PDO Threads are an FDA-approved treatment for addressing skin laxity in the face, neck and body by building collagen and filling or lifting the skin. A PDO thread lift is an excellent alternative to conventional facelift surgery as it can effectively reverse several common signs of aging with little downtime. 

PDO Threads are resorbable surgical sutures composed of biodegradable polymers. The treatment is minimally invasive and produces instant results. Polydioxanone (PDO) sutures are used for biomedical applications, particularly in cardiothoracic surgery because it is fully absorbed by hydrolysis within 4 to 6 months and doesn’t create any scar tissue. The foreign body stimulates collagen synthesis and the skin structure created will hold for 12 to 18 months.

What is a PDO thread lift and how does it work?

PDO thread lifting is a state-of-the-art treatment that creates instant lifting and tightening of the skin. Long term, thread lifting increases collagen production and blood supply to the skin, which improves skin elasticity, plumpness and creates a more youthful, rejuvenated appearance.

The two main types of threads are made of either Poly L lactic acid (PLA) or polydioxanone (PDO). Both have collagen stimulating properties and dissolve over time to leave tighter ‘repair’ tissue to prolong the result. The threads are either smooth (mono) for improving skin texture or consist of barbs, cogs, anchors or screws to successfully reposition the tissue and enhance the results.

What a thread lift can treat

• Early loosening of the facial structures

• Jowls

• Sagging eyebrows

• Premature loosening of the neck skin

Will a PDO thread lift completely change my face or look unnatural?

Since the results are not as permanent as those of a surgical facelift, a PDO thread lift allows you to achieve a more natural enhancement of the face and neck, lifting the face by just a few millimeters to create a rejuvenated, youthful look that is still very much ‘you’. 

By stimulating the ongoing production of collagen over time, you can benefit from a subtle yet effective lift of the skin when you opt for a PDO thread lift, without completely altering your appearance in one drastic step. 

Who is a PDO thread lift best suited to?

The ideal candidates for PDO thread lifts are at a healthy and stable weight, range in age from their early thirties to mid-fifties and are concerned with mild to moderate skin sagging and wrinkles around the mouth, nose, chin, or jaw. 

You may not be the best candidate for a PDO thread lift if you have thin or excessively sagging skin. Although results will be more profound in this age bracket, PDO thread lifts can also be an effective treatment to surgery for those over the age of 55, who either don’t want to undergo surgery or can’t because of age-related conditions such as high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. 

Is a PDO thread lift painful?

While PDO thread lifts are minimally invasive, the procedure creates tiny skin injuries, so a local anesthetic is administered before treatment to ensure comfort.

Are there any side effects associated with a PDO thread lift?

PDO thread lifts are not associated with any serious side effects, though you may experience minor swelling and bruising that should subside within a few days. 

When will I see my final PDO thread lift results?

A PDO thread lift provides subtle improvements that are noticeable immediately, but most of the benefits are progressive, meaning they improve over time. After the threads are placed, and your natural collagen production increases enough in the treated areas, you will start seeing additional improvement.

Your face should look firmer, plump, smooth, and younger-looking within six months after treatment, with results lasting between two and three years.