Use of Polydioxanone (PDO) Threads in Alopecia Treatment
September 2025
in “
AESTHETIC OROFACIAL SCIENCE
”
TLDR PDO threads are effective and safe for treating alopecia, but more research is needed.
The study evaluated the efficacy and safety of polydioxanone (PDO) threads in treating androgenetic alopecia, localized alopecia areata, and chronic telogen effluvium in 8 participants (3 men, 5 women, average age 39.13 years). Participants received 10-40 PDO threads on the scalp, and assessments were conducted at 14, 30, and 90 days post-procedure. Results showed a 15-35% increase in hair density and complete regrowth in alopecia areata cases. Subjective satisfaction was high, with average scores of 4.75 for growth and reduced hair loss, and 4.50 for hair quality and overall satisfaction. Five participants noticed growth by 30 days, and all would recommend the treatment, with no adverse events reported. The study concluded that PDO threads are effective and safe for treating alopecia, with potential benefits in combination therapies. However, the small sample size and lack of quantitative trichoscopy are limitations, and larger studies with objective methods are needed for validation.