How do you break down PDO threads?

December 12, 2019

Table of Contents Show

What is the fastest way to dissolve PDO threads?
What can dissolve PDO threads?
Can you break PDO threads?
Does hyaluronic acid dissolve PDO threads?

How to Fix Visible PDO Thread Dimpling and Nodules

PDO Thread Lift Complications do occur and dimpling, puckering and thread visibility are often the most troubling to patients and physicians. These complications can be applied to PDO, PCA and PLLA threads. Most providers choose PDO threads as they are dissolvable, therefore making this problem only temporary. The best way to avoid PDO thread complications is to obtain the right training in how to properly and safely place these threads.

Prevention and treatment is important and Dr. Rajani reviews prevention and how to fix these complications:

Correct placement is key – Placing the threads deep enough and not too superficial is crucial to preventing any complications. Another thing to keep in mind – Before cutting the thread, have your patient animate facial expressions. Any irregularities noted at that time is a perfect indication to unzip and adjust. Molded threads can be slightly more difficult to unzip and adjust but is still possible.

Quality of threads – Be sure to get your threads from a reputable source. Extensive engineering is put into producing quality threads which will provide the best results. When purchasing products from unknown sources, sterility and other factors are questionable.

Experience – Complications are part of the process and do occur no matter how well they are placed. If you haven’t experienced any complications with threads, it may be that you have not performed much of the procedure. The literature states that 18% of threads will pucker. With proper training, complications can reduce by 70%.

What can we do to fix any complications:

1. Prevention – Easiest way to prevent any complications is to simply just prevent it from happening, or easily do nothing as the threads will resorb and soften overtime.

2. Viora ST uses bipolar radiofrequency for skin tightening. This is a great treatment as it heats the thread, unzips it, and softens the area of placement.

3. By using a microcannula, we can undermine around the thread to loosen and help rid the pucker created by the thread. Swelling may occur with this minimally invasive procedure but will heal eventually.

4. Water breaks down the thread – A provider in Central America is currently working on dissolver for this product.

5. Removal of thread – By taking an 18 gauge needle, you can pierce the skin to create an opening and manipulate the area to retrieve the thread with a forceps and pull. Pulling the thread can create some discomfort, but removing the thread can be an option.

To learn more about our PDO Thread Lift – click here

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PDO or polydioxanone is a well-known thread used in PDO thread lift procedure. These threads have gained immense popularity in the realm of cosmetic treatments as an alternative to the surgical facelift. The PDO thread lift treatment is used for lifting and tightening loose and sagging facial and body skin.

What is PDO?

PDO is a monofilament polymer that was first introduced in the 1980s. It is a polydioxanone polymer which is used for manufacturing PDO threads. These threads are known for their tensile strength as compared to the sutures derived from lactide and glycolide. At 2 weeks time, it retains nearly 74% of its tensile strength while at 4 weeks time, it still retains 58%. The complete absorption of these threads takes place in 180 days. This property makes PDO threads a good option as absorbable sutures when a prolonged tensile strength for wound healing is required. It also has minimal reactivity to tissues.

PDO threads are now being used for cosmetic purposes to lift and tighten the facial and body skin. The ongoing research and development on refining the structure of PDO threads for cosmetic uses have ensured that the practitioners are able to deliver best, long lasting and most effective results.

Biochemistry and process of degradation of PDO threads

Polydioxanone is a unique monofilament suture that holds inherent characteristics of the flexibility of its polymer which allows the fabrication of this suture into a monofilament fibre. Its chemical formula is a linear polymer that forms during the process of catalytic polymerization of a heterocyclic compound called p-dioxanone.

Chemical formula: C4H6O3 (O=CH-CH2-0-CH2-CH=O)

(Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polydioxanone)

The hydrolysis of the PDO polymer begins due to the process of disintegration which forms 2-hydroxy-ethoxy- acetic acid (C4H804) monomers. These then broke down into water and carbon dioxide and are absorbed into the skin.

The stages of PDO disintegration

The process of PDO thread disintegration comprise of two stages:

The duration of the first stage is from 3-12 weeks. The strength, weight and shape of the thread during this period is not visibly lost. There are no visible signs of cracks or any damage on the filament surface though it loses 9% of its weight. This implies that during the first 3 months the polymer hydrolysis occurs only on the surface of the filament ( the polydioxanone structure is dense and the water molecules cannot penetrate through it). Therefore the changes in filament strength are not pronounced.
In the second stage, the PDO threads begin to show signs of disintegration. The peripheral circular cracks appear on the thread surface which allows the penetration of water molecules inside the structure of filament. Due to the little loss of thread weight, the strength of thread is lost to some extent (during 60 days, thread loses 90% of the strength while losing only 1.5% of the mass).

Then the smallest PDO thread fragments are produced which diffuse into filament surface. After that, they diffuse into the surrounding tissues. This process of disintegration cause massive loss of filament mass and finally the thread destruction. Simultaneously, there occurs an increase in the level of local pH (because the acidic hydrolysis products accumulate) which triggers autocatalytic effects resulting in acceleration of PDO degradation.

The ultrastructure of PDO Thread comprises of the knot crystal structure and amorphous regions. The strength of the filaments is determined by this ultrastructure. Due to this structure, the process of hydrolysis is slow. This is the reason that PDO thread remains intact inside the tissues for 4-6 months.

Lesley Fraser

I am a writer by profession and works for a national magazine as a writer and sub-editor. I write about diverse topics but my favourite field is aesthetics. I frequently blog about the news, researches and latest advancements in the aesthetics industry. My blogs have wealth of information for the general public as well as for practitioners pursuing career in aesthetics.

What is the fastest way to dissolve PDO threads?

Answer: PDO Threads can be dissolved with RF (Radiofrequency) Heat will cause the PDO threads to dissolve. A RF device will heat the threads enough to degrade them. A laser probably won't go deep enough because they are deep to the dermis.

What can dissolve PDO threads?

The PDO threads can be dissolved used heat based therapies, such as lasers and saunas. Minimal heat therapies such as LED Light Therapy and facials are safe to still have, and are recommended to get optimal results and longevity in the results.

Can you break PDO threads?

Can PDO Threads break? Thread breakage is a potential side effect. The threads may break due to excess facial movement, rubbing the skin, or exposure to moisture.

Does hyaluronic acid dissolve PDO threads?

Conclusions: Hyaluronic acid induces rapid biodegradation of the PDO thread by hydrolysis beginning 24 hours after contact of the thread with the biomaterial.