PDO Thread Lifts

What you need to know about thread lifts?

PDO threads have rapidly become a popular minimally invasive alternative to surgical facelift procedures and have given rise to the emerging cat eye, V-line, and snatched jawline trends. 

This revolutionary technology allows instant yet profound results while minimizing pain & trauma – allowing you to benefit from a shorter recovery time and providing an alternative for those who may not be ready for surgery or request a non-surgical face lift. 

What is a PDO thread lift?

PDO Thread is an absorbable polydioxanone (PDO) barbed suture indicated for use in soft tissue approximation. With a decade worth of safety track record in surgery, PDO is a safe raw material that has been used for orthopaedic and cardiovascular surgery for wound closure. As a safe raw material that is completely absorbed by the body through hydrolysis, PDO causes minimal tissue reaction and tissue trauma.

PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require general anaesthesia nor big incisions. There are tiny barbs strategically placed all around the thread. Once the threads are placed into the skin, the barbs anchor onto sagging skin, and the thread can be manoeuvred to achieve a naturally youthful and defined look. 

Not only can it improve the appearance of sagging skin, PDO can also help promote the stimulation of collagen and neovascularization, which helps to improve skin elasticity, texture, fine lines, and volume for a timeless rejuvenation.

In other words, this process provides ongoing and progressive rejuvenation for the facial tissues. 


If you have a thread lift for the purpose of stimulating collagen, you will notice a gradual improvement in their skin’s tone and firmness. While the threads are in place, the body’s healing response will be constantly activated because the body will want to “heal” the sutured areas and expel the sutures. The body is biologically programmed to react this way when it senses any foreign object present within the dermis. Fortunately, because the threads placed under the skin during a thread lift are so small, the patient will not feel any of this happening. Most people cannot feel their sutures at all once the skin has healed around them.

PDO thread lift

How Long Does a PDO Thread Lift Last?

You’re probably wondering about the results that can be achieved with a thread lift. One of the great things about this treatment is that it offers some immediate lifting and support for the skin while also spurring long-term renewal through added collagen production.

That means you’ll notice some initial firming right away, with your results fully developing with six months. Results vary from patient to patient, but most enjoy their new look for as long as 18 months.

Which type of PDO Thread do I need?

PDO thread lifts come in a variety of textures. There are three main textures of PDO sutures: mono, cog, and screw threads. Mono threads are singular, smooth sutures that are anchored to the face that provide a small lift to the face. 

Cog threads have a barbed texture that provide better lift and increased collagen production. 

Screw threads have 1-2 intertwined threads which provide volume to the treated area. 

For patients who only desire skin tightening and rejuvenation, mono threads may be sufficient. Patients who desire more lifting and volume will better benefit from textured cog or screw threads.

What are the side effects of PDO Thread lift?

The common side effects of the treatment are swelling, bruising which usually resolves in a few days and slight bleeding.   Infection is always a possibility but its likelihood can be minimised by aseptic conditions and correct technique. 

Migration of threads can occur due to poor insertion and is more common if uni or bi-directional threads are used.  The latest multidirectional 3D cog threads do not migrate.

There may be visible protrusion of small mono or spiral threads from the skin and this can be resolved by cutting the thread back.  This can be seen sometimes up to a few days after insertion.

How old you are is your business...How young you look is our business...

KARINA DIAZ GALVAO