How long do PDO threads last?

The threads themselves absorb over 6 to 8 months. The total result — combining the direct lift and collagen build-up — lasts 12 to 18 months.

What is the difference between PDO, PCL, and PLLA threads?

All three are bioresorbable. PDO is the most common and absorbs fastest (6-8 months). PCL threads last longer (24-36 months) but are less common. PLLA threads (Silhouette Soft) last a medium duration but cost more.

Is a thread lift the same as a facelift?

No. A surgical facelift is permanent, requires anaesthesia, and several weeks of recovery. A thread lift is an injection-based treatment with 1 to 2 days of downtime that gives a milder lift for 12 to 18 months. Threads are not suited to severe skin laxity — surgery is recommended in those cases.

Can the threads be seen or felt in the skin?

Correctly placed threads are neither visible nor palpable. With incorrect placement they can be felt or show contours in lean skin. That is why injector experience matters for PDO treatment.

What happens when the threads dissolve?

Polydioxanone breaks down to carbon dioxide and water by hydrolysis. It is the same process as for surgical PDO sutures. The newly built collagen remains and continues to support the result for additional months.

Polydioxanone: glossary | Dibélle

Also known as: PDO, polydioxanone, PDO threads

What is polydioxanone?

Polydioxanone (PDO) is a bioresorbable polymer that has been used in surgical sutures since the 1980s. For aesthetic use the threads are produced in different thicknesses and designs: smooth threads (mono) for collagen stimulation, barbed threads (cog) for mechanical lifting, and spiralled threads (screw/twist) for volume restoration. The threads are inserted with thin cannulas.

How it works in treatment

PDO threads have two effects. Mechanical lift happens immediately at placement — barbed threads catch tissue and pull it upwards. Biostimulation happens over time — fibroblasts respond to the threads with increased collagen and elastin production. The threads themselves break down by hydrolysis over 6 to 8 months. The new collagen lasts longer.

Where it is used

At Dibélle, PDO threads are used for the jawline, cheekbone lift, neck lift, brow lift, marionette lines, and overall skin quality. Suited to patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want more than fillers or biostimulators alone but are not ready for surgery.

Results and safety

Direct lift is visible immediately, the collagen effect develops over 1 to 3 months. The threads absorb over 6 to 8 months but the total result lasts 12 to 18 months. Common side effects: bruising, asymmetry the first week, and temporary skin folding at thread anchor points. Rare side effects: thread migration, palpable threads, infection. The technique requires high experience — incorrect placement leaves visible contours.

Common questions about Polydioxanone

How long do PDO threads last?: The threads themselves absorb over 6 to 8 months. The total result — combining the direct lift and collagen build-up — lasts 12 to 18 months.
What is the difference between PDO, PCL, and PLLA threads?: All three are bioresorbable. PDO is the most common and absorbs fastest (6-8 months). PCL threads last longer (24-36 months) but are less common. PLLA threads (Silhouette Soft) last a medium duration but cost more.
Is a thread lift the same as a facelift?: No. A surgical facelift is permanent, requires anaesthesia, and several weeks of recovery. A thread lift is an injection-based treatment with 1 to 2 days of downtime that gives a milder lift for 12 to 18 months. Threads are not suited to severe skin laxity — surgery is recommended in those cases.
Can the threads be seen or felt in the skin?: Correctly placed threads are neither visible nor palpable. With incorrect placement they can be felt or show contours in lean skin. That is why injector experience matters for PDO treatment.
What happens when the threads dissolve?: Polydioxanone breaks down to carbon dioxide and water by hydrolysis. It is the same process as for surgical PDO sutures. The newly built collagen remains and continues to support the result for additional months.

Polydioxanone