PDO threading (also called a PDO thread lift or thread lift) is a minimally invasive aesthetic procedure designed to lift mild-to-moderate sagging skin and improve skin texture by triggering new collagen formation. The threads are made from polydioxanone (PDO)—a material long used in absorbable surgical sutures.
If you’re researching PDO threading for your clinic website or patient education, this guide covers: what it is, how it works, benefits, ideal candidates, the step-by-step procedure, recovery, risks, results timeline, and FAQs—written in an SEO structure that can rank well when paired with good on-page optimization and internal linking.
Safety note: This blog is educational only. PDO threading should be performed by a qualified medical professional after an in-person assessment.
What Is PDO Threading?
PDO threading is a cosmetic procedure in which a trained provider inserts absorbable PDO threads beneath the skin using a needle or cannula. The threads can create:
- Immediate support/lift (especially with barbed “cog” threads)
- Gradual tightening and improved skin quality through collagen stimulation as the body responds to the threads
PDO itself is well-known in medicine as an absorbable suture material (regulatory definitions describe polydioxanone sutures as absorbable monofilament threads intended for soft tissue approximation).
How PDO Thread Lift Works: The Science Behind the Lift
PDO threading works through a combination of mechanical repositioning and biological remodeling:
- Mechanical lift: Barbed threads “anchor” into tissue and allow the provider to reposition lax skin (jawline, cheeks, brows).
- Collagen response: The thread acts as a stimulus that encourages the body to build collagen around the thread track, gradually improving firmness and elasticity. Cleveland Clinic describes thread lifts as stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity over time.
The scientific literature includes multiple reviews discussing materials, methods, and outcomes of thread lifting (including PDO), while also noting variability in techniques and the need for proper training and patient selection.
PDO Threads Types: Mono vs Cog vs Screw Threads
Most PDO threading treatments use one (or a combination) of these thread types:
1) Mono Threads (Smooth Threads)
- Primary goal: collagen stimulation + skin tightening
- Best for: fine lines, crepey texture, mild laxity (cheeks, neck)
2) Cog Threads (Barbed Threads)
- Primary goal: lifting + tightening
- Best for: jawline definition, mild jowls, cheek lift, brow lift
3) Screw/Tornado Threads (Coiled Threads)
- Primary goal: mild volumizing + collagen
- Best for: subtle hollow areas and skin quality improvement
A 2024 review discusses thread lifting materials and how different thread designs are used in aesthetic procedures.
Benefits of PDO Threading
PDO threading is popular because it can offer:
- Non-surgical lifting for early signs of sagging
- Improved skin texture and firmness over weeks (collagen response)
- Minimal downtime compared with surgery
- Quick in-clinic procedure for many patients
- Option to combine with other treatments (toxins/fillers/skin boosters), depending on your provider’s plan
Cleveland Clinic highlights that thread lifts are generally low risk, recovery is quick, and collagen stimulation is a key benefit.
Best Areas for PDO Thread Lift
PDO threading is most commonly used for:
- Jawline / jowls
- Cheeks / mid-face
- Nasolabial folds (selected cases)
- Marionette lines (selected cases)
- Eyebrow/temple lift
- Neck tightening (mild laxity)
Results are best when laxity is mild-to-moderate. Severe sagging typically responds better to surgical lifting.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PDO Threading?
You may be a good candidate if you have:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- Early jowls or mild jawline blur
- Mild cheek descent
- Desire for subtle lift and better skin quality without surgery
- Realistic expectations
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes thread lifts are often used for early aging signs and emphasizes informed consent regarding outcomes and risks.
PDO Thread Lift Procedure: Step-by-Step
Here’s what most patients can expect:
Step 1: Consultation & Facial Assessment
A provider evaluates:
- skin thickness and laxity
- facial symmetry
- best lift direction (“vector”)
- thread type and number required
Step 2: Preparation & Numbing
- cleansing + markings
- topical/local anesthesia to reduce discomfort
Step 3: Thread Placement
Threads are inserted beneath the skin using:
- a fine needle or cannula
- careful placement along planned vectors
- tightening/anchoring for cog threads
Step 4: Finishing
- threads are trimmed (no thread should hang outside)
- the provider checks symmetry and tension
Cleveland Clinic describes thread lifts as minimally invasive and typically quick with relatively fast recovery.
PDO Thread Lift Recovery and Aftercare
Common short-term effects
- swelling
- bruising
- tenderness
- mild puckering or dimpling (often temporary)
Aftercare tips (typical guidance)
- Sleep on your back for several nights
- Avoid heavy exercise for ~1 week (or as advised)
- Avoid facial massage/facials for ~2 weeks
- Minimize wide mouth opening and very hard chewing for a few days
- Follow your provider’s cleaning and medication instructions
(Exact aftercare varies by technique and the number of threads used.)
PDO Threading Results Timeline: When You See “Before and After”
Immediately (Day 0–7)
- Some instant lift, especially with cog threads
- Swelling can temporarily make results look stronger
Weeks 2–6
- Swelling settles
- Tightening becomes more noticeable
Weeks 6–12
- Collagen remodeling becomes more visible in skin firmness/texture (a key mechanism described in clinical sources).
How long do PDO thread lift results last?
Results vary by:
- thread type (mono vs cog)
- number of threads
- age and collagen capacity
- lifestyle (smoking, sun exposure)
- provider skill and technique
Many practices quote months to 1–2 years depending on these factors, but outcomes are variable and are a major reason patient selection matters. Reviews emphasize technique variability and complication awareness.
Risks, Side Effects, and Complications of PDO Thread Lift
PDO threading is often described as low-risk, but complications can happen—especially with poor technique or inappropriate candidates.
Possible risks include
- infection
- thread extrusion (thread becoming visible or poking out)
- persistent pain
- asymmetry
- bruising/swelling
- unfavorable cosmetic outcome
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists these potential risks on their thread lift safety page.
A peer-reviewed article on complications (thread lift types broadly) discusses issues such as dimpling/pinching, hematoma, asymmetry, and palpability depending on thread type.
PDO Thread Lift vs Fillers vs Botox vs Facelift
Botox
- Best for: expression lines (forehead, crow’s feet)
- Doesn’t lift sagging tissue—relaxes muscle activity.
Fillers
- Best for: volume loss (cheeks, temples, under-eye in select cases)
- Can create lift indirectly by restoring structure.
PDO Threading
- Best for: mild-moderate sagging + skin tightening
- Provides some repositioning plus collagen stimulation.
Surgical facelift
- Best for: significant sagging
- Most dramatic and longest-lasting, but involves downtime and surgical risks.
How to Choose the Right Provider
To improve both safety and aesthetics:
- Choose a qualified dermatologist/plastic surgeon/aesthetic physician with thread-lift experience
- Ask how they manage complications like dimpling or extrusion
- Ask what thread types/brands they use
- Review real patient cases (similar age/concerns)
- Avoid “too cheap” offers—technique matters significantly (and poor technique increases complications)
ASPS emphasizes that risks and outcomes should be discussed as part of informed consent with your surgeon.
FAQ: PDO Threading
Is PDO threading safe?
It is widely performed and generally considered low-risk, but complications can occur (infection, extrusion, unfavorable result).
Do PDO threads really stimulate collagen?
Yes—collagen stimulation is a commonly cited mechanism for thread lifts, including in major patient-education resources and multiple reviews.
How long does a PDO thread lift take?
Many treatments are completed in under an hour, depending on the number of threads and areas treated (varies by clinic and technique).
What are the most common side effects?
Bruising, swelling, tenderness, and temporary irregularities can occur; complication risk depends on thread type and technique.