PDO threads are sutures made of an absorbable material that are placed just beneath the surface of the skin. Once in place, the threads can lift sagging skin, plump areas that have begun to hollow, and smooth over fine lines and folds. The threads also stimulate the body’s production of rejuvenating collagen. Many patients use PDO threads as a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. Others use them to extend the results of a previous facelift. PDO Threads can also be used for an eyebrow lift called the fox eye lift or snatched eyebrows. Threads are a popular option for patients seeking facial rejuvenation, but they can also be used elsewhere on the body. They can be used to tighten loose skin on the stomach or lift crepey skin on the upper arm. They can also be used in the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

PDO threads are made of an absorbable suture material called polydioxanone (PDO). PDO threads have been safely used in medicine for more than 20 years to lift and tighten sagging facial skin. PDO sutures are commonly used in heart and orthopedic surgeries because of their strength and long-lasting qualities. The same PDO material used in these surgeries is used to make the facial threads.

PDO threads can lift facial and neck tissues when they have little barbs or harpoons attached to them. These tiny barbs and harpoons are also made of PDO material and help anchor the tissue. There are also PDO threads that don't have any barbs or harpoons and these are used to create volume and fill in deep lines such as etched-in permanent forehead lines. 

PDO threads are FDA approved. They are a safe alternative to surgical face lifts and neck lifts. They are minimally-invasive, which means no scars, lengthy downtime or general anesthesia. They also cost a lot less than plastic surgery. PDO threads support the skin and prevent sagging and premature wrinkles. Therefore, they can delay the need for surgical procedures. They also can increase the longevity of a previous facelift and necklift.

There are many types of PDO threads. There are ones that lift tissues by having little 'arms' along the length of the thread that pulls up the tissues under the skin, temporarily keeping it suspended. Several techniques can be used to achieve almost any degree of lift, from lifting eyebrows to lifting jowls and nasolabial folds.

There are other PDO threads without arms that are used to create volume and fill in wrinkles and etched-in permanent lines such as those on the forehead or in between the eyebrows or in the nasolabial folds. These are called volumizing "mono' threads. Mono threads can also be used for skin that has thinned out and lost its plump, youthful appearance. They work by stimulating your body to produce collagen in the dermis in the vicinity where they are placed. 

Collagen is the structural protein throughout the body that gives skin its strength and youthful texture. Collagen keeps the skin and underlying tissues, called the dermis, supple, resilient and firm. 

By increasing your natural collagen volume, PDO threads help smooth out uneven texture, reverse crepey looking skin, and create a scaffolding to bring back and maintain your tightened and toned, youthful appearance.

The placement of PDO threads is a simple, in-office treatment.  For most patients, the skin is immediately lifted by the placement of the threads. Your results will continue to improve over the next six weeks as your body responds by producing more collagen. By the time the threads dissolve in 6 to 9 months, a new lattice of collagen will have formed that will take the thread’s place in supporting the skin.

There is very little downtime associated with this easy and fast treatment. Most patients return immediately to their regular schedules. There may be some swelling and brusing that usually resolves in 1 to 2 weeks.

PDO threads are slowly dissolved by your body over 6 to 12 moinths, depending on the thickness of the thread used. To preserve your results, touch-ups are recommended every year or so, depending on the rate at which your body metabolizes the threads.

Yes. Many of our PDO thread patients opt to incorporate dermal fillers, Botox, PRP and other cosmetic services into their treatment plans. We can work with you to create a treatment plan that will help you turn back the clock and restore your youthful appearance.