Will RF radiofrequency treatment dissolve PDO threads or cause inflammation?

Question

Following a PDO thread procedure (3+ wks ago) one thread (temple area) is slightly protruding. It appears to be moving anteriorly, as though being pushed out by the skin. RF treatment to accelerate dissolving the thread has been proposed, however I read a paper by Li, Xang, et al (2022) which found that PDO+RF actually amplifies inflammatory response, fat necrosis and nodules (granulomas?). How much of a risk is this? Can a thread keep moving outward? Is RF really recommended? Thanks

James R. Gordon, MD, FACS, FAAO · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question. RF might hasten the process of the thread’s dissolving, but given time the bump should improve. Also opening the area of skin and cutting off the protruding part might help. Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. 
Good luck,

Lisa Vuich, MD · Answer

When a PDO thread has migrated such that it is causing a visible bump, applying heat such as with RF or with microfocused ultrasound (Ultherapy) is often used to cause the thread to soften faster. I've never seen this cause excessive inflammation or nodules. Nor have I seen nodules in response to PDO threads, and we have done a lot of thread lifting procedures over the past 9 years.

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