Mono threadlifts and PDO threadlifts are both non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments that use dissolvable sutures made from polydioxanone (PDO) to lift, tighten, and stimulate collagen in the skin — but they differ in purpose, design, and results.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. PDO Threads in General
PDO (Polydioxanone): A biodegradable synthetic fiber used safely in medical sutures for decades.
How they work: Inserted under the skin with fine needles or cannulas → create a support framework and stimulate collagen production → threads dissolve in 4–8 months, but skin-tightening effects last longer (up to 12–18 months).
Main goals: Lift sagging skin, improve firmness, smooth wrinkles, and boost skin elasticity.
2. Mono Threads
Design: Smooth threads with no barbs or cones.
Purpose: Focus mainly on skin tightening and collagen stimulation, not actual lifting.
Best for: Fine lines, crepey skin, mild skin laxity (e.g., neck, under-eye, cheeks).
Result: Subtle tightening and skin texture improvement.
Downtime: Minimal, with slight swelling or bruising possible.
Example: Think of them as “meshwork” threads that form a collagen scaffold.
3. Barbed PDO Threadlifts (often just called “PDO threadlifts”)
Design: Threads have tiny barbs, cones, or cogs that grip tissue.
Purpose: Physically lift sagging skin while also stimulating collagen.
Best for: Moderate sagging in cheeks, jawline, brows, or neck.
Result: Immediate visible lift + gradual tightening over months.
Downtime: Slightly more than mono threads (due to pulling/lifting), with some soreness and swelling.
Example: Think of them as “hooks” that pull skin upward and hold it in place.
Key Differences
Feature
Mono Threads
PDO Threadlift (Barbed)
Main function
Skin tightening, texture improvement
Lifting + tightening
Thread structure
Smooth
Barbed/coned/cogged
Immediate lift
❌ No
✅ Yes
Collagen stimulation
✅ Yes
✅ Yes
Best for
Mild laxity, fine lines
Moderate sagging, contour definition
Downtime
Low
Low–moderate
💡 Combination approach: Many practitioners use both — mono threads for texture and barbed threads for lifting — to give a more complete rejuvenation.
Mono threadlifts and PDO threadlifts are both non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatments that use dissolvable sutures made from polydioxanone (PDO) to lift, tighten, and stimulate collagen in the skin — but they differ in purpose, design, and results.
Here’s the breakdown:
1. PDO Threads in General
2. Mono Threads
3. Barbed PDO Threadlifts (often just called “PDO threadlifts”)
Key Differences
💡 Combination approach: Many practitioners use both — mono threads for texture and barbed threads for lifting — to give a more complete rejuvenation.