TREATMENT
PDO Threads
A non-surgical option to lift and support soft tissue.
PDO threads are absorbable surgical sutures (polydioxanone) that are inserted under the skin using fine needles or cannulae. They may be smooth or have barbs/hooks that provide mechanical lift and stimulate a local collagen response as they dissolve over several months. Thread procedures are used to improve tissue support, reduce mild-to-moderate skin laxity, and refine contours in areas such as the lower face, jawline, neck, and brows. Clinical outcomes and longevity vary by thread type, placement technique, and individual healing response.
Why consultations matter for PDO threads
A consultation is a medical assessment — it keeps you safe and helps set realistic expectations:
Full medical history & medication check: certain conditions (bleeding disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disease) or medications (anticoagulants, recent isotretinoin) may increase risk or make you unsuitable.
Anatomical assessment & suitability: the practitioner examines skin quality, tissue support, facial anatomy, and previous treatments (fillers, surgery) to determine if threads are appropriate and which thread type/placement is best.
Risk discussion & informed consent: you’ll be counselled on common, less common, and rare complications specific to thread lifts, and have the opportunity to ask questions before consenting. Consent documents and checklists are commonly used in practice.
Treatment planning & alternatives: a consultation allows discussion of alternatives (surgical lift, fillers, energy-based devices, or no treatment), realistic outcomes, likely maintenance and costs, and a follow-up plan.
Risks and considerations
All procedures carry risks. Below is a general list; your practitioner will give a complete, procedure-specific risk discussion during informed consent.
Common, usually short-term:
Pain, tenderness or discomfort at insertion sites.
Swelling, bruising, redness, or localised bleeding.
Temporary dimpling, puckering, or mild asymmetry while tissues settle.
Less common:
Thread visibility beneath the skin, thread migration, or extrusion (threads coming through the skin).
Infection at insertion points or along the thread tract (may require antibiotics or thread removal).
Prolonged firmness, palpable cords, or persistent contour irregularity.
Rare but serious:
Nerve irritation or injury causing persistent numbness or weakness.
Scarring, granuloma or foreign-body reaction requiring medical or surgical management.
Vascular injury (very rare) or other complications requiring urgent treatment.
Important considerations:
Complication rates reported in the literature vary; while many adverse effects are temporary or manageable, some series report non-trivial complication rates and emphasise careful patient selection and technique.
Not suitable for everyone: active skin infection in the area, certain systemic illnesses, or unrealistic expectations are common contraindications. Pregnancy and breastfeeding are usually contraindications.
what to expect
Pre-treatment review and photos.
Local anaesthetic (topical and/or local infiltration) to treatment areas.
Thread insertion using sterile technique; threads are trimmed or anchored as required.
Immediate post-procedure review and written aftercare instructions.
Follow-up appointment(s) to review healing and outcomes.
Technique, thread selection, and sterile practice matter — the procedure should be performed only by a suitably trained and qualified health professional in an appropriate clinical setting.