More from Dr Davin Lim
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Special thanks to Danae Lim for videos
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This video discusses PDO monofilament threads. This is the most commonly used thread type.

What are thread lifts?
This procedure is meant for mild to moderate skin laxity.

What is the difference between monofilament & barbed/suspension threads?
Monofilament treads are made from suture material, most commonly used PDO. Other substances like poly-lactic acid is also used.
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What areas & concerns can be addressed with monofilament PDO threads AND who are good candidates for threads?
Lower face, neck, mild jowling. Patients with good dermal thickness & minimal sun damage do best.
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Do threads work on everyone?
Nope. They are good for mild laxity. Moderate laxity can be corrected with suspension - barbed - conical threads. If your collagen is lax, with minimal breakage (solar elastosis- sun damage), & if your dermal thickness is good, threads may be an option.
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How long do the results from threads last?
About 6 to 12 months. Honestly, more towards the former than the later. PDO threads dissolve in 6-7 months however histological studies have shown collagen stimulation for up to 9 months.
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What is the science behind thread lifts?
Thread in the dermis & hypodermis causes tissue fibrosis, meaning collagen stimulation. This improves laxity. Another theory is that threads in the subcutaneous tissue cause mild apoptosis of fat cells & tightening of the fibrous septae between fat lobules.
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What combinations work best?
Really depends on your clinical presentation, age, dermal thickness, ethnicity & expectations. Dermal fillers can be placed under threads. RF & HIFU can give synergistic effects. If skin quality needs improvement, certainly lasers can be beneficial.
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What threads can not do?
They can not give meaningful volumetric displacement. They are not a substitute for surgical intervention.
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Davin Lim
@drdavinlim
Dermatologist
Brisbane
Australia