What is a PDO Thread COG Lift? Your Complete Guide

A PDO Thread COG Lift has become the go-to solution for many women (and men!) looking to achieve a more lifted, youthful appearance of their face without having to go under the knife. 

Whether you're thinking about getting it done yourself and intrigued about how the procedure works, or an aesthetic practitioner or nurse looking to broaden your offerings, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. 

So, first things first, what is a PDO thread COG lift exactly? Well, as touched on briefly above, it is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that uses specialised polydioxanone (PDO) threads to lift and tighten sagging skin, particularly in areas like the face, neck, and jawline, and also works to stimulate collagen production. 

Let’s look into this treatment a little deeper…

The Different Types of PDO Threads

PDO threads can be divided into three main categories:

• PDO mono threads: These are smooth threads (without any barbs or hooks) that help rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen production.
  
  
• PDO cog threads: These threads have barbs that latch into your skin like small fishhooks, to lift parts of your face.
  
  
• PDO screw threads: Made up of one or two intertwined threads, these threads are used to help restore volume to sunken parts of your skin.

PDO threads come in various types, each designed for specific cosmetic applications, depending on the desired results

How Do PDO COGS Work?

PDO COGS are designed to tighten and rejuvenate the skin via a combination of physical support and biological stimulation.

Here’s a step by step breakdown of how they work:

1. Insertion into the skin - During the procedure, barbed or cogged PDO threads are inserted under the skin using a fine needle or cannula. These threads have tiny hooks or barbs that grip onto the tissue, providing an anchor point for lifting sagging skin.
   
   
2. Lifting - Once the threads are anchored, they are gently pulled, creating an immediate lifting effect in the desired areas (the cheeks, jawline, or neck). This lifting effect therefore helps to restore youthful contours and reduce the appearance of wrinkles or sagging.
   
   
3. Not to mention collagen stimulation - Beyond the obvious lift, PDO threads also stimulate the body’s natural collagen production as the skin responds to the threads as a "micro-injury’. During the months following the procedure, this boost in collagen will improve skin elasticity, firmness, and texture.
   
   
4. Absorption - Do they stay in your body, you ask? Well, PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, a material that is safely absorbed by the body over 6-12 months. While the threads dissolve, the skin maintains its lifted appearance due to the collagen that has been produced.

Fancy Taking a PDO COG Thread Lift Course?

At You Can Clinic, we now offer a PDO COG Thread Lift course delivered at our state of the art facility in Cardiff, covering a wide range of including: how to lift the lower and mid face, cannula technique, facial assessment and complementary treatments, implantation techniques, complications and aftercare.

Book your space today. 

This course is aimed at clinicians who have completed Dermal Filler & Botox Training, and advised that you have had cannula experience before attending.

The 3 Main Benefits of Getting PDO COG Threads

There are a number of benefits from getting PDO COG threads:

1. You Get an Immediate Lifted Effect & Long Term Collagen Production

The main reason why people look to get PDO COG threads is because they offer immediate results right after the procedure, whether it’s lifting the cheeks, redefining the jawline, or smoothing the neck.

While the lifting effect is visible immediately, the threads also stimulate collagen production, which typically begins a few weeks after the procedure and continues to improve for 3–6 months, as the threads dissolve naturally. 

2. It Is Minimally Invasive

Unlike surgical facelifts, PDO thread lifts require no large incisions, painful stitches or general anesthesia.

The process itself is quick, and usually only lasts for around 30-60 minutes, depending on the areas being treated. 

This is a great option if you’re looking to return back to your daily activities or work quickly, as it requires minimal downtime . Most people experience only mild swelling or bruising for a few days.

3. It Is Natural Looking

Unlike invasive procedures that can create an "overdone" appearance, these PDO COG threads are highly regarded for delivering subtle and natural-looking results. They enhance your features while preserving your natural beauty.

PDO COG threads also don’t interfere with the muscles or nerves in the face. This means your ability to smile, frown, or express emotions remains completely unaffected.

How We Can Help

If you’re an aesthetic practitioner looking to expand your skill set, adding PDO COG threads to your services can be a valuable way to meet growing demands and offer clients high-quality treatments.

At You Can Clinic, our PDO COG threads course focuses on how to lift the lower and mid face, cannula technique, facial assessment and complementary treatments, implantation techniques, complications and aftercare

Located in state-of-the-art facilities in Cardiff, the course also includes a live demonstration with real models, helping you improve your skills and deliver this treatment with confidence.