PDO bio-restructuring threads
Skin laxity is one of the most visible signs of ageing, but it does not necessarily require surgery to be treated. PDO bio-restructuring threads are a minimally invasive solution that repositions tissues, stimulates the production of new collagen and restores a more toned and defined appearance to the face and body, with a natural lifting effect that enhances contours without altering them.
What are PDO bio-structural threads and how do they work?
PDO bio-restructuring threads (polydioxanone) are synthetic, absorbable threads which have been approved and used in surgery for many years due to their high biocompatibility and safety. In aesthetic medicine, they are injected into the deep dermis using micro-needles or micro-cannulas, without any incisions and without general anaesthesia, where they exert a dual action that makes them unique amongst non-surgical treatments.
The first effect is mechanical and immediate: the tension threads anchor and reposition the sagging tissues, restoring tone and definition to the contours of the face and body the very moment they are inserted. The second effect is biological and progressive: as the PDO degrades naturally over a period of 6–8 months, it stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen in the treated area – a process known as neocollagenesis – resulting in a firming and regenerating effect that continues to improve in the months following the treatment, well beyond the point at which the thread itself has been reabsorbed.
The results of a facelift using bio-structural threads are gradual, natural and long-lasting.
Areas treated with PDO threads
PDO bio-restructuring threads can be applied to various areas of the face and body, with the insertion technique and type of thread adapted to the specific characteristics of each area:
Face: eyebrows, cheeks, chin and under-chin
On the face, the most common areas for treatment are the eyebrows, where the threads create an effect that opens up and lifts the eyes, the cheeks, where sagging is often the first sign of ageing, the chin and the under-chin area, where the personalised thread lift treatment redefines the facial contour and counteracts sagging of the jawline. The overall result is a harmonious lifting effect, which enhances the face’s natural features without altering them.
Neck and décolleté
The neck is an area that is often overlooked in anti-ageing routines, yet it is one of the first places to show signs of skin ageing. PDO threads applied to the neck and décolleté improve skin tone, reduce horizontal wrinkles and restore firmness to an area that rarely responds significantly to topical treatments alone.
Arms and inner thighs
The inner arms and the inner thighs are areas particularly prone to sagging skin, especially following weight loss or as we get older. The non-surgical PDO thread lift offers an effective solution for lifting and firming these tissues without surgery, with gradual and natural-looking results.
Abdomen and buttocks
In the abdominal area, PDO threads target residual skin laxity, improving the skin’s firmness and tone. For the buttocks, the treatment provides a gentle lifting and contouring effect, which is particularly popular as a non-surgical alternative to more invasive procedures.
PDO bio-structural threads: how the treatment works
Treatment with bio-structural threads (PDO) is carried out on an outpatient basis, without general anaesthesia. Before the procedure, Dr Garavaglia carries out a thorough assessment of the tissues, maps out the insertion points for the threads and selects the type and number of threads best suited to the specific case. An anaesthetic is applied to the areas to be treated to ensure maximum comfort during the procedure.
The threads are inserted using precision micro-needles or micro-cannulas, following the traction vectors defined during the assessment phase. The session lasts about 30–40 minutes. After the procedure, it is normal to experience slight localised swelling and redness, which will subside within 48–72 hours. Small bruises may appear at the insertion sites and will disappear on their own within a few days.
There is no significant recovery time: most patients resume their normal daily activities within 24–48 hours.
Natural and gradual results
One of the key strengths of PDO threads is that the results are gradual. The immediate lifting effect, which is visible within a few days of the treatment, becomes more refined and pronounced over the following months thanks to the formation of new collagen induced by the reabsorption of the thread. The improvement continues to stabilise for up to 3–6 months after treatment, reaching its peak once the thread has been completely reabsorbed and the new collagen has fully matured.
The results generally last for 9–12 months, after which the treatment can be repeated to maintain and consolidate the benefits achieved. With regular sessions over time, many patients experience a cumulative effect: each cycle builds on the previous one, leading to a gradual improvement in the quality and firmness of the tissues.
PDO thread lift treatment: the value of an integrated approach
PDO bio-restructuring threads realise their full potential when used as part of a broader aesthetic medicine programme. The most effective combination involves using PDO threads for tissue repositioning and structural support, dermal fillers to restore volume, botulinum toxin for dynamic wrinkles, and biorevitalisation to improve skin quality. This integrated approach makes it possible to address all stages of the ageing process, resulting in a more comprehensive, natural and long-lasting outcome than any single treatment.
Dr Garavaglia will assess the most suitable combination on a case-by-case basis, devising a bespoke treatment plan that takes into account each patient’s individual characteristics and goals.
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Why choose Studio Garavaglia?
The insertion of bio-restructuring threads is a procedure that requires precise anatomical knowledge, extensive technical experience and a refined aesthetic sense. The placement pattern, the choice of thread type and the direction of the tension vectors determine how natural and effective the final result is. Thanks to Dr Garavaglia’s expertise, you can be sure of an effective and natural result.