PDO Threads Mono & Lifting Care Guide
Supporting Natural Collagen Production and Facial Rejuvenation
Polydioxanone (PDO) threads are absorbable medical sutures that have been used safely in surgery for decades. In aesthetic medicine, specially designed PDO threads are placed beneath the skin to improve facial support, stimulate collagen production, and enhance skin quality.
At LumiLife Aesthetics + Wellness, PDO thread treatments are performed with the goal of achieving subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation. Rather than replacing surgery, PDO threads may be an excellent option for carefully selected patients seeking mild lifting, improved skin firmness, or collagen stimulation with minimal downtime.
PDO threads gradually dissolve over several months, while the collagen they stimulate may continue to support skin quality for months afterward.
Understanding the Two Types of PDO Threads
PDO Mono Threads
Mono threads are smooth, absorbable threads placed beneath the skin without anchoring barbs.
Their primary purpose is collagen stimulation, skin rejuvenation, and improvement in skin quality rather than lifting.
Mono threads are commonly used to improve:
- Fine lines
- Mild skin laxity
- Skin texture
- Crepey skin
- Neck rejuvenation
- Cheeks
- Around the mouth
- Jawline
- Under the chin
Mono threads are also commonly incorporated into regenerative treatment plans for the face, neck, and scalp.
PDO Lifting Threads
Lifting threads contain tiny bi-directional barbs or cones that gently engage tissue to provide immediate mechanical support while also stimulating collagen production over time.
These threads may improve:
- Mild to moderate facial sagging
- Jawline definition
- Jowls
- Mid-face support
- Neck contour
- Brows (selected patients)
PDO lifting threads provide modest lifting, not the degree of lifting achieved with surgical facelift procedures.
Patients with more advanced skin laxity may benefit more from surgical consultation.
Before Your Treatment
Proper preparation helps reduce bruising and promotes a smooth recovery.
Please
✔ Eat a light meal before your appointment.
✔ Drink plenty of water.
✔ Arrive with clean skin and little or no makeup.
✔ Inform your physician about all medications, supplements, and allergies.
✔ Tell us if you have previously received thread treatments or facial fillers.
If Approved by Your Treating Physician
Certain medications and supplements may increase bruising.
If medically appropriate—and only after discussing with the physician managing your medications—you may consider temporarily avoiding for approximately 5–7 days before treatment:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Fish oil
- Vitamin E
- Garlic supplements
- Ginkgo biloba
- Ginseng
- Other supplements with blood-thinning properties
Never discontinue prescription anticoagulants or other prescribed medications without medical approval.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol for approximately 24 hours before treatment, as it may increase bruising.
Please Inform Your Physician If You Have
- Active acne
- Cold sores
- Skin infection
- Recent facial surgery
- Recent dental infection
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- Autoimmune disorders
- Bleeding disorders
- History of abnormal scarring
Treatment may need to be postponed if active infection is present.
What Happens During Treatment?
Your physician will carefully evaluate your facial anatomy and review your treatment plan before beginning.
After cleansing the skin, local anesthetic is administered to maximize comfort.
The PDO threads are then gently inserted beneath the skin using a fine needle or blunt cannula.
Depending on your treatment plan, PDO threads may be combined with:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF)
- Dermal fillers
- Radiesse®
- Sculptra®
- Microneedling (performed during separate treatment sessions)
- Medical-grade skincare
Treatment usually requires 45–90 minutes, depending on the number and type of threads used.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
It is normal to experience:
- Mild swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Tightness
- Temporary dimpling
- Mild asymmetry during healing
These effects generally improve during the first one to three weeks.
Small irregularities are often temporary as tissues settle naturally.
When Will I See Results?
PDO Lifting Threads
Many patients notice immediate improvement due to the mechanical lifting effect.
As swelling resolves and collagen develops, results continue to improve over approximately 2–3 months.
PDO Mono Threads
Because mono threads primarily stimulate collagen, improvements develop gradually over several months.
Patients often notice improvements in:
- Skin firmness
- Texture
- Elasticity
- Overall skin quality
How Long Do Results Last?
Although the threads dissolve naturally within approximately 6–9 months, the collagen response they stimulate may continue to provide cosmetic improvement for 12–18 months, depending on individual factors.
Maintenance treatments may help preserve results.
After Your Treatment
During the First Week
✔ Sleep on your back with your head elevated whenever possible.
✔ Eat softer foods if lifting threads were placed near the jaw.
✔ Stay well hydrated.
✔ Follow all physician instructions carefully.
Avoid During the First 1–2 Weeks
- Vigorous exercise
- Heavy lifting
- Facial massage
- Wide mouth opening
- Excessive chewing (gum, steak, bagels)
- Dental procedures unless medically necessary
- Sleeping face down or on your side if it places pressure on treated areas
- Saunas
- Steam rooms
- Hot yoga
Skin Care
Use gentle cleansers and moisturizers.
Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, and harsh acids until approved by your physician.
Makeup
Light makeup may generally be applied after approximately 24 hours, provided there is no bleeding or drainage.
Avoid excessive rubbing.
Facial Treatments
Please avoid for approximately 4 weeks, unless otherwise instructed:
- Microneedling
- Laser resurfacing
- Chemical peels
- Radiofrequency treatments
- Ultrasound skin tightening
- Deep facial massage
Combination Regenerative Treatments
At LumiLife, PDO threads are frequently incorporated into comprehensive regenerative treatment plans.
Depending on your individualized goals, they may be combined with:
- PRP
- PRF
- Radiesse®
- Sculptra®
- Physician-directed skincare
- Hair restoration therapies (selected patients)
These combination approaches are intended to support collagen remodeling and improve overall skin quality while maintaining natural-looking results.
When Should I Contact LumiLife?
Please contact us immediately if you experience:
- Fever
- Increasing redness
- Pus or drainage
- Severe swelling
- Severe pain
- Skin discoloration
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- A thread becoming exposed through the skin
- Any concern that seems unusual or is worsening rather than improving
Although complications are uncommon, early evaluation allows prompt treatment when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Philosophy
At LumiLife Aesthetics + Wellness, PDO Threads are viewed as a regenerative treatment—not simply a lifting procedure. By combining mechanical support with the body’s natural collagen-building response, PDO Threads can help improve skin quality, facial definition, and early signs of aging while preserving your natural appearance. Every treatment is physician-directed, evidence-informed, and tailored to your individual anatomy and goals.