We hear from senior aesthetic doctor Dr Sam Pradeep, the founder and medical director of Glowwis Aesthetic & Medical Clinic, about how the liquid PDO thread lift treatment uses threads in liquid form to gently lift sagging skin and smooth fine lines, while at the same time, boost natural collagen production.
As our skin ages, it goes through a myriad of changes – from losing elasticity and volume to showing fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and generally looking less plump and youthful. The main culprit? A drop in collagen, the protein that keeps skin firm, supple and smooth, explains Dr Sam Pradeep.
To help reverse these signs of ageing, there are a range of innovative treatments that aim to lift, smooth, and stimulate collagen production. Heat-based treatments like Ultherapy, HIFU, radiofrequency and light therapies like laser and IPL work under the skin to boost collagen. Meanwhile, a traditional thread lift uses dissolvable threads to lift and renew skin from within.
And now, there is the liquid PDO thread lift. This fourth-generation treatment uses biocompatible materials like polydioxanone (PDO) to gently lift the skin and encourage tissue renewal for a refreshed and natural look safely and efficiently, explains Dr Sam.
Dr Sam, when and to whom would you recommend a liquid PDO thread lift? Which areas does it work well on?
Our bodies start to reduce collagen production in our late 20s and the skin starts to lose its elasticity. This continues as we age and will become more significant around age 30, resulting in noticeable skin sagginess, fine lines, wrinkles, dark eye circles, under-eye tear troughs, nasolabial lines (smile lines), marionette lines (sad lines), sunken face, and other ageing features.
The liquid PDO thread lift is suitable for anyone looking to improve the appearance of the above-mentioned signs of ageing. Areas that can be treated include:
Face: The liquid PDO thread lift can target the cheeks, under-eye tear troughs, dark eye circles, under-eye and crow’s feet wrinkles, forehead and eyebrow lifting, sagging jowls, nasolabial lines (smile lines), marionette lines (sad lines) and facial hollowness towards achieving v-shape face.
Neck: The treatment can help improve loose skin, wrinkles and fine lines around the neck area.
Under-eyes: This treatment reduces tear troughs, diminishes dark circles, reduces eye bags, and smooths wrinkles and fine lines under the eyes. By stimulating collagen production, it improves skin texture and firmness, diminishes signs of tiredness and enhances the overall appearance of the eyes, leading to a fresh and untired look.
Hands: The liquid PDO thread lift can reduce a sunken or bony appearance due to ageing, minimising wrinkles and fine lines for smoother, rejuvenated hands.
What are the main advantages or benefits of a liquid PDO thread lift?
Natural, evenly distributed results: Unlike surgical facelifts or traditional thread lifts, the liquid PDO thread lift offers a non-surgical alternative that delivers smooth, firm, and natural-looking skin. The liquid formulation of PDO threads allows for even distribution across treatment areas, preventing lumps or irregularities while increasing skin vitality without the risks associated with more invasive procedures.
Targeted lifting for facial and neck areas: The liquid PDO thread lift can be precisely tailored to target specific areas for lifting and contouring. Its versatility allows it to address sagging skin across multiple regions, making it an adaptable solution for both facial, neck and hand rejuvenation.
Collagen stimulation for long-term rejuvenation: The liquid PDO thread lift encourages collagen production. As the PDO mono thread molecules gradually dissolve, they trigger the body’s natural collagen production process, enhancing skin structure and promoting long-term rejuvenation. The skin continues to improve and tighten over time, delivering lasting results and a more youthful appearance.
Reduced risk of bruising and swelling: The liquid PDO thread lift uses approximately 1,400 ultra-fine PDO mono threads in a liquid form that will be administered via a micro-cannula technique, which is developed to significantly lower the risk of bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Unlike traditional thread lifts, this method minimises trauma to the skin, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable procedure. As a result, patients can expect a faster recovery and a quicker return to daily activities.
Undergoing the liquid PDO thread lift
The full-face treatment involves administering approximately 1,400 ultra-fine PDO mono threads in liquid form into the skin via a blunt tip micro-cannula. According to Dr Sam, this method reduces the risk of bruising, swelling and discomfort for a quicker recovery.
How does the liquid PDO thread lift work?
Instead of using conventional threads to lift the skin by inserting threads under the skin and pulling them to lift the skin, the liquid PDO thread lift will infiltrate PDO microspheres to encourage the regeneration of your own natural collagen production. This will result in a long-lasting natural lift in the skin, achieving a V-shape face and reducing signs of ageing more naturally.
Why is stimulating our collagen production so important?
Collagen is considered the building block of the skin. Collagen’s primary role is to maintain skin’s firmness and elasticity by providing structure, strength and support that the skin requires to look youthful with a lifted V-shape face.
What do you mean when you say that the liquid PDO thread lift produces a “two-in-one” effect?
The liquid PDO thread lift primarily works in two ways – as a collagen stimulator and a volume enhancer. While collagen production improves the skin elasticity and firmness for tighter and lifted skin, a volume enhancer reduces the sunken areas of the skin in a natural way with your own collagen without over-volumising.
How does the micro-cannula work?
The micro-cannula is flexible and has a blunt tip that allows for minimal trauma to the skin compared to the typical sharp-end needles. The cannula slides into the skin through a small entry site, causing minimal injury to the skin. It is safer than needles, decreases bruising and discomfort, and enables a faster return to daily activities. This method also ensures even distribution of the medication, contributing to more natural-looking results.
What is the treatment process like from the moment the patient arrives at the clinic?
Step 1: A thorough consultation and clinical assessment with each patient is key, whether new or returning, says Dr Sam. Every treatment begins with a comprehensive skin scan and analysis. This process allows him to discuss each patient’s concerns, expectations, skin conditions and budget to create a personalised treatment plan and confirm whether a liquid PDO thread lift is suitable.
Step 2: On the day of the liquid PDO thread lift, a double cleanse is performed by an experienced therapist to remove all impurities on the skin and prepare for the treatment.
Step 3: Seated on a plush treatment chair, the patient receives a topical numbing cream to the treatment areas. This helps minimise any discomfort and ensures a comfortable procedure. Then, Dr Sam marks the areas where he will administer the liquid PDO.
Step 4: Dr Sam carefully administers the PDO liquid threads into the skin using the micro-cannula as the patient remains reclined in the chair. Depending on the dosage, the procedure takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
Step 5: Afterwards, Dr Sam examines the results and ensures the patient feels comfortable and is happy with them. He also provides aftercare instructions to help with optimal recovery.
Is the liquid PDO thread lift right for you?
The liquid PDO thread lift is a great option for those seeking a non-surgical solution to address skin laxity. Because it can be applied to various areas – from the face to the hands and the neck area – it offers a versatile approach for individuals wanting to enhance skin texture and firmness without the need for invasive surgery.
What type of patients benefit the most from the liquid PDO thread lift?
The liquid PDO thread lift is suitable for anyone looking to improve their appearance, regardless of gender. It is effective for both men and women, and we treat patients from their late 20s onwards.
What to expect after the treatment
If you’re curious about the downtime and maintenance involved in a liquid PDO thread lift, read on!
What is the downtime for the liquid PDO thread lift?
Most patients experience minimal downtime. Typically, you can return to your regular activities within 24 hours.
How soon after the treatment can we see results?
As the PDO threads dissolve over time, the body’s natural collagen production is triggered, leading to ongoing skin tightening and rejuvenation. The results will be visible immediately after the procedure. The optimal results can be seen in one to three months’ time.
How long do the results last?
Depending on factors such as skin type, age and lifestyle, the effects of the treatment can last up to over a year. For more information, reach out to Dr Sam and the team at Glowwis Aesthetic & Medical Clinic.
Written in collaboration with Glowwis Aesthetic & Medical Clinic.
Glowwis Aesthetic & Medical Clinic
#B2-12/13, Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Road
6908 9705 | 9626 9905 | glowwisclinic@gmail.com | glowwis.com
In need of a good facial? Looking for a fabulous hair salon? Then check out our Style & Beauty section for more stories!
To make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!
