PDO threads

Quick answer

PDO (polydioxanone) threads are absorbable sutures placed just under the skin through a fine needle or cannula. They provide immediate mechanical support to lax tissue and gradually stimulate the body’s own collagen as the threads dissolve. Treatment is typically brief, done under local anesthetic, with most people returning to everyday activities the same or next day.

What a PDO thread lift is

PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, a material that has been used safely in surgery for many years and is fully absorbed by the body over time. In an aesthetic setting, the threads are introduced beneath the skin to reposition and support tissue that has begun to relax with age. Different thread types serve different purposes: smooth threads mainly encourage collagen, while barbed (cog) threads grip the tissue to create a lifting effect.

Areas commonly treated

• Cheeks and mid-face
• Jawline and jowls
• Brow and upper face
• Neck and under the chin
• Nasolabial folds and marionette lines

How the process works

Treatment begins with a consultation to review your goals, skin condition, and medical history. On the day of the procedure, the area is cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic. The threads are then placed through a fine needle or cannula and gently adjusted to lift and support the tissue. The visible ends are trimmed, and the appointment is usually completed within about an hour depending on the number of areas treated.

What to expect and recovery

You may notice an immediate lifting effect, which continues to refine over the following weeks as collagen forms around the threads. Mild swelling, bruising, tightness, or tenderness at the insertion points is common and generally settles within a few days to a couple of weeks. Most people return to routine activities quickly, though strenuous exercise, facial massage, and dental work are usually limited for a short period. Because the threads gradually dissolve, results are temporary and can be maintained with repeat treatment over time.

Who it may suit

A PDO thread lift may be considered by adults with mild to moderate skin laxity who prefer a less invasive alternative to surgery. It is not a replacement for a surgical facelift and is best suited to earlier signs of sagging. Suitability is determined during an individual consultation, where a clinician can discuss whether this approach fits your goals and health profile.

Common questions

How long do PDO thread lift results last?

The threads themselves typically dissolve over several months, while the collagen response can extend the visible effect. Results are individual and temporary; many people consider maintenance treatment to sustain the appearance over time.

Is a PDO thread lift painful?

The area is numbed with a local anesthetic beforehand, so most people report only mild pressure or tugging during the procedure. Some tenderness afterward is normal and usually eases within a few days.

How much downtime is involved?

Downtime is generally minimal. Temporary swelling or bruising may be visible for a few days, and you will be asked to avoid strenuous activity and heavy facial movement for a short time while the area settles.

Is it a substitute for a facelift?

No. A thread lift is a non-surgical option for mild to moderate laxity and offers subtler, temporary results. Your clinician can help you understand what is realistic for your concerns during a consultation.

Medically informed care

Cosmetic care at Charming Skin & Vein Clinics is provided under the direction of Dr. Abboud, who brings more than 20 years of medical experience and completed residency training at Cook County / John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, a long-established absorbable surgical material. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person consultation.

Request a Consultation or call 630-974-1400.