I had PDO threads 3 weeks ago and its been a disaster.

Question

I had significant bruising and swelling. After that subsided, I am left with many lumps and raised tunnels. My derm injected these with Kenalog x2 and I've had 2 RF treatments to try to degrade the suture material without improvement. I am reluctant to have them taken out because she has never had to remove any before and I fear removal will cause more trauma. What can I do to diminish these lumps ASAP? And long will it take to subside?

Elham Jafari, MD · Answer

Hi
and thank you for sharing your question! The issues that you are facing are mainly
related to the PDO thread placement technique. Kenalog injection and
radiofrequency are the 2 options that we have to make it smooth, but if
neither helps, then the only other option left might be to remove the threads,
unless the lumps are rather subtle and you want to wait for them to gradually
degrade by themselves over time. I hope it helps and good luck!

Gregory DeLange, MD · Answer

It is possible that the threads were placed in the wrong plane (too superficial)   Some lumps and irregularities can be expected early on and should smooth out on their own within 6 weeks but if still bothersome at this time there is always the option of removing the thread just remember this is also another procedure which you will need to recover from and you will be back to where you started.  I would recommend  that you have consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine the most appropriate course of action. kh

Jordan Jacobs Medical Artistry · Answer

Hello!
The lumps that you have after thread removal is most likely cause by scar tissue that formed around the threads before they were removed. To smooth out this scar tissue, it may be beneficial to get subcision to break up that stagnant tissue. With this procedure, a needle is used to manually release the scar from the underlying tissue. It all depends on the depth of the scar and the severity of the fibrosis. 
With Love & Gratitude,Jordan Jacobs, RN, CANSOwner/CEOAesthetic Injector

Israr Wong, MBBS · Answer

It sounds like the threads were placed too superficial or had loosened and caused abnormalities of the skin . They can be removed with a 18g needle puncture and using a small caliber forceps to grab the loose end and pull it out . It may be rather painful but the alternative to leave it there will be not ideal aesthetically. This process is not easy and requires a lot of patience and experience on the doctor to attempt .

I had PDO threads 3 weeks ago and its been a disaster.

Answers (4)