Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are synthetic bio-absorbable surgical sutures that are placed under the skin to treat aging, sagging tissue. PDO sutures have been used in cardiothoracic surgery for decades and are one of the safest implantable medical devices on the market. There are two types of threads: barbed and smooth threads. Barbed threads contain tiny barbs in a 360° pattern which grip the skin and provide strong anchoring and support to facial tissue when lifting and repositioning loose skin. Smooth threads are smooth! They are best used on crepey, wrinkled skin as they help induce collagen production which will then soften the appearance of these areas.

Clinical studies have proven PDO threads improve facial laxity by lifting the tissue in an upward vector. As polydioxanone is biodegradable, your body will break down these threads over a period of 4-6 months. This will then stimulate collagen production, a process called “neo-collagenesis,” which aides in the anti-aging process for the following year.

When used cosmetically, PDO smooth threads help tighten and smooth the skin by boosting collagen production and making one’s face look more youthful and rejuvenated. PDO smooth threads are dissolvable sutures that are extremely thin (the size of a strand of hair) and made of a neutral substance that’s very inert to our bodies. It’s the same material that has been used for stitching wounds for decades. When doctors noticed the improvement in skin texture, collagen, and firmness after a sutured cut had healed, the novel idea came about to load this suture thread onto a needle to help place it under the skin, specifically for skin improvement. This procedure worked so well that PDO threads are now one of the most popular procedures for skin enhancement.

PDO Threads are hypodermic needles preloaded with a synthetic PDO absorbable suture. PDO (polydioxanone) sutures are surgical sutures that are used to perform cardiac surgery. All sutures are FDA-approved and PDO sutures are one of the safest materials that can be used in the body. Your skin will fully absorb the threads within 4 to 6 months without leaving any scar tissue.

A Thread Lift treatment is one the most effective ways to non-surgically lift loose skin. As we age, the effects of gravity become more noticeable on our faces, especially as our facial support structure weakens and we lose facial fat. Not only can we use these threads on facial features, but we can use threads in almost any area of the body that needs lifting and collagen building.

Each appointment will begin with a consultation (if you have not already had one), in order to map out your treatment area and concerns. We will then topically and/or subcutaneously numb the treatment area. After numbing, the treatment can take anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes depending on how many threads you are receiving.

After treatment, you may be bruised and/or swollen, however we will provide you with aftercare instructions in order to ensure you get the best results possible.

You may be swollen and/or bruised post-threads treatment (this can be increased or decreased depending on if you do smoothing or suture). You may also feel some tugging and soreness as you move in the treated area. This will subside and diminish over time; it usually takes 2 weeks.

You should also avoid exercise for the next 2 weeks - this is specifically for strenuous exercise like HIIT, Cycling, Running, Yoga, and Crossfit. You will also need to avoid a hot bath, saunas, and hot tubs for 5-7 days post-treatment.

More aftercare instructions will be provided to you

Avoid blood thinning products 3 days prior to treatment if possible

Avoid alcohol for 5-7 days prior to your treatment

Avoid smoking 2 days prior to your treatment

Do not schedule any dental cleanings or procedures 2 weeks prior to your treatment

You are not a candidate for threads if you have the following:

pregnant or breastfeeding

allergic to PLLA or any of the thread material

have an acute illness, have recently been sick, or received a COVID-19 vaccine/booster in the last 2 weeks

have a bleeding disorder

have an autoimmune disorder

have a history of Keloid or Hypertrophic scarring

It is difficult to generalize the number of threads needed to achieve a desired aesthetic outcome as no two faces are the same. The number of threads you will need will be best determined in a complimentary consultation.

The PDO threads dissolve after 4 to 6 months, but their effects can last up to two years, thanks to the production of collagen.

PDO thread cost varies depending on the area(s) treated. We are happy to discuss the cost during your free consultation.

The results from PDO Thread Lifts are instant. Once the threads are inserted into your skin, there will be some visible lifting around the area. As the threads induce collagen production in the treated area, you’ll notice more structure, plumping, and hydration within three months after the procedure, with results peaking around six months. Patients can enjoy their PDO Thread Lift results for up to two years.