Your Ultimate Guide to Barbed and Smooth PDO Threads: FAQs, Answered

Polydioxanone, or PDO threads, are noninvasive, FDA-cleared facial rejuvenation treatments. These anti-aging treatments stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin for a subtle lift. At SkinSpirit, our medical providers offer two types of PDO threads: barbed and smooth. Barbed threads anchor sagging skin and lift the facial region, delivering a facelift-like effect. Smooth threads create a framework that supports and gently elevates the skin.

Both procedures help lift and volumize sagging skin through absorbable sutures. The results are immediate, giving you naturally firmer, younger-looking skin. Here, we’ll break down the differences between barbed and smooth threads. Consider this your primer—here’s everything you need to know about both types of PDO threads.

How Do Smooth Threads Work?

A certified medical professional uses tiny needles to inject dissolvable smooth PDO threads under your skin to boost collagen production. These threads create a controlled injury, triggering your body's natural healing system. As your body dissolves the threads, the treated area heals, repairs and plumps up with collagen—causing your skin to look younger and more rejuvenated.

How Do Barbed Threads Work?

While smooth threads work purely to stimulate collagen, barbed threads help to mildly lift and contour skin. These PDO threads have small barbs or prongs, which help grip and elevate the skin. The result? A facial lift that’s both noticeable and natural-looking.

How Long Do Smooth Threads Last?

Since smooth PDO threads help stimulate collagen, treatment longevity will vary from individual to individual (with factors like age, overall health, lifestyle, and degree of sun damage coming into play).

How Long Do Barbed Threads Last?

How long barbed PDO threads last depends on the number of threads used, and the areas in which they’re used. Most clients find that the effects of barbed PDO threads last between six to nine months.

What Are the Benefits of Smooth Threads?

Smooth PDO threads have the following benefits:

Minimally invasive: Smooth PDO threads use small needles—it’s a minimally invasive treatment with less discomfort and a quicker recovery.

Natural-looking results: The lift and volumizing effect you’ll see from smooth threads is subtle (but effective). You’ll look like you, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Collagen production: Smooth threads activate collagen production, giving your skin that youthful glow.

Customizable: Your face and skin concerns are unique—your treatments should be, too. Medical professionals tailor smooth PDO threads to your desired results. Whether you’re targeting your eyebrows, neckline, jowls or jaws, you’ll get the personalized treatment you’re looking for from our expert providers.

Instant, long-lasting effects: Smooth PDO threads make an immediate difference, and results last a relatively long time.

Minimal downtime: Unlike barbed PDO threads, smooth PDO threads don't have a long recovery time. Most clients quickly return to their usual daily routine, with minimal discomfort and downtime.

What Are the Benefits of Barbed Threads?

Barbed PDO threads have the following benefits:

Lifting, no facelift required: This is the most significant difference between barbed and smooth threads. Smooth PDO threads have a small lifting capacity, whereas barbed threads will give your face a noticeably lifted appearance.

Natural-looking results: Though barbed PDO threads are much more noticeable than smooth PDO threads, it’s still a natural-looking enhancement—you’ll get that lifting effect without unnecessary volume.

Collagen production: Barbed PDO threads also stimulate and activate collagen production, giving your skin a radiant, healthy-looking glow.

Customizable: Like smooth threads, barbed threads can be tailored to your unique skin concerns. Whether you’re targeting your eyebrows, neckline, jowls or jaws, you’ll get the personalized results you’re looking for.

Long-lasting effects: Results from barbed PDO threads can last a relatively long time—up to 9 months.

Discover PDO Threads Near You

Lift, smooth, and tighten your sagging skin with our expert team of medical professionals. Our SkinSpirit providers are highly specialized and given extensive industry training. We offer customized medical-grade skin care treatments for gorgeous, healthy-looking skin, and have many locations nationwide.

Rejuvenate your appearance: Schedule your consultation for barbed or smooth PDO threads near you today.

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