PDO threads: smooth and lifting threads for skin support

How it works

Polydioxanone (PDO) is the same material that has been used for decades in absorbable surgical sutures. Placed under the skin, the thread triggers a mild, controlled inflammatory reaction that stimulates collagen production around it. Over about six months, the body absorbs the thread, and the collagen formed remains.

The PDO threads used at the clinic are of two types:

• Smooth threads: thin, without barbs, placed in large numbers to form a mesh under the skin. They do not pull the tissues; the effect comes from collagen stimulation, which improves firmness, thickness and fine lines.
• Lifting threads: thicker, with small barbs along the thread that anchor to the tissues. Once inserted, they are adjusted to reposition and support areas such as the cheeks and jawline.

Indications

PDO threads are indicated for mild to moderate laxity and to improve skin quality, for people who want support without surgery. In cases of marked laxity with a large excess of skin, plastic surgery tends to be more appropriate.

• Facial skin laxityMild to moderate sagging of the cheeks and midface.
• Facial contour and double chinLoss of jawline definition and a sagging double chin.
• Volume loss and foldsNasolabial folds deepened by laxity.
• Wrinkles and expression linesFine lines of the glabella, eyelids and around the mouth.

Treated areas

What a session is like

The doctor marks the entry points and the path of each thread on the skin, according to the plan made at the appointment. After cleaning the skin and applying local anesthesia at the entry points, the threads are inserted with fine needles or cannulas. Lifting threads are adjusted at the end, and the excess ends are cut. No stitches are needed.

Recovery

In the first few days, swelling, small bruises at the entry points and tenderness are common, and, with lifting threads, a pulling sensation or small skin irregularities, which settle within one to two weeks.

Sessions and results

The number of sessions and the interval between them depend on the dermatologist's individual evaluation and on each patient's clinical concern. With lifting threads, some support is noticed right after the procedure; with smooth threads, the improvement is gradual, over two to three months, as collagen is produced. The effect usually lasts 12 to 18 months and varies from person to person.

Contraindications

PDO threads are not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, over infections or active skin inflammation, for people prone to keloids, or in cases of very marked laxity. Active autoimmune diseases, bleeding disorders, use of anticoagulants and permanent fillers in the area require case-by-case evaluation.

At the evaluation, the dermatologist reviews your health history, current medications and previous procedures to confirm the indication.