PDO Threads

PDO threads are a non-surgical aesthetic treatment designed to lift and firm sagging skin, creating a refreshed and more youthful appearance without the need for surgery. From a patient’s point of view, it is a minimally invasive procedure in which fine, dissolvable threads made from polydioxanone (PDO) are carefully placed beneath the skin using very fine needles. These threads act as a supportive framework, gently lifting the tissues while also stimulating the body’s natural collagen production, which gradually improves skin firmness and texture.

The procedure usually takes less than an hour to perform and involves minimal downtime when compared with a surgical facelift. Results are often visible immediately, with further improvement developing over the following weeks as collagen levels increase. PDO threads are an excellent option for those seeking subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation, particularly in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, neck and brows, without undergoing surgery.

PDO threads are available in different forms, with the two most commonly used being smooth threads and cog threads, each serving a slightly different purpose.

Smooth PDO threads are primarily used to improve skin quality rather than to lift. They help stimulate collagen production and create a gradual tightening effect over time. These threads are usually placed in a fine, mesh-like pattern beneath the skin, making them ideal for areas that require overall firming, such as around the eyes, cheeks or neck. The results are subtle and develop progressively as the body forms new collagen around the threads.

PDO cog threads, by contrast, are a more advanced type of thread and feature tiny barbs along their length. These barbs anchor into the deeper layers of the skin, allowing the practitioner to gently lift and reposition sagging tissue. Cog threads are typically used in areas that need greater support or a more noticeable lifting effect, such as the jawline, jowls or mid-face. While both types of thread encourage collagen production, cog threads offer the added benefit of an immediate lift alongside longer-term tightening.