Cog Thread Treatments Q&A
What are Cog Threads?
PDO or COG threads are tiny, barbed threads made from Polydioxanone (PDO). A medical grade thread that is thinner than hair, PDO Cog threads are used in a variety of non-surgical lifting treatments.
How do COG threads work?
Cog threads have both short term and long term benefits. The thread is inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of the skin (just under the surface) to give an immediate lifting effect, followed by on-going benefits that last up to 12 months.
Once inserted, the threads gradually relax muscles and tendons as well as stimulating the natural production of collagen within the fibroblast cells. Combined with the increased production of elastin and hyaluronic acid, cog threading treatments are the most effective way to achieve a non-surgical lift and rejuvenation.
What type of treatments can be done using cog threads?
The barbed design of COG threads make them highly effective in lifting different areas of the skin and lend themselves to a versatile range of treatments.
PDO cog threads can be used to treat the neck to reduce sagginess, in the jaw to minimise the appearance of jowls, in the cheeks to correct nasolabial folds, and around the eyes to reduce sagging and wrinkles. They can also be used along the nose to produce non-surgical rhinoplasty.
How long does it take for cog threads to work?
The results of a cog thread treatment can be seen immediately with a visible lifting of the skin in the treated area. However, the best results can be seen around 6 months after the treatment, when the increased production of collagen and elastin have rejuvenated the lifted area.
How long do COG threads last?
While the PDO cogs will dissolve within 4-6 months, the benefits of the treatment will last far longer. Even after the threads have dissolved, the skin will stay in place and the production of collagen continues. The effects of the thread lift can be visible for up to 12 months after the treatment.
Are Cog thread treatments painful?
Cog thread treatments are delivered with a thin needle designed to cause as little discomfort as possible. However, some patients might find the treatment painful with tenderness in the treated area afterwards.
To help minimise the pain, a local anesthetic can be provided and over the counter pain medication to help ease the soreness afterwards.
How long does it take to recover from Cog thread treatments?
Downtime for cog thread treatments is minimal and clients can expect to go back to normal activities from 4-8 days afterwards. Swelling and bruising can last for up to two weeks, but we find that most clients are able to hide this with make up after just two days.
What aftercare advice should I follow?
To help in the healing process after your Cog thread treatment, we offer aftercare advice to all of our clients. This consists of
- Avoiding alcohol, vigorous exercise, sunbeds and saunas for 10 days after your treatment
- Avoid taking certain medications including vitamins A, C and E, garlic supplements, Gingko Biloba and fish oils
- Apply a light antibiotic cream to the treated areas to prevent infection
- Don’t massage, scrub, or exfoliate the skin for at least three weeks after treatment
- Avoid dental treatments for at least 2 weeks after your thread treatment
How much does a cog thread lift cost?
Cog thread treatments cost between £250 – £2000 depending on the type of treatment and how many areas are targeted.
