Thread lift

What are PDO threads?

PDO threads are fine threads (usually 0.1–0.2 mm thick) made of polydioxanone (PDO) — a biodegradable material that has been used for surgical sutures for decades. The thread is placed into the skin through a special hollow needle. Threads divide into mechanical (smooth threads, for stimulating collagen) and contouring (barbed threads that anchor the tissue and create a mild lifting effect).

The thread material dissolves in the body within 6–8 months, but the collagen production triggered along the needle path and the tissue-tightening effect last 12–18 months. PDO threads are suited above all to mild to moderate skin laxity — the jawline "silhouette", marionette lines, the brows and the neck.

PDO thread prices in Estonia and how the procedure runs

The price of PDO threads in Estonia depends on the number of threads and the treatment area. Treating a single area (the jawline, for example) starts from €400–700, while treating the whole face and neck costs €800–1500. The consultation is usually charged separately at €30–80.

At the consultation the doctor assesses the degree of skin laxity and the thickness of the skin and draws up a plan — where the mechanical threads go and where the contouring ones. The procedure itself lasts 30–60 minutes. Numbing cream is used, and sometimes local anaesthetic injections in the more sensitive areas.

After the procedure there is usually bruising (3–10 days) and swelling for 5–14 days. The threads are noticeable during the first week as the tissue tightens around them. Social downtime is typically 5–7 days. Avoid sport, the sauna and intensive facial treatments for 2 weeks.

How to choose a clinic that places PDO threads?

The first criterion is a Health Board licence and a qualified doctor — placing PDO threads is not technically difficult, but wrong placement can cause asymmetry, visible threads under the skin or bunching of the caught tissue. Look for a doctor who has had specific PDO thread training from the thread manufacturers (Aptos, Mint PDO, Easy Lift, Spring Thread and others).

See the list of Estonian aesthetic clinics on our /kliinikud page. Read reviews of the specific doctor — an experienced doctor knows the anatomy (blood vessels and nerves, for instance) and can place threads safely.

At the consultation, ask: how many PDO threads the doctor places in a year, which brands they use and what the typical aftercare arrangement is. Price differences are mostly down to the number of threads and the product margin — a lower price may point to fewer threads or a lower-quality product.

Risks, side effects and contraindications

Typical side effects are bruising, swelling, tenderness under the skin and a "feel" of the threads for 2–4 weeks. More serious and rare risks: visible threads under the skin (if placed too superficially), asymmetry, granuloma, infection. In the hands of an experienced doctor the risks are minimal.

Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune disease, blood clotting disorders, active skin inflammation or infection, allergy to PDO material (rare). Talk openly at the consultation about all your medications and your medical history.

PDO threads in Estonia's most popular cities

PDO threads are placed above all at aesthetic medicine clinics in Tallinn and Tartu. Pärnu also has a handful of qualified doctors. PDO threads are a relatively new procedure in Estonia, which is why there are not as many specialised doctors as there are for dermal fillers.

If you are planning PDO threads, it may be worth travelling to an experienced clinic in one of the main cities — the quality of the procedure depends entirely on the doctor's hand. See the full list on our /kliinikud page and filter by city.