PDO Smooth Thread
PDO smooth threads are an innovative, minimally invasive treatment designed to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. Made from polydioxanone, these threads are strategically inserted into the skin, where they dissolve over time, promoting natural collagen synthesis. This process helps to restore skin firmness and elasticity, resulting in a smoother and more youthful appearance. The effects of PDO smooth threads typically last between 12 to 18 months, making it a long-lasting solution for those seeking non-surgical skin rejuvenation. Ideal candidates for this treatment include individuals looking to address fine lines, wrinkles, and mild skin laxity, and those desiring a subtle lift without undergoing invasive procedures.
What are PDO threads?
PDO, or polydioxanone, is a biocompatible product commonly used in surgery as an absorbable suture.
PDO are not permanent when placed under the skin and will be reabsorbed over about 4 to 8 months.
PDO sutures eventually are broken down in the body ultimately ending up as water and carbon dioxide.
There are two (2) basic types of PDO threads – monos (smooth threads) and cogs (barbed sutures).
Monofilament threads (monos or smooth threads) are thin lengths of PDO that are preloaded onto a thin needle which are inserted into the skin. The needle can hold single flat threads, threads wound in a spiral (screw, twisted, tornado) or multiple threads braided together (mesh). The more PDO material in the thread, the more collagenesis is created and biostimulation expected. Mono threads are usually completely absorbed within 4-6 months.
'Cog (barbed) threads are thicker lengths of PDO that are loaded onto a cannula which is then inserted into the skin. These threads have little cogs or barbs which will engage the skin and can lift up sagging skin in different areas of the face and body (cheek, jowl, arms, knees, or brow etc.) when the thread is pulled upwards. As they are stronger than mono threads, cogs (barbed threads) can obtain more lifting and contouring. Cog threads are also fully absorbed between 6-9 months.
How do PDO Threads work?
PDO, or polydioxanone, has been shown to stimulate new collagen within the skin. The newer technologies utilizing free floating (no fixation points) PDO Threads allows for much less risk of complications such as scars and nodules that are seen with the older threads that were either permanent or fixed under the skin.
Common treatments such as lasers, peels, RF, or even PRP treatments, cause a wound healing response and a stimulus for new collagen at one point in time. In contrast, PDO threads have an advantage as they can stimulate collagen over a longer period of time (at least 12-18 months).
What can PDO threads do for patients?
A PDO thread lift treatment can help improve skin quality (smooths and rejuvenates), create tissue integrity, and tighten sagging skin on the face, neck and body (arms, abdomen and buttocks). Depending on the indication to be corrected you will use monos (smooth threads), cogs (barbed threads) or combinations of threads.
As a general rule, mono (smooth) threads are suitable for younger patients who are not yet experiencing sagging skin, loss of skin volume, and want to maintain their skin quality. Mono (smooth) threads may help tighten the skin in some areas or to prepare the skin to receive cog threads in the future.