PDO Threads | Collagen Stimulation & Non-SurgicalLift
Physician-Directed Collagen Stimulation & Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation
At LumiLife Aesthetics + Wellness, we believe that healthy, youthful-looking skin depends on more than simply replacing lost volume. Our PDO Thread treatments are designed to support your skin’s natural collagen production while improving facial definition, skin quality, and mild skin laxity through minimally invasive, physician-directed procedures.
PDO threads offer a nonsurgical option for patients seeking subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation without the downtime associated with a surgical facelift.
Depending on your anatomy and aesthetic goals, your physician may recommend PDO Mono Threads, PDO Lifting Threads, or a customized combination of both.
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO stands for Polydioxanone, a biocompatible material that has been safely used for decades in absorbable surgical sutures.
When strategically placed beneath the skin, PDO threads provide temporary structural support while stimulating the body’s natural healing response. As the threads gradually dissolve over several months, they encourage new collagen production that may improve skin firmness, elasticity, and overall skin quality.
The threads are naturally absorbed by the body over time.
Types of PDO Threads
PDO Mono Threads
Mono threads are smooth, absorbable threads designed primarily to stimulate collagen production rather than lift tissue.
They are commonly recommended for patients interested in improving:
- Fine lines
- Skin texture
- Skin firmness
- Mild skin laxity
- Neck rejuvenation
- Under-eye support (selected patients)
- Cheeks
- Jawline definition
- Acne scars (selected patients)
Results develop gradually as collagen forms over the following months.
A series of treatments is often recommended for optimal collagen stimulation.
PDO Lifting Threads
PDO Lifting Threads contain tiny barbs or cones that gently anchor the tissue to provide immediate mechanical support while also stimulating collagen production.
They are commonly used to improve:
- Mild to moderate facial sagging
- Jawline definition
- Early jowls
- Midface support
- Cheek repositioning
- Brow support
- Neck contour (selected patients)
Although some lifting can be seen immediately, improvements continue as collagen develops over the following months.
PDO lifting threads are intended to provide subtle, natural-looking enhancement and are not a substitute for a surgical facelift.
Before Your Treatment
Please:
✔ Stay well hydrated.
✔ Eat a light meal before your appointment.
✔ Arrive with clean skin and avoid makeup if possible.
✔ Inform your physician of all medications, supplements, allergies, and previous cosmetic treatments.
If Approved by Your Treating Physician
Certain medications and supplements may increase bruising.
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
Do not discontinue prescription blood thinners unless instructed by the physician who prescribed them.
Avoid alcohol for approximately 24 hours before treatment.
What Happens During Treatment?
After reviewing your treatment plan, your physician will carefully mark the treatment areas.
A local anesthetic is typically used to maximize comfort.
The PDO threads are then inserted beneath the skin using specialized needles or cannulas and positioned according to your individualized treatment plan.
Most procedures require approximately 45–90 minutes, depending on the number and type of threads used.
What Should I Expect After Treatment?
It is common to experience temporary:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Mild soreness
- Tenderness
- Tightness
- Small dimples or skin irregularities
- Mild asymmetry during the initial healing period
These effects generally improve over several days to a few weeks.
After Your Treatment
During the First Week
✔ Sleep on your back with your head elevated if facial threads were placed.
✔ Eat softer foods for several days if lifting threads were used in the lower face.
✔ Follow all physician instructions carefully.
Avoid
- Heavy exercise for approximately 1–2 weeks
- Wide mouth opening
- Aggressive facial expressions
- Facial massage
- Dental procedures (unless medically necessary)
- Sleeping on your side or stomach during the initial healing period
- Saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms
- Excessive sun exposure
Your physician will provide individualized recommendations based on the treatment area.
When Will I See Results?
PDO Lifting Threads
Many patients notice an immediate improvement in facial support after treatment.
As collagen production increases over the next 2–6 months, skin quality and firmness may continue to improve.
PDO Mono Threads
Mono threads work more gradually.
Visible improvements usually develop over several weeks to months as collagen remodeling occurs.
How Long Do Results Last?
Results vary depending on:
- Thread type
- Age
- Skin quality
- Lifestyle
- Individual collagen response
Many patients experience improvement lasting approximately 12–18 months, although this varies from person to person.
Maintenance treatments may help preserve results.
Combination Treatments
PDO Threads often work best when incorporated into a comprehensive regenerative treatment plan.
Depending on your goals, they may be combined with:
- PRP
- PRF
- Microneedling
- Radiesse®
- Sculptra®
- Medical-grade skincare
At LumiLife, PRP may also be applied to or injected around PDO Mono Threads for skin rejuvenation and combined with scalp PDO Threads for selected patients undergoing hair restoration. These combination treatments are intended to support collagen production and tissue health through complementary mechanisms.
Possible Risks
Although complications are uncommon, potential risks include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Infection
- Temporary asymmetry
- Thread visibility or palpability
- Thread migration
- Skin dimpling
- Delayed inflammatory reactions
Your physician will discuss these risks in detail before treatment.
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.
