8 Steps Technique for PDO Thread Lifting
There is a growing trend nowadays for patients to seek the least invasive treatments possible with less risk of complications and downtime to correct rhytides and ptosis characteristic of aging. Nonsurgical face and neck rejuvenation has been attempted with various types of interventions. Suture suspension of the face, although not a new idea, has gained prominence with the advent of the so called ‘‘lunch-time’’ face-lift. Surgical lifting with excision of excessive skin has been the standard of care for decades providing a radical solution and achieving dramatic improvements in the face and neck.
In this week's article, our trainer will teach you the 8 steps technique for Korean PDO thread lifting:
Step 1:
Superficial dermal or subcutaneous threads are inserted with a sharp needle but barbed threads of 19G have to be inserted via a cannula in order to reduce the risk of facial nerve trauma and large blood vessel trauma (such as the facial artery). Extra care has to be taken in the region where the facial nerve is crossing the zygomatic bone because it runs very superficially in this region. Below the zygomatic bone, the facial nerve runs deep underneath the parotid glands so it’s a low risk area.
Step 2:
It is also important during the treatment that once the one half of the face is finished, to sit the patient up and take photographs to demonstrate the difference between the treated side and the non-treated side. It’s very important from the patient’s point of view to be able to see that there is an instant effect visible for we can forget very quickly how we looked like.
Step 3:
A single entry point for barbed threads insertion, where all the barbs come together, is important because it results in a lot of new collagen regeneration and fibrosis in the insertion area that is acting as an anchor and hold up the lift. The entry point is above the zygomatic arch and the cannulas pass through the zygmatic retaining ligament superiorly and through false ligaments and connective tissue bands (septa) distally. These structures provide ample anchoring points for maintaining the mechanical lift.
Step 4:
The first cannula passes through the malar region and importantly must pass through the nasolabial fold. This will achieve an instant nasolabial (N-L) lift—as good as any filler agent. For deep N-L folds, one can add additional fillers. If balancing of cheek volume is required then fillers can be combined with threads in the malar region.
Step 5:
The second end-point is near the corner of the mouth to elevate it. The third cannula passes through the mandibular ligament and the marionette lines. There’s a special technique to pass the cannula through the ligament.
Step 6:
In the mandible and jowl area, the fourth and fifth barbed threads give an instant mechanical lift. It is important to also insert mono threads in the dermis over the mandibular region in order to create a cross-hatched fibrotic mesh effect—fibrous bridging occurs between the skin, mono threads and the deeper barbed threads.
Step 7:
Compression and icepacks may be necessary if bruising is present due to dermal mono threads. Barbed threads inserted via a cannula do not cause bruising!
Step 8:
Apply an antibiotic cream (Bactroban/Fucidin) to the entry point and cover it with a plaster for 24 hours. Clean the treated area with surgical spirits, betadine or chlorhexidine.
Gain the hands on experience by registering here to learn the advanced technique of Korean Thread lifting and offer this quick yet effective procedure in your clinic.
IFAAS Hands-On Master Class
(Maximum 20 Delegates allowed per class to ensure the quality of the hands-on training)
March 25-26, 2017, Yangon, Myanmar
Korean Thread Lifting - Minimally Invasive Face Lift & Combination TherapiesMay 19-20, 2017, Zurich, Switzerland
June 17-19, 2017, Seoul, South Korea