Background: Polydioxanone (PDO) sutures have been widely used to tighten and lift the face. However, why the complexion brightens and skin elasticity is maintained with a smaller facial outline after a PDO monofilament thread treatment remains unclear.
Aims: We aimed to determine what significant changes occur in the tissue over time when a PDO suture is inserted.
Methods: We selected four White Yucatan variety pygmy pigs with skin that most closely resembles the structure of human skin. 4-0 PDO thread was inserted into the subcutaneous fat. Tissue samples were obtained at 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. For the histologic analysis, H&E staining, Masson trichrome staining, and anti-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemical staining techniques were used.
Results: Nine histological findings appeared over time, and these findings are summarized as five tissue changes.
Conclusions: PDO sutures cause specific changes to the surrounding tissues that result in neo-collagenesis, a fibrous merging effect, fat reduction, tissue contracture, and an improved vascular environment. The results of this study explain the positive changes described in previous clinical research.
Keywords: PDO thread; Yucatan pig; histology.
© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.