PDO THREADS

What are PDO threads and how do they work?

PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are a modern nonsurgical method for rejuvenation and lifting of the face, neck, and body. They are 100% bioabsorbable sutures widely used safely in medicine. Their action is twofold:

  • Immediate mechanical lifting: Threads, especially barbed (COG) types, anchor into the skin and create a supportive network that instantly lifts sagging tissues.

 

  • Natural regeneration & tightening (collagen stimulation): The presence of the threads under the skin activates fibroblasts, triggering the natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. This process continues to improve skin texture and tightness even after the threads are fully absorbed (within 4–6 months).

Who is an ideal candidate for PDO thread treatment?

PDO threads are suitable for men and women with mild to moderate skin laxity who seek a subtle but effective rejuvenation without surgery. They are ideal for individuals typically aged 35–55 or those who want to:

  • Address early signs of aging.
  • Achieve a mini facelift of the face and neck.
  • Correct sagging in areas such as the jawline, cheeks, or double chin.
  • Avoid general anesthesia and long surgical downtime.

How long does the procedure take and what is the recovery time?

PDO thread treatment is a quick procedure, often called a “lunchtime facelift”:

 

  • Duration: 30–60 minutes.
  • Anesthesia: the treatment is painless, performed in-office using topical anesthetic cream or local anesthesia.
  • Recovery: Minimal downtime. Patients can return to daily activities immediately. Mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort may occur but usually resolves within a few days (often 24–48 hours for full return to activities).

What are the main advantages of PDO Threads?

The PDO Thread method offers significant benefits compared to more invasive solutions, making it an extremely popular choice for those seeking rejuvenation:

  • Non-invasive / Bloodless Procedure: It provides a lifting effect without the need for surgery, scars, or stitches.
  • Immediate and Improving Results: An immediate lifting effect is visible due to the mechanical support of the threads, while results gradually improve over the next 2–3 months as collagen production is enhanced.
  • Natural Result: The technique focuses on natural regeneration and tightening, giving a fresh and youthful appearance without altering facial expressions.
  • Longlasting Effect: Although the threads are absorbed within 4–6 months, the result is maintained due to the new collagen structure for 12 to 24 months.
  • Safety and Quick Recovery: It is a completely safe and harmless treatment, with minimal risk of complications and immediate return to daily activities.

In which areas of the face and body are PDO Threads applied?

PDO Threads are extremely versatile and can be used in various areas to address mild laxity and improve contour:

  • Face (Mini Facelift):
    • Face Oval & Jawline: Correction of the jawline and restoration of facial contour.
    • Cheeks & Cheekbones: Lifting of sagging cheeks and restoration of lost volume.
    • Neck & Double Chin: Tightening of the neck and improvement of the double chin area.
    • Eyes & Lips: Smoothing fine wrinkles in crow’s feet and smoker’s lines around the mouth.

  • Body: Treatment of mild laxity in areas such as the buttocks, inner thighs, abdomen, and arms (upper arms).

How long do the results of PDO Threads last?

The result of PDO Threads is permanent in terms of the new collagen production achieved; however, the visible tightening and lifting effect usually lasts 12 to 24 months. The threads themselves, being 100% bio-absorbable, dissolve and completely disappear from the body within approximately 4 to 6 months. This period is crucial, as a new natural collagen network is formed around the threads, which continues to support and lift the skin, maintaining the result for many months after the material has been absorbed.

Can PDO Threads replace a surgical Facelift?

PDO Threads are an excellent noninvasive alternative for those seeking rejuvenation; however, they do not fully replace a surgical Facelift:

  • A Facelift is a surgical procedure that addresses severe and extensive sagging, offering more dramatic and long-lasting results (up to 20 years).
  • PDO Threads are ideal for mild to moderate sagging, providing subtle, natural improvements and skin tightening.

For cases of earlystage laxity, Dr. Floros uses PDO Threads as a strong preventive and corrective treatment. They can also be used to extend the results of a previous surgical lifting procedure.

What are the types of PDO Threads and what is the difference between them?

PDO Threads are classified into different types, allowing Dr. Floros to create a customized treatment plan for each need:

  • Simple (Mono/Smooth):
    • Description / Structure: Smooth sutures, without barbs.
    • Main Action: Mainly Tightening & Regeneration (Collagen production).

  • With Barbs (Cog/Surgical):
    • Description / Structure: They have microscopic barbs along their length.
    • Main Action: Strong Lift & Elevation, they anchor into the tissues for immediate support.

  • Spiral (Screw):
    • Description / Structure: Consist of one or two twisted threads.
    • Main Action: Volume restoration, used for filling areas with volume loss.

What are the contraindications for PDO Threads?

Although PDO Thread treatment is extremely safe, there are certain cases where its application is contraindicated in order to ensure the patient’s absolute safety:

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
  • Presence of autoimmune diseases (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes mellitus).
  • Skin infections or active inflammation in the treatment area.
  • Blood clotting disorders or use of anticoagulant
  • Known allergy to the thread material (Polydioxanone).
  • Severe chronic conditions, such as heart disease.

Dr. Konstantinos Floros always performs a detailed clinical evaluation and medical history review to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the treatment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

PDO Threads
Dr. Konstantinos Floros
Non-Invasive Therapies

EXPERTISE & CARE

TRUST US WITH YOUR TREATMENT

Dr. Konstantinos Floros was born in Athens, studied Medicine at the University of Thessaloniki, and specialized in Plastic Surgery in the United Kingdom. He has participated in specialized aesthetic surgery seminars in London and New York. In Greece, he practices privately with a focus on aesthetic plastic surgery and modern applications of cosmetic medicine and anti-aging. He has served as a Plastic Surgery registrar at the university hospitals Queen Mary’s University Hospital in London and Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Non-Invasive Therapies

BLOG

CUSTOMER REVIEWS

COME TO THE SPECIALISTS

If you have any questions, concerns or would like to make an appointment with Dr. Konstantinos Floros, please contact us.