Pdo Threads & Cogs
Non-surgical skin lifting and rejuvenation using advanced thread technology
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are a minimally invasive treatment that provides skin lifting, tightening, and rejuvenation without surgery. These medical-grade, absorbable threads are carefully inserted beneath the skin to create support structures that lift sagging tissue and stimulate natural collagen production.
PDO threads have been used safely in medical procedures for decades and are fully biocompatible, meaning they're safely absorbed by the body over time whilst leaving behind improved skin structure and firmness.
Types of PDO Threads
PDO Cog Threads (Thread Lift)
Cog threads feature tiny barbs or cogs along their length that anchor into the tissue, providing an immediate mechanical lift. These are used for more significant lifting effects in areas with moderate to advanced sagging.
Best for:
Lifting sagging jowls and jawline
Mid-face lifting and cheek elevation
Neck lifting and tightening
Brow lifting
Nasolabial fold reduction
Benefits:
Immediate visible lift
Addresses moderate to significant skin laxity
Provides structural support
Long-lasting results (12-18 months)
Stimulates collagen production over time
PDO Smooth Threads (Skin Rejuvenation)
Smooth threads are fine threads without barbs, used primarily to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture rather than provide lift. Multiple threads are placed in a mesh-like pattern to create a scaffolding effect beneath the skin.
Best for:
Skin tightening and firming
Improving skin texture and quality
Fine lines and crepey skin
Subtle rejuvenation
Areas requiring texture improvement (neck, décolletage, under eyes)
Benefits:
Enhanced skin firmness and elasticity
Improved texture and tone
Gradual, natural-looking results
Stimulates collagen and elastin production
Minimal downtime
Key Differences Between Cog and Smooth Threads
PDO Cog Threads:
Provide immediate mechanical lifting
Have barbs/cogs that anchor tissue
Used for sagging and volume loss
More dramatic results
Ideal for moderate laxity
Results visible immediately
PDO Smooth Threads:
Focus on skin rejuvenation and tightening
No barbs - smooth surface
Used for texture and firmness
Subtle, gradual improvements
Ideal for early signs of ageing
Results develop over weeks
Often Used Together: Many clients benefit from a combination approach - cog threads for lifting specific areas and smooth threads for overall skin rejuvenation and texture improvement.
Treatment Areas
Face & Neck:
Cheeks and mid-face
Jowls and jawline
Nasolabial folds
Marionette lines
Eyebrow lift
Under-eye area
Forehead
Neck tightening
Décolletage
Benefits of PDO Thread Treatments
Non-Surgical Alternative Achieve lifting and rejuvenation without the risks, costs, and lengthy recovery associated with surgical procedures.
Immediate and Progressive Results Cog threads provide instant lift, while collagen stimulation continues to improve results over 3-6 months.
Natural Collagen Production As threads dissolve, they stimulate your body's natural healing response, promoting new collagen and elastin formation.
Minimal Downtime Most clients return to normal activities within a few days, making it suitable for busy lifestyles.
Long-Lasting Effects While threads dissolve within 6-12 months, the collagen stimulation provides results lasting 12-24 months.
Customisable Treatment Can be tailored to address specific concerns and combined with other treatments for comprehensive rejuvenation.
What to Expect
1. Consultation We'll assess your skin laxity, discuss your aesthetic goals, and create a customised treatment plan. We'll explain which type of threads (cog, smooth, or combination) will best achieve your desired results.
2. Preparation The treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed and marked. A local anaesthetic will be administered to ensure your comfort during the procedure.
3. Treatment Using a fine needle or cannula, threads are carefully inserted beneath the skin along predetermined pathways. For cog threads, the barbs are engaged to create lift. For smooth threads, multiple threads are placed in a mesh pattern. The procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes depending on the treatment areas.
4. Immediate Aftercare You may experience some swelling, bruising, and tightness. We'll provide comprehensive aftercare instructions to optimise your results and ensure proper healing.
Aftercare & Healing
First 24 Hours
Keep the treatment area clean and dry
Sleep with your head elevated at a 45-degree angle
Avoid touching, rubbing, or massaging the treated areas
Apply cold compresses gently if needed to reduce swelling (10 minutes at a time)
Avoid makeup for at least 12-24 hours
Take prescribed or recommended pain relief if needed
Avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications (unless medically necessary)
First Week
Continue sleeping elevated on your back (avoid sleeping on your side or face)
Limit facial movements - avoid excessive talking, chewing hard foods, wide smiling, or exaggerated expressions
Eat soft foods and avoid foods requiring excessive chewing
Keep your mouth opening minimal (avoid yawning widely, dental work)
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or activities that increase blood pressure
No saunas, steam rooms, hot baths, or excessive heat exposure
Avoid facial treatments, massages, or any manipulation of the treated area
Do not apply pressure to treated areas
First 2-4 Weeks
Gradually resume normal facial expressions but remain gentle
Continue to avoid facial treatments including facials, peels, microdermabrasion, laser treatments
Avoid dental procedures if possible
No thread-based facials or aggressive skincare treatments
Protect skin with SPF 30+ daily
Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled
First Month
Avoid any cosmetic injectables or other aesthetic procedures in treated areas
Continue gentle skincare routine
Avoid extreme temperatures
No swimming in chlorinated pools
What's Normal During Healing
Swelling (can be moderate to significant, especially in first 3-5 days)
Bruising at insertion points
Tightness or pulling sensation
Mild to moderate discomfort
Visible dimpling or puckering (typically settles within days to weeks)
Slight asymmetry during healing phase
Feeling the threads under the skin (this sensation fades)
Small bumps at insertion or exit points (resolve within weeks)
When to Contact Us
Contact us immediately if you experience:
Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, fever, pus, or foul odour)
Severe, persistent pain not controlled by recommended pain relief
Thread extrusion (thread poking through the skin)
Significant asymmetry that worsens rather than improves
Skin discolouration or necrosis
Difficulty opening mouth or moving face (beyond normal tightness)
Any concerns about your healing process
Timeline for Results
Cog Threads:
Immediate: Visible lift straight away
1-2 weeks: Swelling subsides, initial results clearer
4-6 weeks: Settling complete, natural appearance
3-6 months: Collagen production enhances results further
12-18 months: Duration of optimal results
Smooth Threads:
First 2 weeks: Minimal visible change
4-8 weeks: Gradual improvement in skin texture and firmness
3-6 months: Full collagen stimulation effects visible
12-24 months: Duration of results as collagen production continues
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PDO threads safe? Yes, when performed by trained, experienced practitioners. PDO has been used in medical sutures for decades and is fully biocompatible and absorbable. The material naturally dissolves and is safely metabolised by the body.
What's the difference between threads and a surgical facelift? Thread lifts are minimally invasive with less downtime, lower cost, and lower risk than surgery. However, they provide more subtle lifting compared to a surgical facelift and are best suited for mild to moderate skin laxity rather than severe sagging.
How long do results last? The threads themselves dissolve within 6-12 months, but the collagen stimulation they create provides lasting results. Cog thread results typically last 12-18 months, whilst smooth thread rejuvenation effects can last 12-24 months.
When will I see results? Cog threads provide immediate lifting, though swelling may initially mask results. Smooth threads show gradual improvements over weeks to months. Final results for both types are visible once healing is complete and collagen production peaks at 3-6 months.
Can threads break or snap? While rare, threads can occasionally break, particularly if aftercare instructions aren't followed (excessive facial movements, pressure on treated areas). This typically doesn't cause harm, but may reduce the lifting effect.
Will I feel the threads? You may feel tightness or be aware of the threads initially, particularly when moving your face. This sensation typically subsides within weeks as tissues adjust and threads integrate.
Can I combine threads with other treatments? Yes, threads work well alongside other treatments. However, timing is important. It's generally recommended to wait 2-4 weeks before having other procedures in the same area. Discuss your treatment plan during your consultation.
Am I a good candidate? Ideal candidates are aged 30-60 with mild to moderate skin laxity. You should be in good general health and have realistic expectations. Threads are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you have active infections, autoimmune conditions, or certain medical conditions.
What if I'm not happy with the results? Unlike dermal fillers, threads cannot be dissolved or immediately reversed. However, as they're absorbable, any issues will resolve as the threads naturally break down. It's crucial to choose an experienced practitioner and have realistic expectations.
How many threads will I need? This varies greatly depending on treatment areas, degree of laxity, and desired results. A typical treatment might use 4-12 threads per side for cog threads, and 10-20+ smooth threads per area. Your practitioner will create a customised plan during consultation.
Ready to Turn Back the Clock Without Surgery?
Schedule your personalised consultation today to discover how PDO thread treatments can help you achieve natural-looking rejuvenation and lifting.
