Many people are seeking effective methods to manage hair loss, making it seem like an endless battle. But could dissolvable threads help stimulate hair growth?
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are currently gaining prominence in both the medical and beauty fields. But, before proceeding with the procedure, you must be informed. Let's go over everything you need to know—effectiveness, recovery time, and substitutes like African threading.
What Are PDO Threads for Hair Growth?
According to Dermatology Times, threads have recently been utilized to promote hair growth by enhancing the scalp's collagen synthesis and blood circulation.
PDO threads are absorbable strands and were once an answer to facial and skin issues only, but not today. Tiny needles help deposit these threads into scalp tissue, creating a supportive framework that drives new tissue growth.
As the threads naturally break down, they activate the body's healing process leading to denser hair growth.
Academic research shows that PDO threads have the ability to boost fibroblast activity, activating the natural production of collagen and elastin. These two proteins are vital for healthy hair follicles.
A combination of PDO threading with either microneedling or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy provides better results under dermatological care. Always consult an expert specialist before undergoing the procedure.
PDO Threads for Hair Growth Side Effects
The installation of PDO threads for hair production follows regular medical and cosmetic procedures although severe side effects can sometimes occur. Most patients manage to tolerate adverse effects without significant issues.
The following are some of the side effects of this treatment:
1. Pain and Discomfort
PDO threads require tiny needles to insert them into the scalp which may cause temporary discomfort and pain to patients. Using painkillers and cold compresses helps with the stiffness but the discomfort usually resolves in a few days.
2. Redness and Swelling
The surgical area shows minimal redness along with slight swelling right after the surgery. As the strands initiate the tissue recovery, the body’s healing process is activated. These common side effects usually fade out within one week of treatment.
3. Injuries
Among PDO threads for hair growth side effects is injuries. Thread placement under the skin during the threading process generates minor skin bruises at the treatment sites. Patients with sensitive skin or with a tendency to bruise easily will experience these effects more frequently.
4. Contamination
Any infection risk arises exclusively from a non-sterile operating environment. Signs of infection include persistent swelling, redness, warmth, pus production, and an unpleasant smell at the thread insertion sites. Seek medical care immediately when you show any of these signs.
5. Extrusion or Thread Migration
PDO threads have the potential to shift position away from their initial placement or become visible on the surface of the skin. Specialist intervention might fix this situation although the process can be distressing to patients. Expert PDO thread procedures minimize the risk of thread movement.
6. Scalp sensitivity or itching
When PDO threads are inserted, you can develop itchy skin along with increased scalp sensitivity. The body develops temporary reactions as it adjusts to the medication used.
7. Short-Term Hair Loss
A small minority of patients may experience shock loss before their new hair starts to grow. However, the healing process for the scalp produces healthier regrowth of hair since it experiences regeneration.
8. Allergic reactions
Biocompatible PDO threads have a safe dissolving mechanism but allergic reactions might result in swelling, redness, and itching for some individuals. Before getting any treatment, you must consult a dermatologist to eliminate the risk of allergies.
9. Tightness or uneven texture of the scalp
After the surgical procedure, the surface of the scalp tends to feel abnormally firm. These sensations decrease when the thread dissolves from your scalp tissue. Most individuals experience normal scalp texture as an adverse effect but it resolves naturally with the passing months.
10. Limited Efficiency in Cases of Severe Hair Loss
Have you lost lots of hair? PDO threads might fail you if you have advanced androgenic alopecia or scarring alopecia. When hair follicles are irreparably destroyed, new growths become unlikely.
How to Reduce Side Effects
Use these aftercare suggestions to reduce the risks and improve outcomes:
● After the operation, do not rub or scratch your scalp.
● Observe your doctor's advice when it comes to shampooing and product usage.
● For at least a week, stay away from saunas, hard activity, and extreme perspiration.
● Maintain a clean scalp to avoid infections.
● If necessary, take anti-inflammatory drugs as directed.
The majority of PDO threading side effects are moderate and transient. To reduce difficulties and guarantee the best outcomes, it is essential to select a trained practitioner.
Tips for Hair Care After Treatment
Take into account the following aftercare techniques to optimize the benefits of PDO threading:
1. Steer clear of harsh shampoos that contain parabens and sulfates, since these can deplete your scalp of vital oils.
2. Frequent scalp massages promote hair development and increase circulation.
3. Stronger, healthier hair is supported by a diet high in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Hair follicles might become weaker if heat styling tools, dyes, and chemical relaxers are used excessively.
5. Maintaining adequate hydration levels in the scalp and hair follicles encourages development.
PDO Threads Recovery Time
The recovery time is one of the most important factors to take into account while choosing PDO threads for hair growth. After the treatment, how long does it take to heal?
● Immediately after treatment, you may feel a little swollen, red, and tender in the treated areas.
● During the first few days, there may be some slight discomfort and a tight feeling on the scalp.
● Most side effects go away after one to two weeks, but some people may still experience mild sensitivity.
● One Month and Beyond: By this time, the PDO threads start dissolving, and hair growth improvements may become visible.
Most patients can resume regular activities within 24 to 48 hours, although intense activity and hair treatments should be avoided for at least two weeks to allow the scalp to recover properly.
How Long Do PDO Threads for Hair Growth Results Last?
Depending on personal circumstances, the effects of PDO threads on hair growth might range from six months to two years, but they are not permanent. Although the threads themselves go away in 4–6 months, they can leave a long-lasting influence on collagen.
To achieve the best and most durable outcomes, multiple sessions spaced a few months apart are necessary. Many physicians advise maintenance procedures once or twice a year to sustain hair regrowth.
Factors Influencing PDO Threads' Durability for Hair Growth
The duration of PDO threading's benefits and whether further treatments are required depend on a number of factors:
1. Individual Hair Growth Cycle
There are four stages of hair growth cycles according to Healthline. The stages are—Anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding). Compared to people whose hair is in the resting phase, those whose hair is in the anagen phase at the time of therapy may see longer-lasting results.
2. Age and Skin Elasticity
Younger people with more elastic skin may benefit for long since the threads cause their bodies to naturally manufacture more collagen and elastin. Elderly patients could need more frequent care.
3. Hair Loss Severity
Results could be less evident or shorter-lived if there is significant damage to the hair follicles (as in advanced alopecia or scarring alopecia).
4. The number of threads utilized
Stimulation increases with the number of threads placed. Larger areas of treatment may require more threads if you want to enjoy greater and longer-lasting results.
5. Incorporating Additional Therapies
Try the following additional therapies:
● Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Growth factors from your blood are used to promote hair growth.
● Microneedling: Promotes collagen synthesis and scalp circulation.
● A topical drug called minoxidil (Rogaine) extends the anagen stage of hair growth according to WebMD.
6. Lifestyle and Diet
The way your scalp reacts to PDO threads depends on your general health. elements such as
● Stronger hair growth can be supported by a well-balanced diet high in proteins, vitamins (particularly biotin, vitamin D, and iron), and antioxidants.
● Because telogen effluvium, or stress-induced hair loss, might negate the advantages of PDO threads, stress management is essential.
● Circulation to the scalp remains optimal when patients avoid smoking and limit their alcohol consumption.
7. Appropriate Maintenance and Aftercare
The final results occur when patients strictly follow recommended aftercare steps:
● For at least two weeks after treatment, refrain from intense exercise, saunas, and extreme perspiration.
● Touching the treated area will push threads out from their proper position.
● It is crucial to maintain a clean scalp while avoiding all chemical-containing hair treatment products and harsh products.
● Your doctor should prescribe vitamins or serums for stimulating hair follicles.
8. Professional Knowledge
The proper execution of PDO thread insertion along with correct depth and spacing is only possible through qualified practitioner intervention. The improper insertion of threads can lead to delayed follicle growth and fast thread breakdown with inconsistent outcomes.
Working with a dermatologist or hair restoration expert who holds a valid license remains essential to achieve optimal outcomes.
Does Threading Remove Hair from the Root?
"Does threading remove hair from the root?" is a common question. The answer is yes. Traditional threading uses a twisted cotton thread to pull hair from follicles, resulting in smoother skin that lasts longer than shaving.
The mechanism of PDO threading for hair growth works distinctly from other approaches. The therapy does not damage existing hair; instead, it stimulates the scalp to encourage the creation of new hair. These two treatments take opposite approaches as one aims to eliminate hair but the other seeks to promote growth.
African Threading
African threading was a popular technique for hair growth and maintenance before the development of contemporary hair treatments.
This traditional technique involves protecting and stretching hair pieces by winding them with thread.
African Threading's Advantages for Hair Growth
1. Guards against environmental harm to hair.
2. Preserves hair's length by minimizing shrinking.
3. It improves scalp health. Since it involves less stress than braiding, African threading reduces the chances of hair loss.
African threading is still a tried-and-true, non-invasive way to promote healthy hair development, especially for people with tightly coiled hair textures, even though it does not have the same collagen-boosting properties as PDO threads.
Are PDO Threads a Good Option for Hair Growth?
The PDO threads are perfect for hair growth. Though, different individuals experience different degrees of hair regrowth which leads to varying treatment outcomes. PDO threads exist in three different forms which include mono and cog and screw variations.
The following list summarizes the benefits and drawbacks of PDO hair growth applications:
Advantages of PDO Threads for Hair Growth
1. PDO does these two vital things—encourage blood flow and you get to produce collagen in the hair follicles.
2. People usually transition back to their usual routines within a 24 to 48 hour period.
3. Results from PDO thread treatment can remain observable for up to 2 years but thread dissolution occurs within 4 to 6 months.
4. The best results occur when PDO treatment operates with the combination of PRP, microneedling and minoxidil.
5. A professional performance yields low-risk outcomes making the procedure both safe and biocompatible.
6. The procedure suits every hair type including straight hair and curly hair shapes regardless of texture.
Disadvantages of PDO Threads for Hair Growth
● The majority of the evidence supporting PDO threads' long-term efficacy for hair growth comes from patient testimonies and minimal research.
● Preventing hair loss results need constant maintenance through repeats of treatment which must happen either once every six months or once every two years.
● The natural hair cycle features hair loss events but some individuals might start losing their hair earlier following treatment thus causing concern.
● PDO threads deliver best results for treating mild thinning conditions while proving ineffective against treating damaged follicles in cases of scarring alopecia or severe baldness.
● PDO threading requires expert placement by trained specialists because improper thread positioning leads to poor outcomes as well as patient discomfort and thread failure.
● Expensive, no insurance protection. The treatment stands as an uninsured cosmetic operation which costs between $500 and $2,500 for each treatment session.
What Type of PDO Thread is Perfect for Hair Growth?
Here’s a summary of common PDO threads used for hair growth:
1. Smooth PDO threads, or Mono threads
Mono threads act as a perfect solution to improve blood circulation while simultaneously revitalizing the scalp. Why? These silky, single-strand threads encourage the development of collagen, which benefits hair follicles by creating a better environment on the scalp.
If you are in your early stages of hair loss, or you’ve got general thinning hair then you’ve got to try them.
2. Screw threads
They are also known as twisted PDO threads and are ideal for boosting volume and fortifying weak hair shafts.
Screw threads have a spiral form. This form increases surface area, and ensures more collagen and elastin are produced, increasing hair density. They are best suited for people with mild to severe hair loss.
3. Barbed PDO threads or Cog Threads
These are ideal for severe cases of hair loss, requiring more vigorous stimulation. Well, tiny barbs on these threads embed into the skin, promoting tissue regeneration and providing a more powerful lifting action.
If you have receding hairlines or significant thinning, then this is your ideal choice. Besides, you’ll observe a difference in scalp tightness. However, knowing everything about cog threads before use is essential.
Conclusion
While there are PDO threads for hair growth side effects, PDO threads provide a new answer to treating hair loss. You need to know PDO thread recovery time, possible adverse effects, and substitute techniques such as African threading before settling on PDOs for hair growth.
To find out if this procedure is in line with your hair objectives, speak with a competent specialist before moving forward. As you settle for the threads, check out Diaminy’s range of PDO threads for your hair growth needs.
