If you’re starting to notice sagging skin or a loss of facial firmness, you might be considering your options. Maybe a surgical facelift feels too invasive—or just not right for where you’re at in your aesthetic journey.
In that case, PDO threads offer a non-surgical alternative that’s steadily growing in popularity, especially for patients looking for a subtle, natural-looking lift without major downtime. But what exactly are PDO threads made of? And how do they work to tighten and rejuvenate your skin?
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about PDO threads—from their composition and function to how the treatment process works at Raw Beauty Aesthetics in Woodland Hills.
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO stands for Polydioxanone, which is a biodegradable, medical-grade polyester. These threads have been used safely in surgical procedures—particularly cardiovascular surgeries—since the 1980s. When used in aesthetic treatments, they’re placed beneath the skin to lift, tighten, and stimulate collagen production.
What makes PDO threads especially effective is that they do more than just physically lift the skin. They also act as a signal to your body to boost collagen production, resulting in longer-lasting firmness and structure, even after the threads have dissolved.
At Raw Beauty, we use NovaThreads, a trusted and high-quality brand of PDO threads. These threads are FDA-cleared and specifically designed for aesthetic procedures, offering a range of options to customize your lift depending on your needs.
What Are PDO Threads Made Of?
PDO threads are made from Polydioxanone, a synthetic polymer that the body can safely break down over time. This material is both absorbable and biocompatible, meaning it’s designed to dissolve naturally without causing harm or triggering a long-term immune response.
Once inserted into the skin, PDO threads begin to dissolve slowly over the course of 4 to 6 months, but their effects often last longer—sometimes up to two years. During this time, the presence of the thread stimulates your body’s production of collagen, the essential protein responsible for skin strength and elasticity.
Unlike permanent threads used in older procedures, PDO threads are fully resorbable. That means your results don’t rely on the threads themselves but rather on the long-term collagen your body produces in response.
Types of PDO Threads
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to skin lifting. That’s why PDO threads come in different forms, each offering a unique benefit. At Raw Beauty, we tailor your treatment by selecting the right type of thread for your specific goals:
Smooth Threads (Mono Threads)
These threads are designed to stimulate collagen. They’re ideal for improving skin texture, tightening loose skin, and softening fine lines—especially in delicate areas like around the eyes or mouth.
Twist or Screw Threads
These are coiled to provide more volume and support. They’re often used to treat sunken areas such as the cheeks or temples.
Barbed Threads (Cog Threads)
These have tiny barbs or hooks that physically anchor into the skin, allowing for a more pronounced lifting effect. They’re perfect for lifting the jawline, neck, or mid-face.
Molded Threads
These are the strongest option and provide a more dramatic lift. They’re typically used in areas with more significant skin laxity.
Choosing the right thread type is part of the artistry of PDO thread lifting—and something our expert team at Raw Beauty excels at.
How Do PDO Threads Work?
The process starts when your provider inserts the PDO threads into your skin using a thin needle or cannula. Once the threads are in place, they’re pulled slightly to lift the underlying tissue and secure the skin in a more youthful position.
But the real magic happens afterward.
Because your body sees PDO threads as foreign objects (albeit harmless ones), your system kicks into repair mode. This activates fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen production. Over time, your skin becomes firmer, tighter, and more lifted—not because of the threads themselves, but because your own body is doing the work.
Even after the threads dissolve, your newly produced collagen remains, helping to maintain the structure and lift created during your treatment.
What Can PDO Threads Treat?
PDO threads are highly versatile and can be used to treat a wide range of areas on the face and body. Common treatment areas include:
- Cheeks and mid-face
- Jawline and jowls
- Eyebrows
- Neck
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
- Under the eyes
PDO threads can also be used on the chest, arms, knees, and buttocks to tighten mild to moderate skin laxity.
The PDO Threads Experience at Raw Beauty
At Raw Beauty Aesthetics in Woodland Hills, your PDO thread lift begins with a personalized consultation. We’ll assess your skin, listen to your goals, and develop a custom plan based on the areas you’d like to treat and the degree of lift or volume you’re looking for.
The Treatment Process
The procedure itself typically takes around an hour. Here’s what you can expect:
- Numbing: A local anesthetic is applied to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
- Insertion: Using a cannula, your provider inserts the threads beneath the skin at carefully mapped locations.
- Positioning and Tightening: The threads are positioned to lift and contour your features. Once in place, they’re gently pulled to tighten the skin.
- Trimming: Any excess thread is trimmed, and the procedure is complete.
Afterward, you may have some mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness in the treated areas. Most clients can return to their regular activities within a couple of days.
Aftercare Tips
To protect your results and avoid dislodging the threads, we recommend the following for the first 1–2 weeks:
- Avoid rubbing or massaging your face
- Refrain from smoking or drinking through a straw
- Skip intense workouts and saunas
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated
- Eat soft foods if threads were placed around the mouth
How Long Do PDO Thread Results Last?
You’ll notice some lifting effects immediately after your treatment, especially with barbed threads. However, the full results continue to develop over the following weeks as your collagen production increases.
On average, results last 12 to 24 months, depending on your age, skin quality, and how well you maintain your collagen levels. While PDO threads do eventually dissolve, the structural support created by your new collagen can keep your skin looking firmer for months—if not years—after the threads are gone.
Are PDO Threads Right for You?
PDO thread lifts are best for individuals who:
- Are in their late 30s to mid-50s
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity
- Prefer a non-surgical alternative to a facelift
- Want minimal downtime and natural-looking results
If your skin has more advanced sagging, we may suggest combining PDO threads with other treatments like dermal fillers or microneedling to enhance your outcome. At Raw Beauty, our team will always offer honest, expert advice about the best approach for your skin and goals.
Final Thoughts
PDO threads are more than just a trend—they’re a clinically proven, collagen-boosting treatment that helps lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin from the inside out. Made from safe, absorbable Polydioxanone, these threads offer subtle yet impactful results with minimal recovery time.
If you’re looking for a natural-looking lift without surgery, Raw Beauty Aesthetics in Woodland Hills offers expert PDO thread treatments tailored to your needs. Our team uses trusted NovaThreads and advanced techniques to help you look refreshed, lifted, and confident.
Ready to learn more about PDO threads?
