There are many different aesthetic treatments available to patients, however, HDpdo threadlifts are trending as a top choice among patients. In this interview with Aesthetic Insider™ board certified dermatologist Dr. Brenda LaTowsky, who has served as an investigator for many research studies on cutting-edge cosmetic technologies, and the latest innovations in cellulite and minimally-invasive body treatments, discusses why her patients choose a new non- surgical PDO (Polydioxanone) threadlift using HDpdo Threads in combination with a broad variety of advanced technologies to deliver natural looking solutions for anti-aging and skin rejuvenation. To learn more about Dr. LaTowsky and Clear Dermatology her Scottsdale, Arizona practice, visit www.cleardermatology.net. To learn more about HDpdo Threads www.HDpdo.com.
How did you first become interested in offering HDpdo Threads to your patients?
PDO stands for Polydioxanone and that product has been used in surgical procedures for many years. It has been commonly used in dermatology as a surgical suture but these new non-surgical PDO threads are really very exciting for lifting skin and tightening skin. There is another thread that uses a different compound, Polylactic acid, and that’s a little bit more volumizing. What I like about the PDO threads is that they lift and tighten while adding firmness to the skin which creates an amazing result for the patient. In terms of the high-density threads, that’s something that sets HDpdo apart and that’s one of the reasons that I chose them. High density means that the threads are manufactured under high temperature and high-pressure conditions which results in a thread that is finer and very durable. Therefore, we don’t need to use a thick thread and have been able to reduce side effects.
HDpdo threads are manufactured in Italy? Does that make a difference?
One of the reasons that I use this brand exclusively in my practice is because it is a very high quality thread with a very good track record. Many Italian products do seem to be of a very high quality so I do think it makes a difference. It’s also been an eye opener as to the many applications of these threads. Many times my patients tell me they feel their eye lids are drooping more, or that their eyes don’t look as awake and alert as they used to and rather than do an eyelid surgery, we are able to use a smooth thread which looks like a delicate fishing line in that area to create more structure and firmness to the eye area. Patient’s love it! Many times the patient has lost collagen in the tissue and the thread creates a small firmness and, over time, as the body breaks down the threads, it creates collagen where the thread has been and gives a long lasting result. I can use this same technique to treat around the eyes, and the mouth. We are now also able to use threads to provide structure around the mouth that gives the lips a nice, slightly pouty look without adding any volume which is something that appeals to a lot of patients.
What other areas of the body do you treat with HDpdo Threads?
The main areas I treat are the eyes and lip area as mentioned, but also the jawline and neck but, for many patients we can add threads to the abdomen to give them a little bit of tightening in the stomach area which is really good for women who have had multiple children. A lot of times, they will get some lax skin in that area so when we add the threads there it provides firmness and then, as mentioned before, long-term collagen production without volumization which patients love because it makes the skin firmer. More recently, we are using the threads in the buttocks to perform a non-surgical buttock lift which we can combine with body contouring, cellulite treatments and so on.
Who is the ideal candidate for a HDpdo Thread treatment?
That’s the beauty of this technology or this method. There are so many different applications and, therefore, many great candidates. For a younger patient who just wants to slow down the aging process a little bit but doesn’t want to look over-filled or unnatural, we can gently firm the jaw line and provide more lip definition naturally. Then when we move to the older patients we can easily lift the jowls and firm up the jawline and neck to provide a very youthful appearance. Then, as mentioned previously, for moms or an aging patient who wants added firmness to the abdomen and buttocks, we can use threads there too. HDPDO threads can really apply to almost everyone seeking aesthetic improvement of their face and body.
What is the downtime associated with a HDpdo Thread treatment?
Well, when we’re talking about the face, it really can be quite variable. I would say most patients have little to no downtime. There is a risk of bruising, however, it’s usually very slight. Most patients do experience very minor swelling but nothing really noticeable. For the most part, patients may feel a little bit of tenderness where the thread was inserted but that dissipates over the course of a few days. The neck area does have a slightly higher chance of bruising because the skin in thinner. Off the face, there can be a slightly more soreness in the buttocks or in the abdomebecause those areas are larger and are generally in more constant motion.
Do you often combine HDpdo Threads with other aesthetic treatments?
It really depends on the patient, the quality of their skin tone and the result they desire. If a patient has great skin texture and tone or maybe had a resurfacing treatment in the past, or uses quality skin care  products, avoided the sun, etc., they are more likely to have good collagen and the threads may be very effective as a stand alone treatment. If someone has more damaged skin and needs volumization I often work in combination with other products, such as Sculptra which is poly-L-lactic acid that is injected and grows overtime. We can do many combinations of fillers, neurotoxins, micro needling and laser treatments and we may do them at one time, or more often work on the skin tissue and volumization and then a few weeks later do a second treatment with the threads.
Are body treatments performed as a combined treatment also?
Oftentimes, I do recommend that we combine the Sculptra on the abdomen and the buttocks when I’m treating those areas. If you’re talking about the buttocks, a lot of patients will have some cellulite and by adding Sculptra, which will stimulate the body’s collagen and help to even out the skin tone and texture, we can improve the tone and texture of the tissue. Then, when we go back a few weeks later and put the HDpdo Thread underneath the skin, it binds that new collagen and is very effective. The Sculptra often act as as a lifting agent in the buttocks as it will help to lift the skin that gravity has pushed down over the years and we are seeing some really nice results from the combination of Sculptra and HDpdoThread combinations.
How long do threadlifts last?
Every patient is individual, as is their treatment plan and result duration. With threads results get better as collagen growth replaces the thread itself. I ask patients to return at six months to review their progress. At six months some patients may need a little more treatment and with other patients we may decide to not do another treatment for some time.
How long does it take to recover from a HDpdo Thread procedure?
I always recommend patients go home and rest after any aesthetic treatment. With HDpdo Threads recovery takes a few days in terms of potential bruising, swelling and soreness as mentioned earlier. I do prefer that patients refrain from heavy exercise and activity for one to two weeks so as the thread can become one with the internal tissues. Threads to the face do not pose as much of a threat when it comes to heavy exercise or lifting, but with body threads we do have to be a little more careful.
What is your most popular HDpdo Thread procedure?
Threads to the face, especially the lower face, jawline and neck have been the most popular. But the newer areas of eyes and lips and body threads are catching up very quickly as patients are really loving the results of thread lifts.
Dr. Brenda Latowsky can be reached at Clear Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ at www.cleardermatology.net. For information on HDpdo Threads., visit www.HDpdo.com.
To listen to Dr. Brenda Latowsky’s interview at Aesthetic Insider™ Radio,
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