Miracu PDO Threads: What You Need to Know
Pros & cons
What to expect
Results
Fast facts
Miracu PDO threads are ultra-thin, medical-grade sutures commonly used in thread lifts, a type of nonsurgical skin rejuvenation procedure.
Made of polydioxanone, FDA-cleared Miracu threads are designed to be slowly and safely absorbed by the body. They can create a subtle lift, but their primary benefit lies in boosting your natural elastin and collagen production, a response known as “neo-collagenesis.” Over several months, this new collagen gradually makes skin look firmer, smoother, and more youthful.
PDO threads can be placed in the forehead, around the eyes, nose, mid and lower face, and the neck to treat skin laxity, fine lines and wrinkles, early jowls, nasolabial folds, and other signs of aging. Some providers also use threads in other areas of the body, including the breasts and above the knees.Â
This procedure can be a good option for younger patients who need only a minor improvement and want to avoid the cost or downtime of a surgical facelift.Â
Benev, manufacturer of Miracu threads, says that one of their advantages over other PDO threads is their flexible cannula (a type of hollow needle), which inserts the threads below the skin. They say this flexibility creates less tissue trauma, pain, and bruising than other designs.
Miracu PDO threads come in a variety of lengths and designs, including both smooth mono threads and those with cogs, or tiny barbs, that help anchor them within the tissue.
Pros
- Miracu threads are a minimally invasive treatment used to contour, firm, and rejuvenate wrinkled, aging skin.
- It’s a relatively quick procedure, performed with a local anesthetic.
- Patients have little to no downtime.
- Miracu threads safely break down in the body after 6 to 9 months, depending on their thickness.
- Firming effects can last up to 24 months.
Cons
- Thread lifts work best for relatively young people (in their 30s and 40s), who don’t yet have significant jowling or sagging skin.
- As with other nonsurgical treatments, results are subtle compared to those from surgical facelifts or neck lifts.
- You’ll also have to be patient to see the firming and smoothing benefits of new collagen, which takes several months to form.
- Benefits are temporary. You’ll need additional treatments to maintain them over time.
RealSelf Tip: If a thread lift isn’t done right, threads placed too close to the skin’s surface can be visible. Find an experienced provider—ideally a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist—with a solid track record of reviews from satisfied patients.
A Miracu PDO thread procedure takes about an hour. Here’s what to expect.
- First, the treatment area will be thoroughly cleansed.
- Your provider will apply a topical anesthetic, to help minimize discomfort.
- They will then mark your skin for the thread insertion points and directions.
- Once you’re numb, your provider will use a pre-loaded cannula to place each thread. It shouldn’t be painful, but you may feel twinges of discomfort if threads are inserted around the jawline or lips, areas that have a lot of nerve endings.
- When the thread reaches its end point, your provider will remove the cannula and pull the thread taut, creating tension that subtly contours the tissue.
- They’ll repeat this process with as many as 20 threads, to create the desired result.
- Then they’ll massage the treated area, to ensure the skin looks smooth and undimpled.
RealSelf Tip: Some providers enhance the results of this treatment with a RF microneedling procedure like Sylfirm X, or with dermal fillers and other injectables. During your initial consultation, you and your provider should discuss the right facial rejuvenation plan for your concerns and budget.
As we mentioned above, new collagen and elastin form as Miracu threads dissolve over 6 to 9 months. You should see optimal results by that time.
The benefits of a Miracu threads treatment can last up to 24 months. A good skin care regimen, including daily sunscreen with an SPF of 30+, can help prolong your results.
Common PDO thread lift side effects include mild swelling, redness, bruising, and slight skin puckering, especially at the entry points.
Asymmetry is also possible, though it can usually be corrected by placing additional threads.
Rarely, threads can be visible or palpable. This tends to be more of a problem for thin-skinned patients who have poor elasticity, so talk with your provider about whether this could be a risk for you.
Even more rarely, a thread can protrude. However, Miracu says their threads are designed specifically to avoid this potential complication.
Updated April 8, 2024