Thread lifts have quickly become one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation. Using dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin, PDO threads offer a way to lift, tighten, and improve skin texture without the need for invasive surgery. But not all threads are the same. In fact, there are two primary types used in aesthetic treatments today: smooth PDO threads and barbed PDO threads.
Understanding the difference between smooth and barbed threads can help you make an informed decision about the best approach to achieve your beauty goals. Below, we break down the key differences, benefits, and ideal candidates for each.
What Are PDO Threads?
Non-surgical necklift done with PDO threads at Vitality Women’s Healthcare in Gainesville, TX.
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are absorbable sutures made from a synthetic polymer that has been safely used in medical procedures for decades. In aesthetics, PDO threads are placed into the subcutaneous layer of the skin to stimulate collagen production, improve firmness, and reduce signs of aging.
There are several thread types used in these procedures:
- Smooth PDO threads (also known as mono threads)
- Barbed PDO threads (available in bi-directional and multi-directional forms)
- Twist threads (coiled threads that provide volume)
This blog will focus on the two most common: smooth threads and barbed PDO threads.
Smooth PDO Threads: Subtle Support & Collagen Boost
Smooth threads in Gainesville, TX are thin, single filament threads with no barbs. Their primary goal is to improve skin texture, stimulate collagen growth, and enhance skin quality over time. When placed strategically in a mesh-like pattern, smooth PDO threads encourage long-term collagen stimulation, helping to tighten loose skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Benefits of Smooth Threads:
- Improves skin firmness and elasticity
- Enhances collagen production
- Ideal for lip lines, necklace lines, and marionette lines
- Minimal discomfort and downtime
- Subtle, natural-looking results
Ideal candidates for smooth PDO threads are individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity who want gradual, ongoing improvement without the lifting effect of barbed threads.
Barbed PDO Threads: Lift, Contour & Define
Barbed PDO threads in Gainesville, TX are designed for a stronger lift. These threads contain tiny barbs or cogs that anchor into the skin and physically lift sagging tissue. As the threads are pulled tight, they reposition the skin and stimulate collagen production at a deeper level.
Barbed threads are commonly used in areas with moderate to advanced laxity, such as the jawline, cheeks, and nasolabial folds.
Benefits of Barbed PDO Threads:
- Provides an immediate lifting effect
- Improves facial contours
- Reduces skin laxity in key areas
- Stimulates collagen production in deeper layers
- Offers longer-lasting results compared to smooth threads
Barbed thread lift procedures are best for patients looking for a more dramatic improvement in sagging skin without undergoing surgical facelifts.
Key Differences Between Smooth and Barbed Threads
The main difference between smooth and barbed threads lies in their structure and function. Smooth PDO threads are used primarily for collagen stimulation and improving overall skin quality, while barbed PDO threads are designed to anchor and lift sagging skin. Smooth threads are ideal for fine lines and skin texture, whereas barbed threads are better suited for areas that require more support and lift, like the cheeks or jawline.
Smooth threads offer gradual, subtle results with minimal discomfort, while barbed threads provide more immediate lifting effects and long-lasting results.
Can You Combine Both Thread Types?
Yes—many experienced providers use both smooth and barbed threads in the same treatment to target different aesthetic concerns. For example, barbed threads may be used to lift the cheeks, while smooth threads are inserted around the mouth or neck for collagen stimulation and wrinkle refinement.
Combining thread types allows for a more comprehensive PDO thread lift and maximizes both the lifting effects and the boost in collagen production.
What to Expect After a Thread Lift Procedure
Most patients experience mild swelling, soreness, or bruising for a few days after a thread treatment. Results typically improve over the following 4–6 weeks as collagen production increases. Barbed PDO threads may also require post-procedure care to reduce the risk of complications like visible threads or minor asymmetry.
Always choose a qualified healthcare provider or experienced practitioners like at Vitality Women’s Healthcare to minimize the risk of complications and ensure natural-looking results.
Choosing the Right Thread for You
The choice between smooth PDO threads and barbed PDO threads in Gainesville, TX depends on your aesthetic goals, skin concerns, and the recommendations of your provider.
If you’re looking for subtle improvement in skin texture and firmness, smooth threads are likely the right fit. If your primary goal is lifting sagging skin or redefining facial contours, barbed threads offer a more dramatic transformation.
To determine the ideal thread lift approach for your needs, schedule a complimentary consultation with our team. Our expert providers are trained in the latest thread designs and techniques to deliver results that enhance your natural beauty with minimal downtime.
Ready to Get Lifted?
Book a consultation now for PDO thread lifts and see how barbed PDO threads or smooth threads can help you achieve a more youthful glow!
