Smooth PDO Threads vs. Thread Lifting
As our skin matures, it naturally loses structural collagen and elastin, leading to a loss of volume, fine lines, and sagging tissue. Modern aesthetic medicine offers sophisticated, minimally invasive alternatives to traditional surgical procedures. At Western Skin Institute, we provide both Smooth PDO Thread rejuvenation and Structural Thread Lifting treatments.
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While both modalities utilise Polydioxanone (PDO), a medical grade, bio absorbable suture material with an exceptional 30 year safety track record in orthopaedic and cardiovascular surgery, they are engineered to achieve entirely different aesthetic goals.
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Our board certified practitioners provide these advanced treatments at our St Albans and North Melbourne clinical facilities, ensuring every procedure is customised to your structural anatomy and skin health.
What is the Difference Between Thread Lifting & Smooth PDO Threads?
Smooth PDO Threads:
Completely smooth, fine mono filaments
Thread Lifting:
Equipped with microscopic barbs or cones
Smooth PDO Threads:
Cellular rejuvenation, texturing, and tightening
Thread Lifting:
Mechanical lifting and structural contouring
Smooth PDO Threads:
Fine lines, acne scars, crepiness, and tone
Thread Lifting:
Sagging midface, heavy jowls, and neck laxity
Smooth PDO Threads:
Intradermal / superficial subdermal plane
Thread Lifting:
Deeper subcutaneous plane
Smooth PDO Threads:
Gradual thickening and firming over 3 months
Thread Lifting:
Immediate mechanical lift with ongoing firming
Detailed Treatment Breakdown
1. Smooth PDO Threads (Skin Rejuvenation)
Smooth PDO threads consist of an ultra fine, absorbable monofilament pre loaded into a delicate needle. When inserted in a mesh like pattern beneath the skin, they create an immediate supportive matrix.
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How They Work: The presence of the thread triggers a localised, natural healing response. As the thread gradually dissolves via biological hydrolysis over 3 to 4 months, it leaves behind a newly minted network of type I and type III collagen.
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Target Areas: This process significantly improves skin elasticity, brightens skin tone, and smooths structural defects such as shallow acne scars, fine lines, early nasolabial folds, and superficial crinkling.
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What to Expect: A topical numbing cream is applied for approximately 20 minutes prior to treatment. The micro insertions take 15 to 20 minutes. Minor swelling, localised bruising, or temporary small lumps may occur, which are completely normal tissue responses and typically resolve within 2 weeks.
2. Structural Thread Lifting (Non Surgical Tissue Elevation)
Thread lifting is an advanced structural technique designed to physically elevate descended facial tissues. These thicker threads are engineered with microscopic barbs that gently anchor into the subcutaneous fat layers.
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How They Work: Once anchored, the practitioner applies precise tension to mechanically lift and reshape sagging skin, particularly around the midface, jawline, and upper neck. As the barbs dissolve over 3 to 4 months, a process called surrounding fibrosis (collagen scarring) occurs along the suture track. This creates a permanent internal column of structural support that maintains the lifted position long after the thread has broken down.
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What to Expect: Following topical numbing, a small local anaesthetic injection is administered at the entry points to ensure a completely painless experience. A specialised long cannula holding the barbed thread is carefully guided through a microscopic keyhole puncture, positioned roughly 1 cm beyond the target fold, and the cannula is withdrawn. On average, 2 to 3 structural lifting threads are required per side for an optimal result.
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Recovery & Considerations: The procedural time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. Mild bruising, deep swelling, or minor skin dimpling can occur, resolving over 3 to 4 weeks. Because facial muscles are highly dynamic, relaxation or rare thread breakage can occur over time, which may result in minor asymmetry requiring a simple clinical revision.
Your Consultation Process
All thread procedures at Western Skin Institute are performed by Dr Stephen Lai (AAAM Board Certified Aesthetic Physician) or our highly qualified, independent aesthetic medical practitioners.
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To ensure complete compliance with the Medical Board of Australia and Ahpra guidelines, you must undergo a formal face to face clinical and aesthetic suitability assessment prior to booking. During this initial consultation, your practitioner will thoroughly evaluate your skin quality, discuss potential structural risks, outline expected longevity, and provide a fully transparent, customised financial treatment plan.
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Post Thread Home Care Integration: Thread treatments create micro channels and internal tissue tension, making absolute barrier protection vital during the first 72 hours. To maintain skin suppleness and accelerate tissue recovery without disrupting the deep healing process, protect your skin daily with the advanced physical blocks found in our Skincare Collections Sun Protection range. For ongoing, non reactive hydration, support your skin with professional formulas from our Skincare Collections Moisturisers & Creams line.