The PDO thread procedure can vary. However, below is how a typically appointment:

To begin, the treatment area will be cleansed and disinfected.

A topical numbing agent and/or local anesthetic may be used for patient comfort.

For a lifting technique, a cannula or blunt-tipped needle is used to insert the threads.  The threads are shaped and molded into place, then pulled back and tightened. Threads are then trimmed to ensure they are secure and invisible. The area is cleansed and covered with a bandage.

For the smoothing technique, several smaller PDO threads are inserted under the skin in a hashtag. The threads are secured and ensured that they are invisible. The area is cleansed and typically no bandage is required.

After your procedure, a 2-week and 4-week follow-up appointment is recommended. In between this time frame, post care is very important to help ensure proper healing and best results.

• Medications: Avoid taking blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, (NSAIDs) 1–2 weeks before treatment. If you take blood thinners, you should consult with your doctor before stopping them.
• Anti-coagulation Medications: If you are currently taking anti-coagulation medications such as (Warfarin, Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Enoxaparin, Lepirudin, Refludan, Ticlopidine Ticlid, Clopidogrel, Plavix, Tirofiban, Aggrastat, Eptifibatide, Integrilin), discuss the use of these medications prior to your treatment. You may or may not be a candidate for treatment with cosmetic threads.
• Supplements: Avoid ginkgo biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, oral vitamin E, fatty acids, St. John’s Wort, and niacin supplements 24 hours before your treatment. These supplements thin the blood and increase the risk for bleeding/bruising.
• Cold Sore History: If you have a history of cold sores, you should take your prescribed medication 24 hours before treatment.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol 1 week before treatment.
• Smoking: Please do not smoke 2 days before and 2 weeks after treatment.
• Skincare: Avoid topical skincare products that contain glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinoic acids for 1 week before treatment.
• Skin conditions: Avoid treatment if you have a skin infection at or around the treatment area, active acne, or cold sore in the treatment area.
• Skin protection: Sunscreen is recommended to protect your skin before your appointment.
• Other procedures: Avoid surgical procedures and routine procedures like dental work for 2 weeks before treatment.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not receive treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Allergies: Do not receive treatment if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in PDO threads or numbing medications.
• Neurological disorders: Do not receive treatment if you have any neurological disorders.
• Start Arnica tablet:  Arnica 200ck sublingual may be used as indicated on bottle 2-3 days prior to reduce risk of bruising.
• Schedule: Schedule the procedure at least three weeks before a big event.
• Cleanliness: Arrive for the procedure with a clean face and without makeup

PDO Thread Contraindications include, but are not limited to the following:

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Accutane (isotretinoin) in the last 6 months
• Retin A topical or other skin-irritating products 1 week before
• Aesthetic procedures/injections in the last 2 weeks
• Blood-thinning medications within the two week
• Blood-thinning supplements in the last 24 hours
• Anti-coagulation medications
• History of keloid scarring or abnormal wound healing
• Skin cancer or suspicious lesions
• Skin conditions including and infection at or around treatment area
• Allergy to plastic, biomaterial, or non-absorbable fillers, or a history of anaphylaxis to the filler or local anesthetics are contraindicated.
• Tanned skin (Natural or self-tanning agent), or skin recently exposed to the sun
• Seizure disorder caused by bright light
  • Patients with neurological disorders
  • Poorly controlled medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, vascular)
• Impaired immune system and/or use of immunosuppressive medications
• Implanted medical devices in the treatment area
• Impaired judgment, psychological conditions, and substance or alcohol abuse
• Patients with unrealistic expectations

After your PDO thread procedure, it is recommended that the treated area be avoided and not washed for 24 hours. After the 24 hours you may follow the following skin routine:

1. Wash skin with the Gentle Cream Cleanser with cool water. Avoid using towels or abrasive scrubbing cleansing cloths. Pat dry once rinsed with water.
2. For Lifting Threads: Wipe the PDO thread entry sites with alcohol and cover with a bandage. You may skip this step for smooth threads.
3. Tone skin with the Calming Flower Mist.
4. Apply post care safe serums after toning options include: Phyto Calm Aloe Drops, EGF Drops, or Antistress CBD.
   Additional post care safe serums include the HA Revive Hydrator Dops or Daily Hydration Drops.
5. Moisturize with the Phyto Calm Hydrator or Vita E Moisturizing Cream.
6. Apply SPF of 30 or higher 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply as needed.

Additional advisories:

Keep Your Head Elevated: Sleep with your head on pillows for the first 3 to 5 nights. This position helps reduce swelling and prevents unnecessary pressure on the treated areas, avoiding pulling the skin. Try to sleep on your back to avoid dislodging the threads.

Avoid Strenuous Activities: Refrain from vigorous exercise, heavy lifting, or any activity that significantly increases your heart rate or blood pressure for at least 1 to 2 weeks. High-intensity activities can increase swelling and affect the threads’ placement, which are designed to lift and tighten the skin gently.

Be Gentle with Your Skin: Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated areas for at least three weeks. Use gentle patting motions instead of rubbing when cleansing your face or applying products. This care is crucial to allow the threads to integrate properly without shifting and to maintain stimulating collagen production.

Mind Your Facial Movements: Limit facial expressions as much as possible for the first few weeks. Excessive movements like smiling broadly, chewing gum, or yawning widely can affect the threads’ positioning and the overall lift effect, which is part of this anti-aging treatment.

Follow a Soft Diet: Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first week. Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods require extensive jaw movements, which can disturb the threads and impact the healing process, ensuring long-lasting results.

Stay Cool: Avoid exposure to high-heat environments such as saunas, steam rooms, or sunbathing. Excessive heat can cause swelling and may weaken the threads before they fully integrate into your skin.

Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments. These check-ins are vital for assessing the healing process and ensuring the threads settle as expected. If you notice any unusual symptoms or have concerns, contact us immediately.

Protect Your Skin: It is recommended that you use the post care routine for 7 – 14 days as outline above.

Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet: Maintaining proper hydration and following a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals significantly contributes to the longevity of your results, as these practices can boost your skin’s natural healing abilities and support collagen production.

Most often, PDO thread lifts are performed to improve sagging skin, wrinkles, and droopiness in the following areas:

• Mid-face
• Cheeks
• Jowls
• Lower face
• Chin
• Neck
• Chest

However, any area with early or mild skin drooping such as the upper arms or knees may be treated with PDO threading. During your consultation with a specialist, candidacy and treatment options are reviewed.