PDO Threads Explained: What They Are, What They Do, and Who They're For
Curious about PDO threads? Learn how thread treatments work, what areas they treat, what to expect, and who makes a good candidate.
PDO threads are one of the most misunderstood treatments in aesthetics — partly because "threads" sounds more intense than it is. Here's a clear, no-hype explanation.
What PDO threads are
PDO (polydioxanone) threads are ultra-fine, dissolvable sutures — the same material surgeons have used safely for decades. In aesthetics, they're placed just under the skin in specific patterns to do two things: provide subtle structural support and stimulate your body's own collagen production as they dissolve.
The two main types
- **Smooth threads:** Placed in a mesh-like pattern, primarily to stimulate collagen and improve skin quality, firmness, and fine lines. Think of them as a collagen-building treatment rather than a lifting one. - **Lifting threads:** Have tiny barbs or cones that grip tissue to create a subtle lift. These are a bigger treatment with more considerations.
At Glow, smooth PDO threads are commonly used for areas like under the eyes, around the mouth, the neck, and other spots where skin quality — not dramatic lifting — is the goal.
What a treatment is like
After numbing, your provider places the threads with a fine needle or cannula. Most patients describe pressure more than pain. There's no general anesthesia, no surgical suite, and you're back to normal activities quickly — though you may have some tenderness or small bruises for a few days.
What results to expect — honestly
This is where expectations matter most:
- **Smooth threads:** Results are gradual. As threads dissolve over several months, they leave behind new collagen — so skin looks firmer and smoother over time, not overnight. - **They're not a facelift.** Threads can't replicate surgical results, and anyone promising that is overselling. What they can do is meaningfully improve skin quality and provide subtle support in the right candidate.
Who's a good candidate?
The best candidates have mild to moderate skin laxity or textural concerns and realistic expectations. Threads are generally not the right first move for significant sagging — that's a conversation about what actually will work, which we'll have honestly at your consultation.
How long do results last?
The threads themselves dissolve over about 4 to 6 months, but the collagen they stimulate sticks around longer — many patients enjoy improvement for 12 months or more, especially with maintenance treatments.
The bottom line
PDO threads are a collagen-stimulating treatment that can meaningfully improve firmness and skin quality in the right candidate — not a non-surgical facelift, despite what some marketing claims. If you're curious, the consultation is where we determine whether your goals and your skin are a genuine match.
Curious whether threads are right for you?
Threads aren't for everyone — a consultation is the only way to know if your skin and goals are a good match. Let's assess in person.