Polydioxanone threads (also called PDO smooth & lift threads) are FDA approved medical-grade sutures that are made from a single filament which is no wider than a strand of human hair. The monofilament nature of the threads makes them very gentle on the skin and reduces the risk of any post-treatment infection or scarring. They are extremely soft sutures that come in multiple braid types and each type of braid can be used for a different part of the face and neck.
There are two major types of PDO threads – barbed threads and non-barbed threads. Barbed threads contain microscopic barb-like projections on the surface, which sink into the skin, assist with the lifting, and provide support to the dermal tissues. They are used in the regions of the face which show severe signs of aging and require extensive lifting. Non-barbed threads are used in places where lifting is mild.
PDO threads are extremely skin-friendly, having been designed specifically for cosmetic treatments. There are no toxins in the PDO threads and research has shown that the threads contain ingredients that can soothe and relax the muscles where they are embedded. They stay in the place where they were embedded for a few months, before dissolving. This ensures you don’t need to get them removed later.
Overall, it may take 4 to 5 months for the threads to be absorbed fully. Their lifting and smoothing effect remains for a few more weeks after absorption. This feature of the PDO threads makes them ideal for facelifts. You only need to get the thread lift once, to experience a complete facelift for the next 5 to 6 months, maybe longer if you use the right skincare routine.