Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are a special medical grade dissolving surgical stitches that were originally developed and used for cardiac surgery. Medical advances and developments in technology have resulted in refinements to both the structure and effect the threads have when placed in the skin. As a result there are now different types of PDO threads, such as barbed and non-barbed, smooth mono fillament and coiled or spring threads. Each have different applications, though their underlying propoerties are similar. Threads take 3-4 months to dissolve and in that time they improve blood flow to the area stimulating neo-collagenesis (the production of new collagen in the skin). An EdenMed PDO thread lift is a great, low risk, long lasting alternative to a surgical face with no down time and fast acting effects. EdenMed thread lifts are highly advanced treatments perfected by Dr. Sam Ghazawy.

What is the different between an EdenMed 'PDO thread lift' and a 'PDO thread tightening' Procedure?

In truth, both are very similar in the underlying principle - that PDO thread cause skin tightening by by inducng new collagen

formation. The difference between and EdenMed PDO thread lift and a thread tightening is in the type of thread used to acheive the specific result wanted. Dr. Sam uses barbed PDO threads for skin lifts. The barbed threads allow an extra amount of 'pull' in  particular desired direction and are therefore great in lifting saggy jowls to help create a sleek jaw line, augment cheek enahancement lifting the soft mid facia area and performing brow lifts to give a sexy feline shape to the eyes.

With EdenMed's PDO thread tightening treatments, Dr. Sam uses a combination of non-barbed threads in different positions

within the facial and neck, and indeed anywhere on the body, such as saggy arms, abdomen, buttocks, decolietage and indeed

anywhere that new collagen is needed to help restore loose or sun damaged skin tighteness. 

Who long does a PDO thread lift take to do?
Both EdenMed thread lfts and thread tightening sessions take approximately 1 hour, depending on what area is being treated. 

How soon will I see a result?
You can see lifting results immediately. Skin rejuvenating and tightening effects start from 3- 4 weeks and continue for up to 8 months.

How long do PDO thread lifts / tighting last?
The majority of patients find the treatment results last from 12-18 months.

Do PDO thread lifts hurt?
Skin numbing cream is applied generously to ensure you are as comfortable a possible during the procedure which is carried out

in calm relaxing EdenMed Aesthetics and Rejuvenation cinic environments. A local anaesthetic may also be used in some

procedures. There is an important principle, which is known to advanced specialist who have had extensive surgical training, such

as Dr. Sam Ghazawy MB.ChB. MRCP. MRCSEd(Ophth). MRCGP who carries out all of EdenMed's PDO treatments. That is that the

nerves that are responsible for feeling pain are predeminanly located on the surface of the skin. Therefore, once the thread is

under the surface layer most clients feel no pain and only minimal discofort. YOUR COMFORT, CONFIDENCE AND SAFETY ARE 

OUR TOP PRIORITY! Click here for a short video example of the procedure.

When can I resume normal activities after PDO threat treatment?
You can resume normal activity immediately. You may be aware that everything feel 'tight' which is exactly what we want. 

There may be mild sensitivity for a few days afterwards. Regular paracetamol (if you are able to take it) can help.

Are PDO threads safe?
PDO as a dissolving surgical operating sure has been around for decades and its safety profile is very well regognised. As with any

procedure where the skin surface is broken there are always associated risks. These will be discussed in detail during your

consultation, but include infection, bleeding and bruising. As Dr. Sam is a trained surgeon, he uses exactly the same meticulous

skin clensing and anti-infection processes for all his EdenMed treatments as he would when performing surgery in the NHS. The 

risks are generally much less than 1%. Other risk are considerably smaller.

Thread Lift / Tightening Treatment Areas

Are the results natural?
Thread-Lift treatment makes it possible to regenerate and firm the skin naturally, without changing your features or facial

expression. You’re still you… just younger-looking and revitalised!

How many threads do I need?
The number of threads required will depend on the patient’s characteristics and the areas to be treated. Obtaining a regenerative effect that brightens skin and improves texture requires many threads. 

Pre and post-treatment advice

Pre-treatment

A course of Arnica tablets is recommended for up to 10 days prior to treatment to help prevent bruising.

Vitamin C tablets from 1 week before until at least 3 months afterwards. Vitamin C assists collagen production.

Should a pain killer be required, avoid aspirin as it encourages the appearance of bruises.

Avoid coffee, tobacco and stimulants in general.

Treatment must be carried out by a qualified Doctor.

Post-procedure advice

You might experience:

Some mild discomfort and tenderness after the procedure. You may feel a slight tightening sensation as new collagen is produced around the threads. This may last for 2 weeks.

Occasionally the needle may puncture a small blood vessel resulting in a bruise.

Swelling and redness: This may result following the procedure due to injection with the needle. Your face might be slightly red with small bumps (needle entry points) and with some slight bruising around the target areas, but this will subside after few days.

Please do not touch treated areas for 4 hours after the treatment.

Please avoid sleeping on treated areas for 3 nights.

When a bruise does appear, please apply Arnica cream a few times a day.

Please do not plan any facial treatments after 3-4 weeks’ post Threads treatment.

Avoid strenuous exercise and warming of your face 7-10 days.

Please do not plan any laser treatments to treated areas for next 4 weeks (Laser might break new collagen, which has been stimulated and procedure after the PDO Threads treatment).