If you’re looking to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate your skin without traditional surgery, two of today’s most popular options are PDO thread lifting and HALO® Pro hybrid fractional laser resurfacing. Both build collagen and improve skin quality—yet they work in very different ways. Below, we break down how each treatment works, the benefits, ideal candidates, downtime, results, and how to decide which approach fits your goals.
Quick Snapshot
- Best for instant lift: PDO Threads (adds mechanical lift right away, with collagen-building over time)
- Best for overall texture, pores, fine lines, sun damage, and glow: HALO Pro Laser (resurfaces skin and stimulates collagen)
- Downtime: Threads = mild to moderate swelling/tenderness 2–7 days; HALO = social downtime ~3–7 days depending on settings
- Longevity: Threads ~12–18 months for lift; HALO improvements can last 12+ months with good skincare and sun protection
- Can be combined? Yes. Staging treatments can give both lift (threads) and skin quality improvements (HALO)
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO (polydioxanone) threads are very fine, dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin to gently lift and reposition tissue. Think of them as internal support strands that create a subtle, natural-looking “snatched” effect while encouraging your body to produce new collagen around the threads.
What they help most:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity (cheeks, jawline, jowls, brows, neck)
- Subtle lift and contour without adding volume
- Early jowl formation or “smile line” softening
Pros
- Immediate lift you can see right away
- Collagen stimulation over months for added firmness
- In-office procedure with local anesthetic
Considerations
- Temporary tenderness, swelling, or puckering (settles in days)
- Small risk of bruising or thread visibility in very thin skin
- Results are subtle to moderate (not a facelift)
What Is HALO® Pro Hybrid Fractional Laser?
HALO Pro combines two laser wavelengths in one session—one that gently heats the deeper dermis to stimulate collagen and one that precisely resurfaces the top skin layers to improve tone and texture. It’s ideal for photoaging (sun damage), fine lines, pores, acne scars, and overall radiance.
What it helps most:
- Texture & tone (smoothness, glow)
- Fine lines, pigment, and sun damage
- Pores and acne scarring (light to moderate)
Pros
- Highly customizable: from a “glow” refresh to deeper correction
- Improves multiple concerns in one treatment
- Collagen remodeling for months after
Considerations
- Social downtime (redness, swelling, bronzing, and flaking) ~3–7 days depending on intensity
- Requires strict sun protection post-procedure
- Multiple sessions may be recommended for scars or significant sun damage
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | PDO Threads | HALO Pro Laser |
| Primary Goal | Lift & reposition tissue, define contours | Resurface & rejuvenate skin, improve tone/texture |
| Onset of Results | Immediate lift, collagen builds over 8–12 weeks | 1–2 weeks for glow/texture; collagen improves 2–3+ months |
| Downtime | Swelling/tenderness 2–7 days; minor bruising possible | Redness/bronzing/flaking ~3–7 days (“social downtime”) |
| Longevity | ~12–18 months (threads dissolve, collagen remains) | 12+ months; maintenance often annually |
| Best For | Mild–moderate laxity: cheeks, jawline, jowls, neck, brow | Fine lines, pigment, pores, scars, overall glow |
| Discomfort | Local anesthetic; mild–moderate | Topical anesthetic; mild–moderate “sunburn” sensation |
| Skin Type Range | Most skin types | Most skin types; settings tailored; strict sun care needed |
| Combo Value | Excellent when paired with HALO for skin quality | Excellent when paired with threads for lift |
Who Is a Good Candidate?
- PDO Threads: You see early laxity or soft jowls, want visible lift right away, and prefer an office procedure with minimal downtime. You don’t need (or want) surgical results.
- HALO Pro: You’re bothered by texture, fine lines, sun damage, enlarged pores, or mild acne scars, and want brighter, more even skin with long-term collagen remodeling.
Great Together: Many patients choose HALO for surface quality and threads for lift—either in staged sessions or separated by a few weeks, depending on your customized plan.
Safety, Preparation & Aftercare
Before PDO Threads
- Avoid blood-thinning supplements/medications if medically appropriate (we’ll advise you)
- Arrive makeup-free; plan low-impact activity for a few days after
After PDO Threads
- Expect mild swelling/tenderness; sleep elevated for 1–2 nights
- Avoid heavy chewing, dental procedures, or forceful facial massage for ~2 weeks
- Follow all aftercare to help threads “set” properly
Before HALO Pro
- Avoid sun exposure/self-tanner; consistent SPF use is essential
- Stop retinoids per instructions (usually 3–7 days before)
- Antiviral prophylaxis may be given if you’re prone to cold sores
After HALO Pro
- Redness, warmth, “bronzing,” and flaking are normal for a few days
- Gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and broad-spectrum SPF are mandatory
- No picking; let skin naturally exfoliate
Results & Maintenance
- Threads: Subtle to moderate lift immediately; best improvement at 2–3 months as collagen forms. Many enjoy 12–18 months of contour support, then touch-ups as needed.
- HALO: Notice glow and smoothness in 1–2 weeks, with progressive improvements in firmness and fine lines over 8–12 weeks. Many patients repeat yearly for maintenance or do a light “polish” treatment between deeper sessions.
Cost Considerations
Pricing depends on areas treated, number of threads, and HALO settings/coverage. During your personal consultation, we’ll tailor a plan (threads, HALO, or both) and review transparent pricing and any available packages.
Comprehensive Q&A
Q: Can I do PDO threads and HALO in the same visit?
A: We often stage them to optimize healing and comfort—frequently HALO first (to refine skin), then threads after initial recovery, or vice versa depending on your goals. Your provider will map the best sequence.
Q: Will threads make me look “pulled” or unnatural?
A: Our approach is subtle and natural. Threads are placed along vectors that lift without over-tightening. Temporary puckering can occur but usually settles within days.
Q: How painful are these treatments?
A: We use topical anesthetic for HALO and local anesthetic for threads. Most patients rate discomfort as mild to moderate and short-lived.
Q: What skin tones can receive HALO?
A: HALO can be customized across a wide range of skin types. We’ll choose settings and pre/post care to reduce risks like hyperpigmentation—especially important for darker skin tones or those prone to PIH.
Q: Will I need time off work?
A: Many thread patients resume desk work next day (makeup after 24–48 hours if advised). HALO often involves 3–7 days of social downtime as redness and flaking resolve.
Q: Are results permanent?
A: No treatment stops the aging process, but both build collagen that supports longer-lasting improvements. Healthy skincare and sun protection help extend results.
Q: Are there risks?
A: With threads: bruising, swelling, tenderness, asymmetry, or rarely thread visibility. With HALO: redness, swelling, temporary darkening (“bronzing”), flaking, and rare risks like prolonged redness or pigment changes. Choosing experienced providers and following aftercare lowers risks.
Q: How do I choose between them?
A: If your priority is lift and contour, start with PDO threads. If you want smoother, brighter, more even skin with fewer fine lines and visible sun damage, HALO is your best first step. For many, the combination delivers the most complete transformation.
Why Choose Beautiful Orlando Spa & Cosmetic Surgery?
- Customized plans: We design a roadmap around your anatomy, timeline, and lifestyle.
- Advanced protocols: Evidence-based settings and vectors for natural outcomes.
- Comfort & safety first: Thoughtful anesthesia, precise technique, and clear aftercare.
- Results you can maintain: Skincare guidance and maintenance options to keep you glowing.
Ready to Lift, Tighten & Glow?
We’d love to help you decide between PDO threads, HALO Pro laser, or a personalized combination.
Beautiful Orlando Spa & Cosmetic Surgery
Address: 1056 E Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34744
Phone: (407) 766-6080
Website: beautifulorlando.com
Book Online: https://beautifulorlando.com/appointments/
Medical disclaimer: Treatments described are for educational purposes and may not be suitable for every patient. An in-person consultation is required to confirm candidacy, expected outcomes, risks, and aftercare specific to you.