PDO Threads treatment
Mono Threads
Fine threads used broadly to stimulate collagen and support skin quality.
- Treatment time
- 30–45 minutes
- Results
- Gradual firming over 6–12 weeks
- Longevity
- Around 12 months
- Downtime
- 1–2 days
About Mono Threads
Mono threads are smooth, fine PDO threads without barbs. They don't lift; instead they're placed in a mesh pattern just beneath the skin to stimulate collagen, tighten the tissue and improve texture. Think of them as a scaffold that firms the skin from within as it dissolves.
They're used on their own for crepey or slightly loose skin — the neck, jawline, cheeks, under the eyes, even the knees and arms — and alongside lifting threads to support a lifted result.
Key Benefits
- 01Firms and tightens skin through collagen stimulation
- 02Improves crepiness, fine lines and texture
- 03Versatile — face, neck and body areas
- 04Supports and prolongs a lifting-thread result
- 05Minimal downtime compared with lifting threads
- 06Threads dissolve fully, leaving new collagen
Is this treatment right for me?
Mono threads suit people with early laxity or crepey skin who'd like firming and texture improvement rather than a lift. They're also recommended alongside lifting threads for a stronger, longer-lasting result.
You may be suitable if…
- Your skin looks crepey, thin or slightly loose
- You'd like firmer texture on the neck, face or body
- You want to support a lifting-thread or filler result
- You're not pregnant or breastfeeding
Your consultation will consider…
- How much laxity there is and how much lift threads can realistically give
- Skin thickness and quality — threads work best in skin with some support
- Whether filler, threads or both will give the most natural result
- Your medical history, medication and any previous treatments in the area
What to expect
Before treatment
A consultation with John assesses how much lift is realistic, which threads suit the area and whether threads, filler or a combination will give the best result. Avoid alcohol, aspirin, ibuprofen and blood-thinning supplements for a week beforehand where safe to do so, and don't book within two weeks of dental work.
During treatment
The area is cleansed and marked, then numbed with local anaesthetic injections so the treatment itself is comfortable. Each thread is introduced beneath the skin through a fine needle or cannula and positioned to lift or support the tissue; the entry point is tiny and needs no stitches. A typical session takes 45–60 minutes. Mono threads are placed in a grid or fan pattern through a fine needle; a typical area takes 30–45 minutes and many threads may be used.
After treatment
You'll see an immediate lift, alongside some swelling and tightness. The area may feel tender or slightly pulled for a few days as the threads settle. John goes through aftercare and books a review.
Watch
Results & longevity
There's little to see immediately — mono threads work by stimulating collagen, so firmness and texture improve gradually over six to twelve weeks and continue to refine for several months. The threads dissolve over about six months, and the collagen they leave behind typically keeps results going for around twelve months. A second session can build on the first.
Recovery, side effects & aftercare
Threads need a little more care than injectables in the first week. Swelling, tenderness and a sensation of tightness are normal, and there may be bruising at the entry points. Most people are comfortable returning to work after a day or two, and the area settles fully within two to three weeks.
Side effects
Swelling, bruising, tenderness and a tight or pulling sensation are expected and settle over a few weeks. Small dimples or puckering of the skin along a thread can occur and usually smooth out; occasionally a thread end can be felt or seen and needs a small adjustment. Uncommon risks include infection, a thread moving, or temporary asymmetry as the sides settle at different rates; nerve irritation is rare and usually temporary.
Aftercare
For the first week: sleep on your back with your head raised, avoid wide mouth movements, chewing gum and very hard foods, and don't rub or massage the area. Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, steam and sunbeds for two weeks, and don't have facials or dental work for three to four weeks. Keep the entry points clean and use SPF daily.
Please contact the clinic if you notice increasing pain, spreading redness or warmth, discharge from an entry point, a visible thread end, or dimpling that hasn't improved after two weeks.
- Downtime
- 2–3 days of swelling and tenderness
- Redness
- Mild at entry points
- Swelling
- Common for 3–7 days
- Bruising
- Possible, fades within 1–2 weeks
- Normal activities
- Light activity next day; no strenuous exercise for 1–2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see an immediate result?
No — mono threads firm the skin over six to twelve weeks as collagen forms. The change is gradual and natural.
How many threads are used?
Often twenty or more across an area, because each is very fine. The exact number depends on the area and is agreed at consultation.
Is the downtime less than lifting threads?
Yes. Expect some redness, small marks and mild swelling for a day or two, rather than the tightness and longer settling of a lift.
Is it painful?
Local anaesthetic is used, so the treatment itself is comfortable — you'll feel pressure and movement rather than pain. The area is tender for a few days afterwards.
What happens to the threads?
PDO is the same material as dissolvable surgical stitches. It breaks down gradually over roughly six months and is absorbed by the body, leaving new collagen in its place.
Can I combine threads with filler?
Yes, and it's common — threads reposition the tissue while filler restores volume. John will advise on the order and spacing.
Your Practitioner
John Dixon
Founder & Aesthetician
John founded Trusted Touch Aesthetics in Fulham and specialises in facial balancing, wrinkle reduction and skin rejuvenation. He is CPD-regulated and fully insured, and is known for taking the time to assess your face properly, explaining every option honestly and never over-treating — the aim is always a natural result that still looks like you. Clients regularly mention his calm manner, attention to detail and the aftercare follow-up that checks in on how you're healing.