June 8, 2023

What Is a PDO Thread Lift? A Nonsurgical Facelift Alternative

If you have noticed jowling, softer facial contours, or sagging around your cheeks, brows, or neck, you may be looking for a way to lift and rejuvenate your face without surgery. A PDO thread lift can provide a nonsurgical alternative to a traditional facelift for appropriately selected patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity.

During treatment, absorbable polydioxanone threads are placed beneath the skin to lift and reposition sagging tissue. The procedure can create an immediate lifting effect while stimulating collagen production as the treated area heals.

PDO threads are designed to create subtle, natural-looking results. They do not remove substantial excess skin or produce the same degree of correction as facelift surgery. Instead, the goal is to restore definition and help you look refreshed without creating an excessively tight or “pulled” appearance.

What Does PDO Mean?

PDO stands for polydioxanone, a biocompatible material that has been used in absorbable surgical sutures for many years. The threads gradually dissolve after being placed beneath the skin.

Threads used in aesthetic procedures vary in design:

• Smooth threads are primarily used to support collagen production and improve skin quality.
• Twisted or looped threads may provide additional support or subtle volume in selected areas.
• Barbed or cogged threads grip the tissue to create a more noticeable lifting and repositioning effect.

The appropriate thread type, number, and placement pattern depend on the patient’s anatomy, skin quality, degree of laxity, and desired outcome.

How Does a PDO Thread Lift Work?

During a PDO thread lift, a qualified medical provider places the threads beneath the skin using a fine needle or cannula. Barbed threads can hold sagging tissue in a more elevated position, producing an immediate improvement in facial contours.

The treatment works in two ways:

1. Immediate lifting: The threads mechanically lift and reposition selected tissue.
2. Collagen stimulation: The body’s healing response around the threads encourages collagen production, which may gradually improve the firmness and support of the treated skin.

The threads are eventually absorbed by the body. Results may continue after the threads dissolve because of the collagen and tissue support developed during the healing process.

What Areas Can PDO Threads Treat?

PDO threads can be used to improve several areas of the face and neck.

• Jowls and jawline: Defining and contouring the lower face while improving mild-to-moderate jowling. Learn more about our nonsurgical face and jawline lift.
• Nasolabial folds: Repositioning nearby tissue may soften the appearance of folds extending from the nose toward the corners of the mouth. Threads do not replace facial volume in the same way as dermal fillers.
• Sagging cheeks: Lifting and repositioning mildly sagging midface tissue for a more youthful-looking facial profile.
• Brows: Elevating and shaping the outer brows for a more open and refreshed appearance. Learn more about our PDO brow and forehead lift.
• Lower face: Improving early tissue descent and restoring definition around the mouth, jawline, and lower cheeks.
• Neck: Supporting mild skin laxity to improve neck and jawline definition.

PDO threads may also be used in selected body areas. However, the amount of improvement depends on the degree of laxity, skin quality, treatment area, thread selection, and placement technique.

What Are the Benefits of a PDO Thread Lift?

For an appropriately selected patient, the potential benefits of a PDO thread lift may include:

• A nonsurgical alternative to facelift surgery
• Immediate lifting and repositioning of selected tissue
• Natural-looking facial rejuvenation
• Improved cheek and jawline definition
• Collagen stimulation
• No general anesthesia
• No large surgical incisions
• Less downtime than a surgical facelift
• A treatment plan customized to the patient’s anatomy
• Lower average upfront cost than facelift surgery

PDO threads are best for patients seeking a noticeable but relatively subtle improvement. They are not intended to reproduce the dramatic correction possible with surgery.

How Natural Do PDO Thread Lift Results Look?

PDO thread lifts are designed to improve existing facial contours rather than change the fundamental structure of the face. When the treatment is properly planned, the face should look more lifted and defined while retaining its natural proportions and expressions.

Possible improvements include:

• A more defined jawline
• Reduced appearance of early jowling
• Improved cheek position
• A subtly elevated brow
• Firmer-looking facial or neck skin
• A refreshed appearance without a surgical-style transformation

Swelling, tightness, puckering, or temporary asymmetry can affect the initial appearance. Results generally look more settled and natural as the treated tissue heals.

What Can a PDO Thread Lift Not Do?

Understanding the limitations of PDO threads is important when deciding whether the treatment is right for you.

A thread lift cannot remove a significant amount of loose skin. It also cannot correct every cause of facial aging. Facial volume loss, dynamic wrinkles, pigmentation, skin texture changes, and advanced tissue descent are different concerns that may require other treatments.

PDO threads may not provide the desired result when a patient has:

• Substantial excess or severely sagging skin
• Expectations of a dramatic surgical-style transformation
• Significant facial volume loss that requires separate correction
• A medical condition or skin concern that may interfere with treatment or healing
• Goals that cannot realistically be achieved with threads

Chronological age alone does not determine candidacy. Skin thickness, elasticity, facial fat distribution, bone structure, health history, and degree of laxity all affect the likely outcome. Patients concerned about loose or sagging skin can explore our sagging facial skin treatment options to learn about the different approaches available at MD Wellness Center & Med Spa.

Our separate guide discusses these factors in greater detail for women considering PDO threads in their 50s.

PDO Thread Lift vs. Surgical Facelift

A PDO thread lift can be a nonsurgical alternative to facelift surgery, but the procedures offer different levels of correction.

Consideration	PDO thread lift	Surgical facelift
Procedure	Minimally invasive placement of absorbable threads	Surgery that repositions deeper tissue and may remove excess skin
Anesthesia	Usually local anesthetic	Often sedation or general anesthesia
Incisions	Small thread-entry points	Surgical incisions, commonly positioned around the ears or hairline
Results	Subtle-to-moderate lifting and contour improvement	More extensive and dramatic correction
Best suited for	Mild-to-moderate skin laxity	Moderate-to-advanced laxity or substantial excess skin
Recovery	Generally shorter, although swelling, bruising, and tenderness may occur	Longer surgical recovery
Longevity	Results may last approximately 18–24 months	Results generally last several years, although aging continues
Cost	Lower average upfront cost	Higher average upfront cost
Risks	Minimally invasive but not risk-free	Includes surgical, anesthesia, scarring, and healing risks

A PDO thread lift may be appropriate for someone who wants to avoid surgery, accepts a more modest result, and understands that future maintenance may be needed.

A surgical facelift may be more suitable when a patient wants substantial correction or needs excess skin removed.

PDO Threads vs. Dermal Fillers

PDO threads and dermal fillers address different aspects of facial aging.

Threads are intended to lift and reposition selected tissue. Dermal fillers add volume and may be used to improve facial contours affected by volume loss.

One treatment is not automatically stronger or better than the other. The correct option depends on what is causing the visible change.

For example:

• Threads may be considered when tissue laxity and early sagging are the primary concerns.
• Fillers may be considered when facial volume loss is affecting the cheeks, temples, or other areas.
• Some patients may benefit from a carefully planned combination of treatments.

Adding volume is not appropriate in every area, and threads cannot replace facial volume that has been lost. Treatment should be based on facial anatomy rather than a standard package.

What Happens During the Procedure?

A PDO thread lift begins with an in-person consultation. The provider evaluates your facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of laxity, medical history, and treatment goals.

If PDO threads are appropriate, the provider develops a customized treatment plan that identifies the areas to treat and the number and type of threads needed.

On the treatment day:

1. The treatment area is cleansed and marked.
2. Local anesthetic is used to improve comfort.
3. The threads are placed beneath the skin with a needle or cannula.
4. The tissue is carefully repositioned to create the desired lift.
5. The provider evaluates the result and provides aftercare instructions.

Appointment length varies based on the number of threads and areas treated.

What Is Recovery Like After a PDO Thread Lift?

Temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, tightness, puckering, or mild asymmetry may occur while the treated area settles.

Many patients return to routine activities relatively quickly, but temporary restrictions may be recommended. Depending on the treatment plan, patients may be instructed to:

• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Sleep on their back with their head elevated
• Avoid placing pressure on treated areas
• Limit exaggerated facial movements
• Avoid massaging the treated area
• Postpone certain dental, facial, or aesthetic procedures
• Follow all personalized aftercare instructions

Recovery varies from patient to patient. Read our complete PDO thread lift recovery timeline for a stage-by-stage overview.

How Long Do PDO Thread Lift Results Last?

PDO thread lift results may last approximately 18–24 months, depending on the individual patient.

Factors that may affect longevity include:

• Thread type and placement technique
• Number of threads used
• Treatment area
• Degree of skin laxity
• Skin thickness and quality
• Age and metabolism
• Lifestyle habits
• Natural progression of aging

Results vary, and an 18–24-month duration cannot be guaranteed. Maintenance treatment may be considered when the lifting effect begins to diminish.

How Much Does a PDO Thread Lift Cost?

The cost of a PDO thread lift depends on the number and type of threads used, the areas treated, and the degree of correction needed.

At MD Wellness Center & Med Spa, the average patient spends approximately $1,299–$2,499 on a PDO thread lift. An in-person consultation is necessary to determine the appropriate treatment plan and provide exact pricing.

PDO thread lifts generally have a lower upfront cost than surgical facelifts because they do not require general anesthesia, an operating room, or an extended surgical recovery. However, patients should also consider that maintenance treatments may be needed to preserve their results.

Pricing is subject to change and may vary according to each patient’s treatment plan.

Are There Risks or Side Effects?

PDO thread lifting is minimally invasive, but it is still a medical procedure and is not risk-free.

Expected temporary effects may include:

• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Tightness
• Mild puckering or dimpling
• Temporary asymmetry

Less common complications can include:

• Infection
• Visible or palpable threads
• Thread migration or extrusion
• Persistent puckering
• Prolonged pain
• Contour irregularities
• Asymmetry
• Injury to nearby structures

Facelift surgery has a different risk profile that can include anesthesia-related complications, bleeding, infection, scarring, nerve injury, delayed healing, and a longer recovery.

PDO threads are less invasive and generally involve a shorter recovery than facelift surgery, but neither option is risk-free. Choosing an appropriately trained medical provider and following all aftercare instructions can help reduce the likelihood of complications.

Contact your provider promptly if you experience worsening pain, spreading redness, drainage, fever, an exposed thread, or another unexpected symptom after treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PDO Threads?

A potential candidate generally:

• Has mild-to-moderate facial or neck laxity
• Wants a natural-looking, subtle-to-moderate lift
• Wants to avoid surgery or is not ready for a surgical facelift
• Understands what threads can and cannot accomplish
• Has realistic expectations about the outcome
• Is medically appropriate for the procedure
• Can follow the recommended recovery instructions

Patients with substantial excess skin or advanced tissue descent may obtain a more satisfying result from a surgical consultation.

The best way to determine candidacy is through an examination rather than an online checklist. At MD Wellness Center & Med Spa, PDO thread lift procedures are performed by Dr. Srinivasu Kesa, MD, following an individualized assessment.

Learn Whether PDO Threads Fit Your Goals

A PDO thread lift can provide natural-looking lifting and contour improvement for selected patients who want a nonsurgical alternative to facelift surgery.

Successful treatment begins with proper patient selection and realistic expectations. Your consultation should clarify which concerns threads may improve, what they cannot correct, how many threads may be needed, and whether another treatment would better match your anatomy and goals.

Explore our PDO thread lift treatment in Indianapolis to view treatment areas, pricing information, before-and-after results, and details about scheduling a consultation with Dr. Kesa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a PDO thread lift considered a nonsurgical facelift?

A PDO thread lift is commonly described as a nonsurgical facelift alternative because it can lift and reposition selected facial tissue without traditional facelift surgery. However, its results are generally more subtle and do not equal the degree of correction or longevity available from surgery.

Will PDO thread lift results look natural?

PDO threads are intended to improve existing facial contours while preserving natural proportions and expressions. The goal is to create a refreshed and more defined appearance rather than an excessively tight or pulled look.

Do PDO threads add facial volume?

Threads can reposition tissue and encourage collagen production, but they do not replace lost facial volume in the same way as dermal fillers. A provider must determine whether tissue laxity, volume loss, or a combination of concerns is affecting the face.

How long do PDO thread lift results last?

Results may last approximately 18–24 months, although longevity varies according to the patient, treatment area, thread type, placement technique, skin quality, and natural aging.

How much does a PDO thread lift cost?

At MD Wellness Center & Med Spa, the average patient spends approximately $1,299–$2,499. Exact pricing depends on the number and type of threads used and the areas treated.

Is there downtime after PDO threads?

Many patients return to routine activities relatively quickly. However, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and tightness may occur, and temporary activity restrictions are commonly recommended.

Can PDO threads treat severe sagging?

PDO threads are generally better suited to mild-to-moderate laxity. Significant excess skin or advanced tissue descent may require a surgical consultation to achieve the degree of correction the patient wants.

Are PDO thread lifts risk-free?

No medical procedure is risk-free. PDO threads are less invasive than facelift surgery, but temporary side effects and less common complications can occur. An experienced medical provider should evaluate candidacy and explain the potential risks before treatment.

 

Is a PDO Thread Lift Right for You?

If you want to improve mild-to-moderate sagging, redefine your jawline, or lift your cheeks without undergoing facelift surgery, PDO threads may be worth considering.

At MD Wellness Center & Med Spa, every treatment begins with an individualized evaluation of your facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of laxity, and desired outcome. Dr. Srinivasu Kesa, MD, will explain what PDO threads may achieve and whether another treatment would better suit your needs.

View PDO Thread Lift Before-and-After Photos
Schedule Your PDO Thread Lift Consultation

Call 317-548-4666 or visit MD Wellness Center & Med Spa at 6822 E. 82nd Street, Suite 310, Indianapolis, IN 46250.

We proudly serve patients from Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and surrounding communities.

Medical Disclaimer:

This article is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for an evaluation, diagnosis, or personalized treatment recommendation from a qualified healthcare provider.