PDO Threads

PDO (Polydioxanone) Threads are basically the cosmetic version of resorbable sutures used in medical surgery (e.g. heart surgery) for about 40 years with an excellent safety profile. PDO Threads are bio-compatible, bio-degradable, inert and non-allergenic. Polydioxanone (PDO) is fully biodegraded by the body's enzymes into water and carbon dioxide within 6 - 12 months depending on type of PDO Thread after insertion and are naturally excreted from the body leaving new collagen in their place.

PDO Threads once inserted stimulate present fibroblasts and also increase the production of new fibroblasts, this increase of fibroblast activity improves the production of collagen and elastin which creates a greater support for sagging skin which in turn increases skin density, firmness and general skin quality. The maximum results peak 4 to 6 months following the insertion. PDO Threads are versatile and can be used anywhere on face, neck, décolletage or body.

 

Summary of benefits: 

Improves collagen and elastin synthesis.

Neovascularisation (= formation of new blood vessels) which improves blood micro-circulation.

Improves lymphatic drainage.

Lipolysis (mobilises fat depots)

 

There are many different types of PDO Threads mainly there are two categories:

  • PDO Smooth Threads for skin rejuvenation
  • PDO Lifting Threads for non-surgical lifting

During your consultation your practitioner will determine which threads to use for your individual treatment and a treatment appointment will made for earliest a week after. 

Contraindications
  • Not suitable for under 18s, pregnant, or breastfeeding women.
  • No history of skin cancer or active cancer treatment at treatment site.
  • No anticoagulation therapy or blood disorders (e.g., thrombocytopenia, severe coagulopathies).
  • No active skin infections or dermatological conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) at treatment site.
  • No severe metabolic or systemic disorders (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes).
  • No allergy to local anaesthetics (topical or injectable, e.g., lidocaine, articaine).
  • No known allergy to PDO thread materials (e.g., polydioxanone).
  • No history of keloid scarring.
  • No active systemic infections (e.g., hepatitis, HIV).
Pre-Treatment Advice
  • Avoid blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen), alcohol, supplements (e.g., fish oils, vitamins A–E) for 72 hours prior to minimize bruising.
  • No systemic steroids (e.g., prednisone) for 3 weeks prior.
  • No dental treatments, aesthetic treatments, or vaccines 2 weeks prior.
  • Avoid retinol or retinoid products (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) for 5 days prior to reduce skin irritation.
  • Ensure no active infections; consult a doctor if recent illness is suspected.
  • Arrive with a clean face, free of makeup or skincare products.
Post-Treatment Advice
  • Avoid massaging or manipulating treated areas for 2 weeks to prevent thread displacement.
  • Avoid heat (e.g., hot showers, saunas, sun, intense exercise) for 48 hours to minimize swelling/bruising.
  • No alcohol for 48 hours.
  • No aesthetic treatments, vaccines, or dental treatments for 2 weeks post-treatment.
  • Avoid retinol or retinoid products (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene) for 5 days post-treatment to support healing.
  • Avoid makeup for 24 hours; use gentle skincare (no acids, AHAs) for 48 hours.
  • Avoid strenuous facial movements (e.g., chewing gum, wide smiling) for 1 week.
  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily to protect treated areas.
  • Monitor for signs of infection (e.g., redness, swelling, pain) or thread protrusion; contact practitioner if present.

It is important to emphasise that results can vary depending on skin type, age, treatment area, possible previous treatments in the same area.

 

Follow up review with possible tweakment after 6 months post procedure is recommended and can contribute to prolonging the effect of the initial treatment to up to two years (patient dependent).

 

The actual price depends on treatment area and the quantity and type of PDO Threads used. 

PDO Smooth Threads (Skin Rejuvenation)

Rejuvenation PDO Threads are used when the main goal is to improve skin quality rather than lifting but strategically inserted they also provide a small amount of lift via skin tightening as well as contouring (e.g. areas Marionettes, Smokers Lines/'Barcode', Lip Flip...).

PDO Threads for skin rejuvenation include Mono, Multi, Screw and Multi Screw Threads in different length or gauge which are pre-loaded to needles.

PDO Lifting Threads

With the aging process the skin becomes more lax and sagging the results are jowls, deep nasolabial folds, Marionettes, turtle neck...PDO Lifting Threads have barbs or cogs with the aim of affixing the skin in a position to give the appearance of a minor facelift typically only a few centimetres. The facial appearance improves by new collagen regeneration (as described above) and repositioning (lifting). These PDO Threads are already pre-loaded to cannulas which are safer compared to sharp needles.