Ultimately you should take into consideration the age of the patient, the treatment area and what we are trying to achieve.

PDO threads are better at repositioning and revitalizing tissue but not for providing lift so would be suited more to younger patients.

PLA threads provide some lifting, but again would be suitable for patients who only require a small amount of tissue lift.

PCA threads provide more lift and are more suitable for patients who require a small to moderate amount of lift. Other factors that have an effect on the desired results are the technique used to insert the threads and the positioning of the threads

There are three types of threads, PDO (Polydioxanone), PLA (polylactic acid), and PCA (polycaprolactone). PLA and PCA threads are newer than PDO. PDO threads have been around the longest, since the 1980s.

They are made from a colorless polyester that breaks down in your body after about 6 months.

PLA and PCA threads last longer and tend to stimulate more collagen production.

PLA threads take about 12 months to be absorbed and PCA takes about 12 to 15 months.

Each type of thread is best suited for a particular benefit. PDO threads are better at repositing and revitalizing tissue while PLA and PCA threads are better at lifting sagging parts of your skin.

PCA threads are the newest threads and are bio-absorbable, monofilament suspension threads of synthetic origin (caprolactone).

They work by regenerating collagen over a longer time than PDO and PLA threads. They leave behind a collagen structure that provides support for the skin, tightens the skin and prevents it from sagging.

Due to the fibrotic reaction caused by the threads, the lifting and stretching action will continue even after the threads have been resorbed. The process of thread breakdown produces molecules of small molecular weight which subsequently induce the production of collagen and Hyaluronic acid by the skin.

The resulting skin is more moisturized, revitalized and firm with a long lasting result.

There are three main types of threads, polydioxanone (PDO), polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCA). PDO threads have been around the longest, hence the term PDO Threads may often be used as a generic term for this product.

PDO threads have been around since the 1980s and are made of a synthetic biodegradable polymer that has been used in surgery for many years. PDO threads are absorbed into the body over 6 months by hydrolysis and work by triggering fibroblasts to produce more collagen in a targeted area.

There are three main types of PDO threads used;

1. mono,
2. cog and
3. screw threads.

Mono threads are smooth without barbs and are anchored to a point on the face or the scalp. They mainly tighten the skin and provide a small amount of lift.²

Cog threads have barbs which hook onto the skin to provide support and lift the sagging tissue.

Screw threads have one or two intertwined threads around the needle and provide good volume restoration to sunken areas of the skin. The production of collagen around the threads and their barbs helps to restore volume and improves the skin texture and elasticity resulting in a natural aesthetics outcome.

There are three types of threads lifts, PDO (Polydioxanone), PLA (polylactic acid), and PCA (polycaprolactone). PLA and PCA threads are newer than PDO Threads.

It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that a thread has broken during the procedure.

When a PDO thread snaps, patients can feel a sudden sharp pain, which is often accompanied by a popping or cracking sound. This occurs due to the sudden release of tension in the thread.

The threads may break due to excess facial movement, rubbing the skin, or exposure to moisture. When it does happen, breakage tends to be near the ends near the incision point. The broken thread poses no threat to you. The piece may migrate up until it extrudes from the skin.

If the thread has become extruded it may be possible to simply remove it, otherwise you may have to have it surgically removed, possibly through a facelift incision.

PDO threading is a procedure that uses a dissolvable suture to tighten and lift your skin. It reduces wrinkles and fine lines. The amazing thing is that these threads trigger the (fibroblast) cells in your body to produce more collagen which in turn gives your skin its structure and elasticity to provide an anti-aging effect.