : Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery

Figure (e) Before - sagging cheeks and jowls. Figure (f) After - cheek lift and jowl lift resulting in reduction of laugh lines, higher cheek bone effect and slimmer lower face

 

What are the benefits of PDO Thread Lift ?

• Immediate lifting effect
• Progressive restoration of lost collagen
• Natural looking results without the stretched look that accompanies surgical facelift
• Safe procedure, can be performed under local anaesthetic
• Entirely re-absorbable thread component
• Quick 30-minute procedure
• Short recovery time of less then a week
• No incision needed, no scars
• Long lasting effects up to 24 months

 

What are the possible side effects of PDO Thread Lift ?

 

PDO Thread Lift is a very safe procedure when performed by an experienced medical practitioner in a registered clinic. Localized pain, swelling and bruising are expected for a few days after treatment. Occasionally, sutures may became visible on the skin surface. These adverse effects are temporary or can be corrected upon follow-up.

 

Kindly note that PDO Thread Lift results may vary from person to person. Your doctor should be able to advise you as to the best treatment approach and the expected results.

Laser Tattoo Removal : How Many Treatments Are Required ?

This remains one of the most popular question when discussing laser tattoo removal with our patients. Although laser tattoo removal is considered the current treatment of choice given its safety and efficacy, it is difficult to quantify the exact number of treatments required as multiple factors affect the treatment outcome.

Firstly, let's understand how laser tattoo removal works

Laser energy penetrates skin to break up tattoo ink particles which will be eliminated by our body's immune system over time. Multiple sessions are required as not all ink particles can be broken up in a single treatment.

6 Factors that Influence the Number of Laser Tattoo Removal Treatments Required :

Skin Type

Lighter skin types have a higher success rate for laser tattoo removal. It is also safe to treat patients with darker skin tones but more treatment sessions are required to minimize unwanted side effects.

Tattoo Location

Tattoos on anatomic regions with more blood and lymphatic supply such as the head and neck require less number of treatments compared to tattoos on fingers and toes. Close proximity to blood and lymphatic drainage facilitates our immune system to clear the tattoo ink particles.

Tattoo Colour

Black pigments are the easiest to remove followed by red. Other colors, such as green, yellow, and orange are more difficult to remove.

Amount of Tattoo Ink

The difference in the amount of ink lies within the type of tattoo - professional or amateur and the complexity of tattoo design. A professional tattoo with a complex design will contain more ink and thus requires more laser tattoo removal treatments.

 

Photo source : NCBI

Small and simple amateur tattoos are the easiest to treat as they contain relatively little ink.

Scarring

Tattoo placement can sometimes lead to scarring. Tattoo pigments within a scar is more difficult to remove as our immune system cells cannot penetrate the area. A significant amount of scarring at the tattoo area causes more difficulty in laser tattoo removal and requires more treatment sessions compared to minimal or no scarring.

Tattoo Layering

Patients sometimes choose to cover up an undesirable tattoo with another tattoo. The new tattoo is usually larger and darker, hiding the previous tattoo in new contours and colours. Tattoo layering is expected to warrant additional treatments compared with normal tattoos.

 

So, while it is possible to have a tattoo removed, the process is not easy. In general, it may require from 3 to 15 treatments to achieve satisfactory results. Do seek advice from a licensed medical practitioner if you intend to get your tattoos removed.

Non-Surgical Mommy Makeovers - Part 5

While everyone expects pregnancy to bring an expanding waistline, many are surprised by other body changes such as spider veins, hair loss and post-Caesarean Section scars. Many symptoms eventually fade over time but some changes may be permanent. Do consult your doctor about the range of effective medical aesthetic treatments available to help you improve these conditions.
 
Hair Loss After Childbirth

Many new moms are surprised to find themselves shedding more hair than usual in the first few months after giving birth. During pregnancy, elevated levels of oestrogen causes more hair to stay on the scalp by prolonging it's growing stage, thus resulting in thicker, more luxuriant tresses. After giving birth, estrogen levels take a tumble and increased hair loss occurs as the hairs in the growing stage enter a resting stage and shed.

Photo source : Daily Mail/ACLA/Broadimage

Kim Kardhasian was photographed with her hair in a high bun, showing visible hair loss, which the reality star attempts to cover up with weaves and hair extensions. It was reported that her rapid weight loss have accelerated the hair loss after childbirth.

What Can I do About it ?

The good news is that hair loss after childbirth usually resolves spontaneously within a year. Meanwhile, the use of volumizing shampoos and conditioners or a change of hairstyle that makes hair appear fuller brings temporary relief. For those who choose to take a proactive approach, there is topical Minoxydil, which is an FDA-approved medication to reduce hair loss and Hair Restoration Programme, which consist of a series non-surgical treatments to replace vitamins and nutrients
directly to the scalp.

Spider Veins or Varicose Veins

Spider veins and varicose veins may first develop or get worse during pregnancy. A combination of factors contribute to  veins by applying more pressure on the circulatory system. Higher levels of progesterone may cause dilatation of blood vessel wall. An increase in circulating blood volume together with a ballooning uterus also puts pressure on the leg veins.

What Can I do About it ?

Spider veins or varicose veins tend to improve after giving birth, particularly if you didn't have any before pregnancy. And if they don't get better, there are a variety of ways to treat them. Patients are encouraged to wear support stockings, exercise regularly, avoid prolonged sitting or standing and elevate their legs whenever possible. Sclerotherapy and laser treatments are non-invasive procedures to correct spider veins or varicose veins.

Post Caesarean Section Scars

Undergoing a Caesarean section (C-section), whether planned or not will lead to scar formation on the lower belly. While some people scar minimally, with nothing more than a thin line, others may develop dark coloured, lumpy scar tissues extending beyond the wound.

What Can I do About it ?

Does your C-section scar bothers you ? Depending on the type of scars, a variety of different treatments may help make them less visible, such as silicone gel or sheets, pressure dressings, corticosteroid injections and laser treatments. Very often, a combination of treatments can be used to improve the cosmetic outcome of post C-section scars.