PDO (polydioxanone) threads offer a minimally invasive medical aesthetic procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging skin while stimulating natural collagen production. This treatment provides a non-surgical alternative for facial and body rejuvenation, addressing concerns such as skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles.

What Are PDO Threads?

PDO threads are absorbable sutures made from polydioxanone, a biocompatible material widely used in medical surgery for decades. These threads are safely absorbed by the body over time, typically within 6-9 months, without leaving any residual material. The use of polydioxanone sutures for tissue approximation has been cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since 2004, with specific PDO thread devices later receiving FDA clearance for aesthetic indications such as facial lifting and contouring (Ref. 16).

Polydioxanone: The Science Behind the Threads

Polydioxanone is a synthetic polymer known for its high tensile strength and excellent tissue compatibility. When inserted into the skin, PDO threads create a controlled inflammatory response, which triggers the body’s natural healing process. This process involves the production of new collagen and elastin, essential proteins for maintaining skin structure, elasticity, and firmness. The gradual absorption of the threads ensures a sustained regenerative effect, leading to long-term improvements in skin quality and texture.

Types of PDO Threads: Smooth vs. Barbed

PDO threads are available in various forms, each designed for specific aesthetic goals:

Smooth Threads (Mono Threads): These fine, single threads are primarily used for collagen stimulation and skin tightening. They are strategically placed to create a mesh-like network under the skin, promoting neocollagenesis and improving overall skin texture, elasticity, and fine lines. Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa offers Collagen Building (PDO Smooth Threads) to enhance skin quality.
Barbed Threads (Cog Threads): These threads feature tiny barbs or cogs along their length, which grip the subcutaneous tissue. When inserted and gently pulled, barbed threads provide an immediate mechanical lift, repositioning sagging skin and creating a more contoured appearance. They are effective for lifting areas such as the brows, cheeks, jawline, and neck. Learn more about Thread Lifting (PDO Barbed Threads) at our center.

How PDO Threads Work for Skin Rejuvenation

PDO threads work through a dual mechanism: providing immediate physical support and initiating a biological response that improves skin quality over time.

Collagen Induction and Tissue Support

Upon insertion, barbed PDO threads physically lift and suspend sagging tissues, offering an immediate visible improvement. Simultaneously, both smooth and barbed threads stimulate fibroblasts, leading to the synthesis of new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This process, known as neocollagenesis, strengthens the skin’s internal structure, enhancing firmness and elasticity. The new collagen network continues to support the skin even after the threads have fully dissolved, contributing to sustained rejuvenation. This collagen-building effect is a key component of long-term anti-aging strategies.

Targeted Treatment Areas

PDO threads can effectively address skin laxity and improve contours in various areas of the face and body, including:

Face:
- Brows (brow lift)
- Cheeks (mid-face lift, volume restoration)
- Jawline (jowl lift, definition)
- Neck (neck lift, reduction of neck bands)
- Forehead & Temples (reduction of fine lines)
- Lips (lip border definition, subtle lift)
Body:
- Décolleté and Upper Chest (skin tightening)
- Buttocks (subtle lift, contouring, as seen in procedures like the Sculptra Butt Lift which can be complemented by threads)
- Hands (skin rejuvenation)

The PDO Thread Procedure: What to Expect

The PDO thread procedure is performed in-office and typically involves minimal downtime.

Consultation and Customization

A thorough consultation with a certified expert injector is the first step. During this session, your aesthetic goals, medical history, and skin condition will be assessed. The provider will determine if PDO threads are the appropriate treatment and develop a customized treatment plan, selecting the type and number of threads needed to achieve optimal, natural-looking results.

During the Procedure

The treatment area is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is applied to ensure comfort. Using a fine needle or cannula, the PDO threads are then carefully inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the skin. For barbed threads, the provider gently manipulates the skin to achieve the desired lift and contour. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treated area and the number of threads used.

Recovery and Results

Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the treated areas, which usually subsides within a few days to a week. Most individuals can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for a short period. Initial lifting effects are visible immediately, with progressive improvements in skin texture and firmness appearing over several weeks as new collagen develops. Results typically last 12 to 18 months, with individual outcomes varying. Maintenance treatments can extend the longevity of the aesthetic benefits.

Benefits of PDO Thread Lifts

PDO thread lifts offer several advantages for individuals seeking non-surgical rejuvenation:

Non-Surgical: Provides significant lifting and tightening without incisions, general anesthesia, or extensive downtime associated with surgical facelifts.
Natural-Looking Results: Enhances natural facial contours and restores a more youthful appearance without an “overdone” look.
Collagen Stimulation: Promotes the body’s natural collagen production, leading to long-term improvements in skin quality and elasticity.
Versatile Treatment: Effective for various areas of the face and body, addressing multiple signs of aging.
Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves minimal discomfort and a relatively quick recovery period.
Biocompatible and Absorbable: PDO threads are safely absorbed by the body, leaving no permanent foreign material.

Ideal Candidates for PDO Threads

Ideal candidates for PDO thread lifts are typically individuals experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity and sagging, who desire a noticeable lift and improved skin quality without undergoing surgery. This includes those with:

Mild to moderate jowls
Sagging brows
Crepey skin on the neck
Loss of volume and definition in the mid-face
Fine lines and wrinkles
Individuals seeking to enhance collagen production and improve skin texture.

A consultation with a certified expert injector is essential to determine if PDO threads are the most suitable treatment option for your specific concerns.

Safety and Efficacy of PDO Threads

PDO threads have a well-established safety profile due to the biocompatibility and absorbable nature of polydioxanone. The material has been used in medical sutures for decades, demonstrating its safety within the human body. When performed by experienced and certified providers, PDO thread procedures carry a low risk of complications. Common side effects are typically mild and temporary, including swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Serious complications are rare but can include infection, thread migration, or dimpling, underscoring the importance of choosing a highly skilled practitioner. The FDA’s clearance of PDO thread devices for aesthetic use further supports their safety and efficacy when used as directed (Ref. 16).

Why Choose Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa for PDO Threads

Choosing Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa for your PDO thread treatment ensures you receive care from a team of highly skilled and certified professionals under the direct supervision of a nationally recognized expert.

Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, founder and medical director, is a board-certified Family Medicine physician with over 25 years of experience in medicine and a distinguished subspecialty in non-surgical aesthetics and injectables (Ref. 3, 4, 8). As a national trainer for Allergan and an advisory board member for leading aesthetic companies (Ref. 8, 9, 10), Dr. Soleiman brings unparalleled expertise and a commitment to safety and natural-looking results to every procedure. Her artistic background in sculpting further enhances her ability to achieve proportional and harmonious outcomes.

At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, our certified expert injectors are meticulously trained by Dr. Soleiman herself, ensuring they utilize the latest, most advanced techniques for PDO thread placement. We prioritize a conservative methodology to avoid over-treatment, focusing on enhancing your natural beauty. Our patient-first philosophy includes advanced techniques to minimize pain and bruising, such as the use of rounded-tip cannulas, the smallest needles, topical numbing, and vibration devices.

As a Top 250 Allergan practice in the USA (top 1%), Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa is recognized for its excellence in patient care and commitment to medical aesthetics (Ref. 8). Our physician-led care model means Dr. Soleiman practices full-time at our Sherman Oaks location, directly supervising all treatments and ensuring the highest standards of safety and efficacy. We serve patients from across the San Fernando Valley and greater Los Angeles area, including Encino, Van Nuys, Studio City, Bel Air, Burbank, Glendale, Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica.

Experience the difference of expert-led, patient-focused care for your PDO thread lift. Contact us today for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PDO thread lift?

A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical medical aesthetic procedure that uses absorbable polydioxanone threads to lift and tighten sagging skin and stimulate natural collagen production. It provides a subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation without incisions.

How long do PDO thread results last?

The results of a PDO thread lift typically last between 12 to 18 months. The threads themselves are absorbed by the body within 6-9 months, but the collagen stimulation continues to provide benefits beyond that period. Individual results may vary.

Is the PDO thread procedure painful?

The procedure is generally well-tolerated. A local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area to minimize discomfort during thread insertion. Patients may experience mild pressure or a pulling sensation.

What is the downtime after a PDO thread lift?

Downtime is minimal. Patients may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness for a few days to a week. Most individuals can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, though strenuous exercise should be avoided for about two weeks.

Can PDO threads be combined with other treatments?

Yes, PDO threads can often be combined with other medical aesthetic treatments such as dermal fillers (Juvederm Fillers Family, Restylane Fillers Family), Botox, or microneedling to achieve more comprehensive rejuvenation. Your provider will recommend a personalized treatment plan.

Are PDO threads safe?

Yes, PDO threads are considered safe. They are made from polydioxanone, a biocompatible and absorbable material used in medical sutures for decades. The devices are FDA-cleared for aesthetic use, and when performed by certified expert injectors, the risk of complications is low.

How do PDO threads stimulate collagen?

When inserted into the skin, PDO threads create a controlled micro-injury, triggering the body’s natural wound-healing response. This process stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, which improves skin firmness, elasticity, and overall quality.

What is the difference between smooth and barbed PDO threads?

Smooth (mono) threads primarily focus on collagen stimulation and skin tightening, improving texture and fine lines. Barbed (cog) threads have tiny barbs that grip tissue, providing an immediate physical lift to reposition sagging skin and create contour.

Who is an ideal candidate for PDO threads?

Ideal candidates are individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity, sagging, or those seeking to improve skin texture and stimulate collagen without undergoing surgery. A consultation is necessary to determine suitability.

What areas can be treated with PDO threads?

PDO threads can treat various areas, including the brows, cheeks, jawline, neck, décolleté, and even subtle lifts in areas like the buttocks. They are versatile for both facial and body rejuvenation.

References:

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). K172036 – Mint PDO. (2017). [Link to FDA 510(k) clearance for specific PDO thread device for aesthetic use, if publicly available and relevant, or general statement about FDA clearance for absorbable sutures.] Note: Specific FDA 510(k) clearances for aesthetic PDO threads exist, such as Mint PDO (K172036, 2017) or NovaThreads (K162039, 2016). A general statement about FDA clearance for absorbable sutures and later for aesthetic devices is appropriate if a direct link to a specific 510(k) for the brand used is not readily available or desired.

PDO Threads: Non-Surgical Lifting and Collagen Stimulation