PDO (Polydioxanone) threads, also called PDO mono threads, are used in a cosmetic treatment to lift and tighten the skin.
Not to be confused with long threads, which are used for thread lifts to achieve a lifting effect for areas including the face, nose and neck, PDO mono threads are a short, thin variety of thread that are placed into areas requiring firmness and natural volume.
PDO mono threads are made from an absorbable material called Polydioxanone. This material has been used in surgical operations for over 50 years with an excellent safety profile.
PDO Mono threads are carefully inserted into the subcutaneous layer of the skin to create an intensive collagen stimulation process. These dissolvable threads act as a scaffold for your body’s own natural collagen fibre production.
The threads slowly dissolve over 6 months, leaving behind a mesh network of collagen fibres that are responsible for visible skin tightening and rejuvenation that lasts out to 12–24 months.
Here’s what you can generally expect before and after PDO threads treatment:
Before your treatment
- Consultation: You will typically start with a consultation with a qualified and experienced practitioner. During this consultation, you’ll discuss your goals and expectations, and the practitioner will assess your suitability for PDO thread treatment.
- Medical History: You’ll be asked about your medical history, including any underlying health conditions and medications you are taking. Be sure to provide accurate information to ensure your safety during the procedure.
- Treatment Plan: The practitioner will create a personalised treatment plan based on your specific needs. They will discuss the areas to be treated, the number of threads required, and the expected results.
- Preparation: On the day of your treatment, you may be advised to come with a clean face (no makeup or skincare products). The treatment area will be cleansed, and local anaesthesia or numbing cream may be applied to minimise discomfort during the procedure.
During the procedure
- Thread Insertion: PDO threads are inserted under the skin using thin needles or cannulas. The threads are strategically placed in the targeted areas to lift and tighten the skin.
- Duration: The procedure typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the extent of your treatment and the number of threads required to achieve the goal result.
After PDO threads
- Immediate results: You may notice some improvement in skin tightness and lift straightaway due to the mechanical effect of the threads. However, full results will become apparent over several weeks as collagen production is stimulated.
- Recovery: PDO thread treatment is minimally invasive, and most people can resume their regular activities shortly after the procedure. You might experience some swelling, bruising, or minor discomfort at the insertion sites, but these side effects are usually temporary and can be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relief.
- Long-term results: The effects of PDO threads can last for several months to over a year, depending on the individual’s response and the type of threads used. Maintenance treatments may be recommended to prolong your results.
It’s important to note that results can vary between patients, as we are all unique with our own individual facial aesthetic, concerns and requirements.
A thorough consultation appointment with your treating clinician at Contour Clinics will ascertain your most suitable and effective treatment plan, as well as provide you with insights to the most likely outcome of your treatment. Your clinician will always work with you to achieve the most successful treatment plan possible for achieving the results you want.
