Smooth PDO Threads

Collagen Support Without Adding Volume

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Smooth PDO threads are fine, absorbable threads strategically placed beneath the skin. Unlike lifting threads, smooth threads are not designed to physically reposition sagging tissue.

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Instead, they can be used as part of a regenerative approach to support areas where improving skin quality, firmness, fine lines, and collagen support is the primary goal.

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Smooth PDO threads may be considered for concerns such as:

• Fine lines and crepey skin

• Early skin laxity

• Decreased skin firmness

• Lower-face skin quality

• Lines around the mouth

• Neck and décolletage concerns

• Areas where additional collagen support may be beneficial

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How Do Smooth Threads Work?

PDO stands for polydioxanone, an absorbable suture material. Once placed beneath the skin, the threads provide a temporary framework while the surrounding tissue undergoes a natural healing response.

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Over time, the PDO material is absorbed by the body while collagen remodeling continues around the treated area.

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Smooth Threads vs. Dermal Filler

Smooth threads and dermal filler do different things.

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Dermal filler may be used when the goal is to restore volume, projection, structure, or contour.

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Smooth PDO threads may be incorporated when the concern is more related to skin quality, fine lines, firmness, or collagen support without adding significant volume.

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Some patients may benefit from one treatment, while others may benefit from a combination approach.

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PDO Lifting Threads

Support for Facial Laxity and Tissue Descent

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Lifting PDO threads are absorbable barbed threads placed beneath the skin to engage and support tissue.

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Unlike smooth threads, lifting threads are designed to provide mechanical support and tissue approximation. In appropriately selected patients, they may be incorporated into a treatment plan when concerns include facial laxity, jowling, decreased jawline definition, or downward movement of facial tissue.

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Lifting threads may be considered when addressing:

• Early to moderate facial laxity

• Jowling

• Decreased jawline definition

• Descending cheek tissue

• Lower-face heaviness

• Brow or facial tissue support

• Neck laxity

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What Should I Expect?

PDO lifting thread treatment is performed in-office. The treatment area is assessed and mapped based on your individual facial anatomy and desired correction. Local anesthetic is used to improve comfort during treatment.

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Because the threads mechanically engage tissue, some improvement may be visible shortly after treatment. The treated area will continue to settle and heal over the following weeks.

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PDO threads are absorbable and gradually break down over time. PDO Max reports that its PDO threads typically dissolve within approximately 6–9 months, although the tissue response and visible improvement may extend beyond the presence of the thread itself.

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Smooth Threads or Lifting Threads: Which Do I Need?

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That depends on what is actually causing the concern you see in the mirror.

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If the primary concern is:

• Fine lines, crepey skin or declining skin quality → Smooth PDO threads may be considered.

• Skin laxity, jowling or tissue descent → Lifting PDO threads may be considered.

• Loss of facial volume or structural support → Dermal filler or another regenerative/structural treatment may be more appropriate.

• Multiple signs of facial aging → A combination treatment plan may provide a more comprehensive approach.

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At Aesthetics of Fayetteville, we don’t automatically recommend a treatment simply because a client requests it. We evaluate the underlying concern—whether it involves skin quality, volume loss, structural support, tissue descent, or a combination of factors—and build the treatment plan from there.

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When PDO Threads May Be Part of a Combination Treatment Plan

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Facial aging is multidimensional. PDO threads may be combined or sequenced with other aesthetic treatments when appropriate, including:

• Dermal filler for volume and structural support

• PRF regenerative treatments

• Neurotoxin treatments

• Aerolase laser treatments

• Medical-grade skin treatments

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Your provider will determine appropriate treatment sequencing and timing based on your individualized plan.

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PDO Thread Recovery

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PDO thread treatments are minimally invasive, but they are still medical procedures.

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Temporary effects can include swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness, soreness, or skin irregularity while the area heals and settles. Lifting threads may require more recovery precautions than smooth threads because tissue has been mechanically repositioned.

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Your provider will review your individualized aftercare instructions and activity restrictions before you leave the office.

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As with any medical aesthetic procedure, PDO threads carry risks and are not appropriate for everyone. Potential complications can include infection, asymmetry, prolonged dimpling or puckering, palpable or visible threads, migration, extrusion, and unsatisfactory cosmetic results. A consultation and medical assessment are required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for you.

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PDO Thread Consultation in Fayetteville, GA

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Not sure whether you need smooth threads, lifting threads, filler, regenerative treatment, or a combination approach?

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Start with an aesthetic consultation.

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We’ll evaluate your facial anatomy, skin quality, volume, structural support, and areas of tissue descent to determine which treatment options best align with your goals.

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Aesthetics of Fayetteville
376 Glynn Street N
Fayetteville, GA 30214
770-648-2148