Treatment

PDO Threads – Skin Lifting and Biorevitalization

PDO threads (polydioxanone) tighten and lift the skin while stimulating collagen production — a lifting without a scalpel with an effect visible right away and building over time.

At a glance

  1. Duration

    30–60 min

  2. Anaesthesia

    Yes (numbing cream)

  3. Back to everyday life

    Usually immediately

  4. Results visible

    Lifting immediately, collagen after approx. 10–14 days

  5. Recommended series

    Usually 1 treatment (as indicated)

Results lastup to approx. 24 months

This treatment helps with

Where we perform this treatment

MEDESTETIS Klinika Dr Kuschill & Dr Grodecka

Garncarska 8, Kraków

Performed by

MEDESTETIS Klinika Dr Kuschill

Włodarzewska 81, Warszawa

Performed by

What the treatment involves

PDO threads are thin, absorbable fibers made of polydioxanone — a material known in surgery as an absorbable suture. The doctor inserts them under the skin with a thin needle, using the natural tension lines of the face.

The threads act in two ways: they mechanically tighten and gently lift the skin, while at the same time stimulating fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin (neocollagenesis). Smooth threads are used — for biorevitalization, and barbed (anchoring) threads — for lifting and tightening the tissues.

Indications

PDO threads work well for skin laxity and the first signs of a sagging facial oval. The most common indications are:

  • sagging cheeks and a blurred facial oval
  • a "double chin" and laxity of the submandibular area
  • forehead wrinkles and nasolabial folds
  • drooping outer ends of the eyebrows
  • marionette lines and wrinkles around the mouth
  • overall improvement of skin firmness and density (biorevitalization)

How the treatment works

The treatment is preceded by a consultation, an assessment of indications and planning of the thread placement.

We numb the skin with a cream, then insert the threads into the appropriate skin layers using a thin guide needle. The procedure lasts 30–60 minutes and requires no surgical incisions.

Results

The lifting and tightening effect is visible immediately after the treatment. Over time the biostimulation effect joins in — collagen synthesis begins after approx. 10–14 days and gradually improves the quality and density of the skin.

The threads are absorbed within approx. 6–7 months, but the effect of the stimulated collagen lasts longer — usually up to approx. 24 months.

Aftercare

After the treatment, minor swelling and bruising lasting up to approx. a week may appear. To help the effect settle nicely, it is worth:

  • avoiding opening the mouth wide, intense facial expressions and facial massage for approx. 2 weeks
  • sleeping on your back with your head slightly raised for the first nights
  • avoiding the sauna, solarium, pool and intense exertion for approx. 2–3 weeks
  • postponing dental treatments and facial massages for a few weeks
  • using arnica products if bruising appears

In addition, we apply a detailed protocol following treatments with absorbable threads. The full effect is visible after approx. 4–12 weeks; swelling, tenderness and minor irregularities may occur temporarily — report atypical symptoms to the clinic:

  • use antibiotic prophylaxis as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic treatment as recommended by the doctor
  • cold compresses help with swelling, and protect the area from sun, frost and wind
  • for 2–3 days do not press the thread insertion sites, and do not apply makeup during the first day
  • for at least 30 days avoid heavy physical exertion and excessive facial expressions
  • protect the skin from the sun for up to 6 months with SPF 50+ (risk of hyperpigmentation)

Contraindications

We do not perform the treatment, among others, in cases of:

  • pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • active-phase autoimmune diseases
  • blood clotting disorders
  • a tendency to hypertrophic scars and keloids
  • inflammation and skin infections at the treatment site (herpes, acne)

The final qualification is carried out by the doctor during the consultation.

Pricing

PDO / PLLA / Cog lifting threads

WariantCena
Mono threads100 zł / 1 thread
Screw / Eye Screw / Tornado threads125 zł / 1 thread
Barbed threads (Cog, brow-lifting)800 zł / 1 thread
Full price list

The final cost is agreed during the consultation, once your plan is set.

Frequently asked questions

Do the threads remain in the skin permanently?+

No — polydioxanone is completely absorbed within a few months, leaving behind newly stimulated collagen.

Is the treatment painful?+

We perform it under local anesthesia; you may feel slight discomfort, but it does not require incisions.

How long does the effect last?+

The lifting is visible immediately, and the effect of collagen biostimulation usually lasts up to approx. 24 months.

Will PDO threads replace a surgical facelift?+

Not in every case — they work well for moderate laxity; for a large excess of skin, surgery is often more effective.

When will I return to daily activities?+

Usually immediately, although during the first week minor swelling or bruising may persist.

When is the best time to plan the treatment?+

Many people choose the end of the week so that any swelling can subside over the weekend.

How much does a PDO thread lift cost?+

We give prices per single thread: mono threads from 100 zł, screw threads from 125 zł, barbed (lifting) threads from 800 zł. During the treatment, usually from several to a dozen or so threads are used — the doctor determines the total cost during the consultation, after selecting the type and number of threads for the effect.

Sources

  1. Lifting the Lower Face With an Absorbable Polydioxanone (PDO) Thread — PubMed.
  2. Outcomes of polydioxanone knotless thread lifting for facial rejuvenation — PubMed.

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