There’s something rather magical about PDO thread lifts that never fails to amaze both patients and practitioners alike. One moment you’re looking at areas of sagging or loose skin, and within an hour, you’re seeing a visibly lifted, more youthful appearance. It’s the kind of transformation that makes you do a double-take in the mirror—and yet, it’s achieved without a single surgical incision.
PDO (Polydioxanone) thread lifts represent one of the most exciting developments in non-surgical facial rejuvenation, offering immediate lifting results that continue to improve over time. At The London Cosmetic Clinic, we’ve watched this treatment evolve from a relatively niche procedure to one of our most requested treatments, and it’s easy to understand why.
The beauty of PDO threads lies not just in their immediate lifting effect, but in their ability to stimulate your body’s own collagen production, creating improvements that last well beyond the life of the threads themselves. It’s a treatment that works with your body’s natural healing processes to create results that look entirely natural—because, in essence, they are.
Understanding PDO Thread Technology
To appreciate how remarkable PDO thread lifts are, it helps to understand the science behind them. PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, a material that’s been used safely in surgery for decades. You might be surprised to learn that the same material used in PDO threads has been used for surgical sutures since the 1980s, giving us extensive data on its safety and biocompatibility.
What makes PDO threads special isn’t just the material itself, but how it’s been adapted for aesthetic use. These threads are incredibly fine—much thinner than a human hair—yet strong enough to provide significant lifting power. They’re designed to dissolve naturally in the body over 4-6 months, but the effects they create last much longer.
The magic happens through a process called neocollagenesis—the formation of new collagen. When PDO threads are placed in the skin, they create a controlled inflammatory response that stimulates fibroblasts (the cells responsible for collagen production) to spring into action. Over the following weeks and months, new collagen forms around the threads, creating a natural scaffolding that maintains the lift long after the threads themselves have dissolved.
This dual action—immediate mechanical lifting plus long-term collagen stimulation—is what sets PDO threads apart from other non-surgical lifting treatments. You get instant gratification with results that actually improve over time, rather than gradually diminishing.
Types of PDO Threads and Their Applications
Not all PDO threads are created equal, and understanding the different types available helps explain why this treatment can be so versatile. At The London Cosmetic Clinic, we use several different thread types, each designed for specific purposes and areas of the face.
Smooth Threads (Mono Threads)
Smooth threads are the simplest type of PDO thread, consisting of a single, smooth filament. These threads don’t provide mechanical lifting in the traditional sense, but they’re incredibly effective for skin tightening and texture improvement. When placed in a mesh-like pattern under the skin, they create a network that stimulates collagen production across a wide area.
Smooth threads are particularly effective for treating fine lines, improving skin texture, and creating overall skin tightening. They’re often used around the eyes, on the neck, and in areas where the goal is skin quality improvement rather than dramatic lifting.
The treatment with smooth threads feels remarkably gentle. Most patients describe it as similar to having acupuncture, with tiny pinpricks as the threads are inserted. The results develop gradually over several weeks as collagen production increases, creating smoother, firmer skin with improved elasticity.
Cog Threads (Barbed Threads)
Cog threads are where the real lifting magic happens. These threads feature tiny barbs or cogs along their length that catch onto the tissue and provide immediate mechanical lifting. When properly placed, cog threads can lift sagging skin, redefine facial contours, and restore youthful proportions to the face.
The barbs on cog threads are designed to grip the tissue gently but firmly, allowing the practitioner to physically lift and reposition sagging skin. This creates an immediate improvement that’s visible as soon as the treatment is complete. Over time, as collagen forms around the threads, this lift becomes even more natural and long-lasting.
Cog threads are particularly effective for treating jowls, sagging cheeks, drooping eyebrows, and neck laxity. They can create dramatic improvements in facial contours and are often used as an alternative to surgical facelifts for patients who want significant results without surgery.
Screw Threads (Tornado Threads)
Screw threads feature a twisted design that provides excellent volume restoration along with lifting. These threads are particularly effective for areas that have lost volume due to ageing, such as the cheeks, temples, and under-eye area.
The twisted design of screw threads allows them to grip tissue along their entire length, providing both lifting and volumising effects. They’re particularly useful for creating cheek definition, restoring temple volume, and improving the overall three-dimensional structure of the face.
Spring Threads
Spring threads are a newer innovation that combines the benefits of smooth and cog threads. They feature a spring-like structure that provides gentle, elastic lifting while stimulating extensive collagen production. These threads are particularly effective for areas that need both lifting and skin quality improvement.
Treatment Areas and Expected Results
PDO thread lifts are remarkably versatile, with different thread types and placement techniques allowing us to address virtually any area of concern on the face and neck. Understanding what’s possible in each area helps set realistic expectations and plan the most effective treatment approach.
Facial Lifting and Contouring
The face is where PDO threads truly shine, offering solutions for virtually every sign of facial ageing. Sagging cheeks, one of the most common concerns we see, respond beautifully to cog thread placement. By lifting the mid-face, we can restore youthful contours and reduce the appearance of nasolabial folds (smile lines) and marionette lines.
Jowls, those frustrating areas of sagging skin along the jawline, are another area where PDO threads excel. Strategic placement of cog threads can lift and tighten the jawline, creating a more defined and youthful appearance. The results are often so natural that people notice you look refreshed and rested, but can’t quite put their finger on what’s different.
The eyebrow area is particularly rewarding to treat with PDO threads. A subtle lift of the brow can open up the entire eye area, making you look more alert and youthful. This is especially beneficial for patients who feel their eyes look tired or hooded, but aren’t ready for surgical intervention.
Neck and Décolletage Treatment
The neck is an area that often betrays our age, developing horizontal lines, vertical bands, and general laxity that can be difficult to address with other non-surgical treatments. PDO threads offer an excellent solution for neck rejuvenation, with smooth threads improving skin texture and cog threads providing lifting for more significant laxity.
Neck treatments with PDO threads can address the dreaded “turkey neck” appearance, smooth horizontal neck lines, and improve the definition of the jawline. The treatment extends the benefits of facial lifting down to the neck, creating a harmonious and natural-looking result.
The décolletage area, often neglected in aesthetic treatments, can also benefit from PDO thread treatment. Smooth threads can improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of chest wrinkles, whilst providing overall skin tightening that creates a more youthful appearance.
Combination Treatments for Comprehensive Rejuvenation
One of the most exciting aspects of PDO thread treatments is their ability to be combined with other aesthetic procedures for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Threads work beautifully alongside dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections, and skin treatments to create results that are greater than the sum of their parts.
For example, combining PDO threads with dermal fillers allows us to address both structural support (with threads) and volume loss (with fillers). This combination can create remarkably natural-looking rejuvenation that addresses multiple signs of ageing simultaneously.
Similarly, combining thread treatments with anti-wrinkle injections can address both skin laxity and dynamic wrinkles, creating smooth, lifted, and naturally expressive results. The key is careful planning and timing to ensure all treatments work together harmoniously.
The Treatment Experience: What to Expect
Understanding what happens during a PDO thread treatment can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure you’re fully prepared for the experience. The good news is that most patients find the treatment much more comfortable than they expected, with many describing it as surprisingly relaxing.
Pre-Treatment Consultation and Planning
Your PDO thread journey begins with a detailed consultation where we assess your facial anatomy, discuss your concerns and goals, and develop a customised treatment plan. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment—every face is unique, and your thread placement will be specifically designed for your individual anatomy and desired outcomes.
During the consultation, we’ll examine your skin quality, degree of laxity, and facial proportions to determine the best thread types and placement patterns for your needs. We’ll also discuss your medical history, any medications you’re taking, and answer any questions you might have about the procedure.
Photography is an important part of the planning process, allowing us to document your starting point and plan the most effective thread placement. We’ll also show you before and after photos of previous patients with similar concerns to help you understand what results are possible.
Treatment Day Preparation
On the day of your treatment, we’ll begin with thorough cleansing of the treatment area and application of topical anaesthetic cream. This numbing cream is left on for 20-30 minutes to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Many patients are surprised by how comfortable the treatment is, even in sensitive areas.
We’ll then mark the planned thread placement on your skin, taking into account your facial anatomy and the specific lifting vectors needed to achieve your desired results. This marking process is crucial for ensuring optimal thread placement and natural-looking results.
The Treatment Process
The actual thread insertion process is remarkably quick and precise. Using fine needles or cannulas, the threads are inserted into the predetermined positions beneath the skin. Most patients describe the sensation as similar to having acupuncture—brief pinpricks followed by a feeling of gentle tugging as the threads are positioned.
For lifting threads, you’ll often feel the immediate effect as the threads are positioned and the tissue is lifted. Many patients are amazed to see the instant improvement, even before any swelling or bruising has had a chance to develop.
The entire treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the number of threads being placed and the areas being treated. Throughout the procedure, we’ll check your comfort level and adjust our technique as needed to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
Immediate Post-Treatment Care
Immediately after your PDO thread treatment, you’ll be able to see the lifting effect, although there may be some swelling and minor bruising that will settle over the following days. We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and arrange follow-up appointments to monitor your progress.
Most patients can return to work the same day or the next day, although we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise and facial massage for the first week to allow the threads to settle properly. Any swelling or bruising typically resolves within 3-7 days, revealing the full extent of your results.
Recovery and Results Timeline
One of the most appealing aspects of PDO thread treatments is the minimal downtime required, but understanding the recovery process and results timeline helps ensure the best possible outcome and manages expectations appropriately.
Immediate Results and Initial Healing
The lifting effect from PDO threads is visible immediately after treatment, although the full results become apparent as any initial swelling subsides. Most patients are delighted to see an instant improvement in their facial contours and skin tightness, even accounting for minor swelling.
During the first 24-48 hours, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or tenderness in the treated areas. This is completely normal and indicates that the threads are properly positioned and your body is beginning its natural healing response. Cold compresses can help minimise swelling, and any discomfort is typically mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Some patients notice a slight pulling sensation or feeling of tightness in the treated areas during the first few days. This is normal and indicates that the threads are properly anchored and providing the desired lifting effect. This sensation typically subsides within a week as the tissues adapt to their new position.
Week One to Four: Settling and Integration
During the first month after treatment, the threads begin to integrate with your natural tissues, and any initial swelling completely resolves. This is when you’ll start to see the true results of your treatment, with lifted contours and improved skin quality becoming increasingly apparent.
It’s important to follow aftercare instructions during this period, avoiding excessive facial movements, sleeping on your back when possible, and avoiding facial massage or aggressive skincare treatments. These precautions help ensure the threads settle in their optimal position and provide the best possible results.
Many patients notice that their results actually improve during this period as the tissues adapt to their new position and any minor asymmetries resolve. The lifting effect becomes more natural-looking as the treated areas settle into their new contours.
Months Two to Six: Collagen Stimulation
The second phase of PDO thread results occurs as the threads stimulate collagen production in the treated areas. This neocollagenesis process creates additional skin tightening and improvement in skin quality that enhances and prolongs the initial lifting effect.
During this period, many patients notice continued improvement in their results, with skin becoming firmer, smoother, and more youthful-looking. Fine lines may soften, skin texture improves, and the overall quality of the skin in treated areas continues to enhance.
This collagen stimulation effect is what makes PDO thread results so long-lasting. Even as the threads themselves dissolve (typically over 4-6 months), the new collagen they’ve stimulated continues to provide structural support and skin improvement.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
PDO thread results typically last 12-18 months, with some patients seeing benefits for up to two years. The longevity of results depends on various factors including your age, skin quality, lifestyle factors, and the number of threads used.
Many patients choose to have maintenance treatments every 12-18 months to maintain their results and continue stimulating collagen production. These maintenance sessions often require fewer threads than the initial treatment and can help preserve the improvements achieved.
The beauty of PDO threads is that they can be repeated safely, and many patients find that their skin quality continues to improve with subsequent treatments as collagen production is repeatedly stimulated.
Combining PDO Threads with Other Treatments
PDO threads work beautifully as part of a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan, and combining them with other treatments can create results that are truly transformative. Understanding how different treatments complement each other helps create the most effective and natural-looking outcomes.
PDO Threads and Dermal Fillers
The combination of PDO threads and dermal fillers is particularly powerful, addressing both structural support and volume loss simultaneously. Threads provide lifting and skin tightening, whilst fillers restore lost volume and smooth specific lines and wrinkles.
This combination is especially effective for comprehensive facial rejuvenation, where multiple signs of ageing need to be addressed. For example, threads can lift sagging cheeks whilst fillers restore volume to the temples and under-eye area, creating a harmonious and natural-looking result.
The timing of combination treatments is important. Generally, we recommend placing threads first, allowing them to settle for 2-4 weeks, then adding fillers to enhance and refine the results. This approach ensures optimal placement of both treatments and the most natural-looking outcome.
PDO Threads and Anti-Wrinkle Injections
Combining PDO threads with anti-wrinkle injections addresses both skin laxity and dynamic wrinkles, creating smooth, lifted, and naturally expressive results. This combination is particularly effective for comprehensive facial rejuvenation in patients with multiple concerns.
Anti-wrinkle injections can be administered before or after thread placement, depending on the specific treatment plan. When combined thoughtfully, these treatments complement each other beautifully, with threads providing structural support and anti-wrinkle injections smoothing expression lines.
PDO Threads and Skin Treatments
Skin treatments such as chemical peels, microneedling, or laser therapy can enhance the results of PDO threads by improving skin texture and quality. These treatments work synergistically with the collagen-stimulating effects of PDO threads to create comprehensive skin improvement.
The timing of skin treatments in relation to PDO threads is important. Generally, we recommend completing any aggressive skin treatments before thread placement, then using gentler maintenance treatments to enhance and preserve results.
Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects
PDO thread treatments have an excellent safety profile when performed by qualified practitioners, but understanding potential side effects and contraindications is important for making an informed decision about treatment.
Common Side Effects and Management
The most common side effects of PDO thread treatments are mild and temporary, typically resolving within a few days to a week. Swelling and bruising are the most frequent side effects, occurring in most patients to some degree. These can be minimised with proper pre-treatment preparation and post-treatment care.
Some patients experience temporary tenderness or a pulling sensation in the treated areas. This is normal and indicates that the threads are properly positioned and providing the desired lifting effect. Any discomfort is typically mild and easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Temporary dimpling or puckering of the skin can occasionally occur, particularly in areas where the skin is very thin. This typically resolves within a few days as the tissues adapt to the thread placement. Gentle massage may help smooth any minor irregularities.
Rare Complications and Prevention
Serious complications from PDO thread treatments are rare when performed by experienced practitioners using proper technique and sterile conditions. Infection is extremely rare but can be prevented through proper sterile technique and appropriate aftercare.
Thread migration or extrusion is another rare complication that can occur if threads are placed too superficially or if aftercare instructions aren’t followed properly. This is why it’s crucial to choose an experienced practitioner and follow all post-treatment guidelines.
Asymmetry can occasionally occur, particularly if there are differences in tissue response between the two sides of the face. Minor asymmetries often resolve as the tissues settle, but significant asymmetries may require adjustment or additional treatment.
Contraindications and Candidacy
While most people are good candidates for PDO thread treatments, there are some contraindications to consider. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications, as are certain autoimmune conditions and bleeding disorders.
Active skin infections or inflammation in the treatment area require treatment to be postponed until the condition resolves. Patients taking blood-thinning medications may have an increased risk of bruising and should discuss this with their practitioner.
Unrealistic expectations can also be a contraindication. While PDO threads can achieve remarkable results, they cannot replicate the dramatic changes possible with surgical procedures, nor can they address severe skin laxity or very advanced signs of ageing.
Choosing the Right Practitioner
The success of your PDO thread treatment depends heavily on the skill and experience of your practitioner. Understanding what to look for in a qualified provider can help ensure the best possible results and minimise the risk of complications.
Qualifications and Training
PDO thread treatments should only be performed by qualified medical professionals with specific training in thread lift techniques. Look for practitioners who are doctors, nurses, or other healthcare professionals with appropriate aesthetic medicine qualifications.
Specific training in PDO thread techniques is crucial, as proper thread placement requires detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and understanding of how different thread types and placement patterns achieve different results. Ask about your practitioner’s training and experience with thread treatments.
Experience and Results
Experience matters significantly with PDO thread treatments. Look for practitioners who perform thread treatments regularly and can show you before and after photos of their work. The best practitioners will have extensive portfolios demonstrating natural-looking results across different patient types and concerns.
Don’t be afraid to ask about your practitioner’s experience with thread treatments, including how many procedures they’ve performed and how long they’ve been offering this treatment. Experienced practitioners will be happy to discuss their background and show examples of their work.
Consultation Quality and Communication
A thorough consultation is essential for successful PDO thread treatment. Your practitioner should take time to understand your concerns and goals, examine your facial anatomy carefully, and explain the treatment process and expected results in detail.
Good communication is crucial throughout the treatment process. Your practitioner should be available to answer questions, provide detailed aftercare instructions, and offer appropriate follow-up care. They should also be honest about what results are realistic and whether you’re a good candidate for treatment.
The Future of PDO Thread Technology
PDO thread technology continues to evolve, with new thread designs and techniques constantly being developed. Understanding these developments can help you make informed decisions about current and future treatment options.
Advances in Thread Design
New thread designs are constantly being developed to improve results and expand treatment options. Recent innovations include threads with enhanced barb designs for better tissue grip, biodegradable threads with longer dissolution times, and combination threads that provide multiple benefits in a single treatment.
These advances are making PDO thread treatments more effective and versatile, allowing practitioners to achieve better results with fewer threads and shorter treatment times. They’re also expanding the range of concerns that can be addressed with thread treatments.
Improved Techniques and Training
As PDO thread treatments become more popular, training and techniques continue to improve. New placement methods and combination approaches are being developed that enhance results and reduce the risk of complications.
These improvements in technique are making PDO thread treatments more predictable and effective, with better results and higher patient satisfaction rates. They’re also making the treatments more accessible to a wider range of patients with different concerns and anatomy types.
Integration with Other Technologies
The future of PDO threads likely lies in their integration with other aesthetic technologies. Combination treatments that use threads alongside energy-based devices, injectables, and other modalities are being developed to create comprehensive rejuvenation protocols.
These integrated approaches promise to deliver even better results by addressing multiple aspects of facial ageing simultaneously, creating more natural and long-lasting improvements than any single treatment could achieve alone.
Making Your Decision
If you’re considering PDO thread treatment, the key is finding a qualified practitioner who can assess your individual needs and create a treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals.
Preparing for Your Consultation
Before your consultation, take time to think about your specific concerns and what you hope to achieve with treatment. Consider which areas bother you most and what kind of improvement you’re looking for. Realistic expectations are crucial for satisfaction with your results.
Research the treatment and prepare questions about the procedure, expected results, potential side effects, and aftercare requirements. The more informed you are, the more productive your consultation will be and the better equipped you’ll be to make an informed decision.
Questions to Ask Your Practitioner
During your consultation, ask detailed questions about your practitioner’s experience with PDO threads, the specific techniques they use, and what results you can realistically expect. Ask to see before and after photos of previous patients with similar concerns.
Discuss the treatment process, including what to expect during and after the procedure, potential side effects, and aftercare requirements. Make sure you understand all costs involved and any follow-up treatments that might be recommended.
Taking the Next Step
PDO thread treatments can provide remarkable improvements in facial contours and skin quality, offering a non-surgical solution for many signs of ageing. If you’re ready to explore this innovative treatment option, we’re here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals safely and effectively.
The key to successful PDO thread treatment is choosing an experienced practitioner who understands facial anatomy and can create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. With proper planning and execution, PDO threads can provide natural-looking results that enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
Interested in learning more about PDO thread lifts? Contact The London Cosmetic Clinic today to schedule your consultation.
Our experienced team will assess your individual needs and create a personalised treatment plan to help you achieve your aesthetic goals with this innovative non-surgical lifting technique.
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