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PDO Thread Lifting Adelaide
Lift. Define. Rejuvenate.
Noticing jowls forming, your jawline losing definition, cheeks beginning to descend or brows sitting a little lower?
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Facial ageing isn't always about lost volume. Sometimes, it's about the gradual shift of facial tissues.
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At Medicosmetics Adelaide, PDO cog thread lifting offers a minimally invasive approach to lifting and repositioning selected facial tissues, helping restore the appearance of natural facial contours without adding dermal filler volume or undergoing traditional facelift surgery.
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A different approach to facial rejuvenation, designed around you.
WHEN IT'S A LIFT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR, NOT MORE VOLUME
Discover facial lifting and contour enhancement without relying on dermal filler volume or traditional facelift surgery.
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Noticing jowls beginning to form along your jawline? Your cheeks appearing flatter or sitting a little lower than they once did? Perhaps your brows have started to descend, your lower face feels heavier, or the facial definition you once had is gradually changing.
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As we age, it's not always about losing volume. It's also about the gradual descent of facial tissues, reduced skin elasticity and changes to the natural contours of our face.
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At Medicosmetics Adelaide, we specialise in personalised PDO thread treatments, including PDO cog thread lifting, a minimally invasive approach designed to mechanically lift, reposition and support selected facial tissues.
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Unlike dermal fillers, which primarily restore or add volume, PDO cog threads use specially designed threads to engage and support the underlying tissues, creating a lifting effect in appropriately selected patients.
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Whether you're concerned about softening jowls, reduced jawline definition, descending cheeks or changes to your brow position, PDO cog threads may offer an alternative approach to facial rejuvenation, depending on your individual anatomy and treatment suitability.
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The aim? A subtle, natural-looking lifting effect, improved facial contours and greater definition, without traditional surgical incisions or additional filler volume.
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A different approach to facial rejuvenation. Designed around your anatomy, your concerns and your natural facial features.
Because facial ageing isn't always about what you've lost. Sometimes, it's about what's moved.
As we age, our skin, facial fat and supporting structures gradually change.
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Collagen production declines, skin elasticity reduces and the tissues responsible for maintaining facial contours can begin to descend.
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You may notice:
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A softer or less defined jawline
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Early jowling around the lower face
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Changes in cheek positioning
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A heavier appearance around the mouth and lower cheeks
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Reduced definition between the face and neck
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Mild to moderate facial tissue laxity
For some patients, dermal fillers can restore volume and improve contour. However, adding volume doesn't directly address every concern associated with descending facial tissues.
PDO cog threads offer a different treatment mechanism.
Rather than primarily filling or volumising an area, cog threads are designed to engage selected tissues and provide mechanical traction and support.
This may help reposition tissue and improve the appearance of facial contours in suitable candidates.
It's not a surgical facelift, and it cannot reproduce the degree of correction achieved through surgery. But for patients seeking a less invasive option for modest facial lifting, it may be worth exploring.
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WHAT IS A PDO COG THREAD LIFT?
The science behind the lift.
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PDO stands for polydioxanone, a biocompatible, absorbable material that has been used in medical sutures for many years.
PDO cog threads are different from smooth mono threads.
They feature small barbs or cogs along the thread that are designed to engage the surrounding soft tissue.
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When strategically placed within an appropriate tissue plane, these cogs can provide traction, allowing selected tissues to be repositioned and supported.
This creates a mechanical lifting effect.
How does it work?
1. Tissue engagement
The specially designed cogs engage the surrounding soft tissue, providing anchoring and mechanical support.
2. Tissue repositioning
Careful placement and controlled tension may allow selected tissues to be repositioned, improving the appearance of facial contours.
3. Tissue response
As the body responds to the implanted threads, a local healing response develops, including collagen formation around the threads. The extent to which this contributes to visible, lasting improvement varies.
4. Gradual absorption
PDO threads are gradually broken down and absorbed by the body. The mechanical effect and visible results are temporary, with longevity influenced by the thread type, technique, tissue characteristics and individual healing response.
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The important difference?
Cog threads are designed to provide mechanical tissue support, rather than simply adding volume
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WHAT CAN PDO COG THREADS HELP IMPROVE?
Targeted facial lifting. Individualised treatment.
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Every face ages differently, which is why thread placement, treatment planning and suitability must be assessed individually.
Jawline Definition
Changes in skin elasticity and soft tissue positioning can gradually soften the appearance of the jawline.
In suitable patients, PDO cog threads may provide modest repositioning of selected lower-face tissues, helping improve jawline contour and definition.
Early Jowling
Jowls can develop as facial tissues descend and the lower-face contour changes.
Cog thread lifting may help improve the appearance of mild jowling in selected patients. More advanced laxity or significant excess skin may require a different treatment approach.
Lower-Face Lifting
The lower face is an area where tissue descent can become particularly noticeable.
Carefully planned cog thread placement may provide mechanical support to selected tissues, creating a subtle lifting effect and improving contour.
Cheek and Midface Support
Changes in the position and distribution of cheek tissues can affect facial contours.
Depending on individual anatomy, cog threads may be considered to provide modest support and repositioning of selected midface tissues.
Facial Contour Refinement
For patients concerned about mild tissue descent rather than a lack of volume, PDO cog threads may offer an alternative approach to contour enhancement.
Not every concern requires additional volume, and not every face is suited to thread lifting
The right treatment begins with understanding the underlying cause of the change.
PDO THREADS VS
DERMAL FILLERS
Two very different approaches to facial rejuvenation.
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PDO cog threads and dermal fillers are often discussed together, but they are not interchangeable treatments.
Dermal fillers are primarily used to restore or add volume, modify facial proportions and enhance selected contours.
PDO cog threads are designed to engage and mechanically support selected soft tissues, potentially creating a lifting effect without primarily relying on added volume.
For patients experiencing facial tissue descent, a treatment designed around mechanical support may be worth considering. However, cog threads cannot replace lost facial volume in the way dermal fillers can, and their lifting capacity is limited.
Some patients may benefit from one approach, others from a combination, and some may be better suited to alternative procedures.
At Medicosmetics, our priority is to assess the underlying concern before recommending treatment.
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PDO THREAD LIFTING VS A SURGICAL FACELIFT
Exploring your options before considering surgery.
A surgical facelift and a PDO cog thread lift are fundamentally different procedures.
Surgical facelifts can reposition deeper facial structures, remove excess skin and achieve more substantial correction of facial laxity.
PDO cog threads provide a less invasive option for selected patients seeking more modest changes.
They do not remove excess skin, permanently tighten facial structures or replicate the results of surgery.
However, they may be appropriate for individuals who:
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Have mild to moderate facial tissue laxity
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Are seeking a modest lifting effect
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Prefer to explore less invasive treatment options
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Understand that results are temporary
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Have realistic expectations about the degree of improvement possible
For patients with significant tissue descent or excess skin, surgery may provide a more appropriate and predictable outcome.
The aim is not to replace surgery. It's to understand whether a less invasive approach can appropriately address your concerns.
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WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT FROM PDO COG THREADS?
A lifting effect, with realistic expectations.
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PDO cog thread lifting can produce an immediate mechanical repositioning effect in appropriately selected patients.
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However, early changes may also be influenced by swelling, and the final appearance cannot be judged immediately after the procedure.
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As swelling settles and the tissues heal, the treatment outcome becomes easier to assess.
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Potential improvements may include:
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Modest lifting of selected facial tissues
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Improved lower-face contour
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A softer appearance of early jowling
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Greater definition along selected facial contours
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Subtle changes to the appearance of tissue laxity
The degree of improvement varies considerably.
Factors including age, tissue weight, skin quality, facial anatomy, thread selection and placement technique can influence the outcome.
PDO threads do not stop the ageing process, and results are not permanent.
Some patients may achieve a noticeable improvement, while others may experience a relatively subtle change.
A consultation is essential to determine whether the likely benefit is consistent with your expectations.
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HOW LONG DOES A PDO THREAD LIFT LAST?
PDO cog thread lifting is designed to provide temporary facial tissue support, with results that may last approximately 12 to 18 months in some patients.
While the PDO threads themselves gradually dissolve and are naturally absorbed by the body, visible improvements may continue beyond this period due to the tissue response and collagen formation associated with treatment.
When is maintenance recommended?
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At Medicosmetics, we generally recommend a review at approximately 10 months to assess how your results are progressing and whether maintenance treatment may be beneficial.
Maintenance can help address changes in facial contours as the natural ageing process continues. However, additional treatment is not always required or appropriate.
The longevity of your results will depend on several factors, including your facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of tissue laxity, thread selection and individual response to treatment.
Our approach is personalised, with treatment and maintenance recommendations based on your individual needs and clinical assessment.
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YOUR PDO THREAD TREATMENT EXPERIENCE
From consultation to recovery.
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Step 1. Your consultation
We begin with a detailed discussion about your concerns, medical history, facial anatomy, previous treatments and expectations.
We assess skin quality, tissue mobility, facial proportions and the degree of laxity to determine whether PDO cog threads are appropriate.
Step 2. Your personalised treatment plan
If thread lifting is suitable, we discuss the proposed treatment areas, thread selection, expected limitations, potential complications, recovery requirements and alternatives.
Step 3. Your procedure
The treatment area is prepared using appropriate clinical infection-control procedures.
Local anaesthesia may be used to reduce discomfort. The threads are then placed within the planned tissue plane using an appropriate insertion technique.
The procedure duration depends on the number of threads and areas treated.
Step 4. Recovery and aftercare
Swelling, tenderness, bruising and a sensation of tightness or pulling can occur.
You will receive specific aftercare instructions, which may include temporarily avoiding strenuous exercise, facial massage, excessive facial movements and pressure on the treated areas.
Step 5. Review and follow-up
Your recovery and results may be assessed at an appropriate follow-up appointment. Any unexpected symptoms or concerns should be reported promptly.
Images are provided for illustrative and educational purposes only. Individual results vary depending on skin condition, facial anatomy, age, treatment suitability and individual healing responses.
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Results shown may have been achieved over multiple treatment sessions and may include additional or complementary procedures.
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PDO thread treatments do not guarantee specific outcomes. Results, longevity and recovery experiences vary between individuals.
A comprehensive consultation is required to assess suitability, discuss potential risks and establish realistic treatment expectations.
ARE PDO COG THREADS SAFE?
Your Safety. Our Priority.
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PDO cog thread lifting is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure using absorbable, medical-grade threads that have been used in surgical applications for many years.
As with any cosmetic procedure, there are some potential side effects and risks to be aware of. Most patients can expect temporary tenderness, tightness, mild swelling or bruising as part of the normal healing process.
You may also notice slight dimpling, puckering or unevenness around the thread entry points during the initial recovery period. These changes often settle naturally as the tissues heal.
Although less common, complications such as infection, thread displacement, persistent skin irregularities or prolonged discomfort can occur. Rare but more serious complications, including nerve or blood vessel injury, are also possible and may require further medical treatment.
At Medicosmetics, your safety and comfort are central to every treatment.
We take a personalised approach to facial assessment, treatment planning and aftercare, ensuring you understand what to expect throughout the process.
Should you experience any concerns following your procedure, we're here to assess them, provide guidance and arrange appropriate management where required.
Every treatment begins with a comprehensive consultation to ensure PDO thread lifting is suitable for you, with the opportunity to discuss any questions, risks or concerns before proceeding.
WHAT ABOUT PDO MONO THREADS?
A different thread. A different treatment purpose.
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While cog threads are designed to provide mechanical tissue engagement and lifting, PDO mono threads are smooth threads without lifting barbs.
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Mono threads are generally used in treatment approaches focused on skin quality and local tissue response rather than significant mechanical lifting.
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They may be considered for selected concerns involving skin texture, fine lines or mild skin laxity, although the clinical evidence supporting specific aesthetic outcomes varies.
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The simplest distinction:
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PDO cog threads: Designed for mechanical tissue support and modest lifting.
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PDO mono threads: Primarily used in approaches targeting skin quality and collagen response, rather than repositioning tissue.
During your consultation, we can discuss whether either approach is suitable for your concerns.
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WHY CHOOSE MEDICOSMETICS FOR PDO THREAD LIFTING?
A Passion for PDO Threads. Built on Training, Experience & Technique.
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At Medicosmetics, PDO thread lifting isn't simply another treatment we offer. It's one of our core clinical focuses.
Our journey began in Seoul, South Korea, where we undertook our original training in both PDO mono and cog thread techniques.
With a particular interest in advanced facial lifting, we returned to Seoul in 2022 to complete a specialised masterclass in PDO cog thread lifting, further developing our knowledge of facial anatomy, thread placement and lifting techniques.
Today, PDO thread procedures are part of our daily clinical practice, with each treatment individually planned around facial anatomy, tissue positioning and the patient's aesthetic goals.
We understand that thread lifting is not simply about placing threads. It's about understanding where facial tissues have changed, how they move and what can realistically be achieved through careful treatment planning.
What Sets Our Approach Apart?
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International Training: Foundational PDO mono and cog thread training completed in Seoul, South Korea.
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Advanced Cog Thread Education: Returned to Seoul in 2022 for a dedicated masterclass in cog thread lifting techniques.
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Daily Clinical Experience: PDO thread procedures form a regular and significant part of our clinical practice.
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Individualised Treatment Planning: Thread selection, placement and lifting direction are tailored to each patient's facial anatomy and concerns.
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Natural-Looking Outcomes: Our approach prioritises facial balance, proportion and realistic improvements rather than unnecessary changes.
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Continuity of Care: Personalised consultations, clear aftercare guidance and ongoing clinical support throughout your treatment journey.
More Than a Treatment. A Dedicated Area of Practice.
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We believe that facial rejuvenation should begin with understanding your face, not choosing a procedure.
Our focus is on combining clinical knowledge, practical experience and individualised treatment planning to determine whether PDO thread lifting is appropriate for you.
Because when it comes to your face, experience, technique and attention to detail matter.
PDO THREAD LIFTING: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Understanding the Treatment
PDO cog threads can create a mechanical lifting effect by engaging and repositioning selected soft tissues. They may improve mild tissue descent in suitable patients but cannot remove excess skin or provide the degree of lifting achieved through a surgical facelift.
Cog threads contain small barbs designed to engage surrounding tissue. When correctly placed and tensioned, they can provide traction and support tissue repositioning. The amount and direction of movement depend on the patient's anatomy and treatment plan.
Neither treatment is universally better. They address different concerns. Dermal fillers primarily restore or add volume, while cog threads aim to provide mechanical support and modest tissue lifting. The most appropriate option depends on the underlying cause of the patient's concern.
No. PDO thread lifting cannot replicate the correction achievable with surgery. It may be considered by selected patients who want a less invasive procedure and understand that the results are more modest and temporary.
Cog threads have barbs designed to engage and support tissue, while mono threads are smooth and do not provide the same mechanical lifting mechanism. They are used for different treatment objectives.
The body's response to implanted PDO threads can include local collagen formation. However, the extent and clinical significance of collagen-related cosmetic improvements vary, and collagen production does not guarantee visible tightening or lifting.
A mechanical lifting effect may be visible immediately after placement. However, swelling can temporarily affect the appearance, and the final outcome should be assessed after healing.
They may improve the appearance of mild jowling in selected patients. Results depend on tissue characteristics, degree of descent and individual anatomy. Significant jowling may be better addressed through other procedures.
Cog threads primarily reposition and support selected tissues.
They do not remove excess skin and should not be considered a reliable treatment for substantial skin laxity.
The intention is to achieve an outcome appropriate to your natural facial anatomy. However, asymmetry, irregular contours, dimpling and an unnatural appearance are possible complications. Natural-looking results cannot be guaranteed.
There is no universal number. Thread selection and quantity depend on the treatment area, tissue characteristics, degree of laxity and proposed lifting approach. This is determined during your clinical assessment.
Results are temporary and highly variable. Although PDO threads are absorbed over time, visible changes may persist for a different period. Long-term outcome data are limited, so a specific duration cannot be guaranteed.
Thread absorption does not inherently mean the face will become worse than it would have been without treatment. However, the mechanical lifting effect diminishes, and natural ageing continues. Individual outcomes vary.
Some patients consider repeat treatment as results diminish. Others may not require or be suitable for further procedures. The decision should be based on reassessment rather than a predetermined treatment schedule.
Local anaesthesia may reduce discomfort during the procedure, but patients can still experience pressure, pulling or discomfort. Tenderness and a tight sensation can continue during recovery.
Procedure time varies depending on the areas treated, number of threads, preparation and anaesthesia. Most Procedures take between 45 minutes and 1 ½ Hours, much of this time is spent administering local anaesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort.
Your practitioner can provide an estimated duration after planning your treatment.Recovery varies. Bruising, swelling, tenderness and tightness may affect work or social activities for several days or longer. Some patients may require additional recovery time, particularly if complications develop.
You may be advised to sleep on your back temporarily to minimise pressure on the treated areas. The recommended duration will depend on the procedure and your practitioner's instructions.
Strenuous exercise is generally restricted for an initial recovery period to reduce swelling, discomfort and pressure on healing tissues. You will receive individual instructions regarding when to resume activity.
Makeup may need to be avoided initially, particularly around insertion sites, to reduce contamination and irritation. Follow your practitioner's specific aftercare advice.
Some patients experience temporary tightness, pulling or awareness of the treated area. Persistent pain, a protruding thread or an unusual palpable irregularity should be clinically assessed.
Swelling often improves over the first several days, but can persist longer. Recovery depends on the extent of treatment and individual healing. Increasing swelling, redness, warmth or pain requires prompt review.
Following PDO cog thread lifting, temporary tenderness, tightness, swelling, bruising and minor skin irregularities are normal and expected during the healing process.
Tenderness & Tightness:
A pulling, tightening or aching sensation is common, particularly when smiling, chewing or moving the face. Discomfort generally improves gradually but may persist for 2 to 4 weeks.
Bruising & Swelling:
Mild to moderate bruising and swelling are expected, generally settling within 5 to 7 days, although individual recovery times vary.
Temporary Asymmetry & Dimpling:
Slight asymmetry, puckering, small indentations or visible thread entry points may be noticeable during the first 1 to 2 weeks. These generally improve naturally as the tissues settle, although some irregularities may take longer or require review.
Most side effects are temporary and resolve progressively throughout the healing period. However, severe or increasing pain, worsening swelling, redness, discharge or persistent irregularities should be assessed promptly.
At Medicosmetics, we provide comprehensive aftercare guidance to support your recovery and ensure you know what to expect following treatment.Although uncommon, PDO cog threads can occasionally shift, become displaced or break following treatment.
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Should this occur, we encourage you to contact Medicosmetics for a clinical review. Depending on the circumstances, we can assess the concern and discuss appropriate corrective treatment, which may include adjusting or removing the affected thread where clinically possible.
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Our priority is to identify and manage any complications promptly, ensuring you feel supported throughout your treatment and recovery.
Dimpling can occur when tissue is caught, compressed or unevenly tensioned by a thread. Some irregularities resolve during healing, while others persist and require assessment or intervention.
Removal may be possible in some circumstances, but it can be technically difficult and may require an additional procedure. Removal is not always straightforward and does not guarantee complete correction of a complication.
Suitability depends on medical history, medications, skin and tissue condition, previous procedures, anatomy and treatment expectations. Active infection, certain bleeding risks, poor wound healing or significant facial laxity may affect eligibility.
Previous filler treatment does not automatically exclude PDO threads. However, the product used, placement, timing and existing tissue condition must be assessed before recommending further treatment.
Contact the clinic for assessment. The appropriate response depends on whether the concern relates to normal healing, an aesthetic outcome or a complication. Some issues improve over time, while others require treatment and may not be fully reversible.
At Medicosmetics, PDO cog thread lifting is individually tailored to your facial anatomy, treatment areas and desired outcomes.
As a general guide, treatments range from $950.00 to $4600 depending on the number and type of threads required, the areas being treated and the complexity of the procedure.
During your consultation, we will assess your suitability, discuss your treatment options and provide a personalised quotation before proceeding. There are no unexpected treatment costs.
Yes. A consultation is an important part of ensuring PDO thread lifting is appropriate for your individual needs, facial anatomy and treatment goals.
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At Medicosmetics, we offer a complimentary 15-minute video consultation for patients who would like to explore their options before booking.
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This allows us to discuss your concerns, explain the treatment and provide an initial indication of whether you may be a suitable candidate for PDO cog thread lifting.
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A comprehensive clinical assessment is still required before treatment to confirm suitability, discuss expected outcomes, potential risks and alternatives, and develop your personalised treatment plan.
The most useful starting point is identifying whether your concern relates to tissue descent, volume loss, skin quality or a combination of factors. A clinical facial assessment can help determine which treatments may be appropriate.
Absolutely! PDO threads can be combined with other cosmetic and skin rejuvenation treatments as part of a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.
For some patients, combining treatments can provide a more comprehensive result, addressing multiple concerns such as facial laxity, volume loss, skin texture and collagen support.
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At Medicosmetics, we develop personalised treatment plans to determine which complementary treatments may be beneficial, including the most appropriate timing and sequence to ensure safe treatment and optimal outcomes.
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Our focus is on achieving natural-looking, balanced results tailored to your individual facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Explore What's Possible for Your Facial Contours.
If you've noticed changes in your jawline, cheeks or lower face, and you're interested in an option that doesn't primarily rely on adding volume, PDO cog thread lifting may be worth considering.
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At Medicosmetics, we take the time to understand your concerns, assess your anatomy and explain what treatment can realistically achieve.
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No two faces are the same, and neither should their treatment plans be. Your next step is a personalised consultation.
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BOOK YOUR PDO THREAD CONSULTATION
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Medicosmetics Clinic
Level 1, 409 Magill Road, St Morris, Adelaide SA
All cosmetic procedures involve risks. Results vary between individuals, and no specific lifting effect, degree of improvement or treatment longevity can be guaranteed. A clinical consultation is required to determine suitability.