PDO, or polydioxanone, is a biocompatible product commonly used in surgery as an absorbable suture. PDO are not permanent when placed under the skin and will be reabsorbed over about 4 to 8 months. PDO sutures eventually are broken down in the body ultimately ending up as water and carbon dioxide.
There are two (2) basic types of PDO threads – monos (smooth threads) and cogs (barbed sutures).
Monofilament threads (monos or smooth threads) are thin lengths of PDO that are preloaded onto a thin needle which are inserted into the skin. The needle can hold single flat threads, threads wound in a spiral (screw, twisted, tornado) or multiple threads braided together (mesh). The more PDO material in the thread, the more collagenesis is created and biostimulation expected. Mono threads are usually completely absorbed within 4-6 months.
Cog (barbed) threads are thicker lengths of PDO that are loaded onto a cannula which is then inserted into the skin. These threads have little cogs or barbs which will engage the skin and can lift up sagging skin in different areas of the face and body (cheek, jowl, arms, knees, or brow etc.) when the thread is pulled upwards. As they are stronger than mono threads, cogs (barbed threads) can obtain more lifting and contouring. Cog threads are also fully absorbed between 6-9 months.
 PDO threads are absorbed within 3-6 months, but the collagen production they stimulate can extend the results for over a year. Studies indicate that while the threads dissolve relatively quickly, the neocollagenesis process they trigger continues to enhance skin structure and elasticity well beyond the initial treatment period. This prolonged collagen production provides lasting firming and lifting effects, with some improvements noted to last up to 18-24 months.
A PDO thread lift treatment can help improve skin quality (smooths and rejuvenates), create tissue integrity, and tighten sagging skin on the face, neck and body (arms, abdomen and buttocks). Depending on the indication to be corrected you will use monos (smooth threads), cogs (barbed threads) or combinations of threads.
As a general rule, mono (smooth) threads are suitable for younger patients who are not yet experiencing sagging skin, loss of skin volume, and want to maintain their skin quality. Mono (smooth) threads may help tighten the skin in some areas or to prepare the skin to receive cog threads in the future.
Cog (barbed) threads are generally suitable once there are signs of sagging skin, such as the cheeks or chin area and typically for patients in their 30s onwards. All types of PDO Threads stimulate collagen under the skin where they are placed including the Mono (smooth) or COG (barbed) threads.
A PDO thread lift treatment can help improve skin quality (smooths and rejuvenates), create tissue integrity, and tighten sagging skin on the face, neck and body (arms, abdomen and buttocks). Depending on the indication to be corrected you will use monos (smooth threads), cogs (barbed threads) or combinations of threads.
As a general rule, mono (smooth) threads are suitable for younger patients who are not yet experiencing sagging skin, loss of skin volume, and want to maintain their skin quality. Mono (smooth) threads may help tighten the skin in some areas or to prepare the skin to receive cog threads in the future.
Cog (barbed) threads are generally suitable once there are signs of sagging skin, such as the cheeks or chin area and typically for patients in their 30s onwards. All types of PDO Threads stimulate collagen under the skin where they are placed including the Mono (smooth) or COG (barbed) threads.
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