Find Out If You’re a Candidate for a PDO Thread Lift

Collagen keeps your skin firm and resilient, but once you reach your mid- to late 20s, production slows by about 1% each year — even more if you smoke or spend a lot of time in the sun. As collagen levels decline over time, the skin gradually loses its natural support, leading to wrinkles, crepiness, and laxity (sagging).

You could opt for plastic surgery to address these changes, but for many people, the risks and long recovery time simply aren’t worth it. Instead, Syed Bokhari, MD, and our team at The Beauty Medics offer innovative, noninvasive solutions to tighten your skin and restore youthful contours.

One of our most effective anti-aging options is the PDO (polydioxanone) thread lift, a treatment that provides an immediate lifting effect with virtually zero downtime. Here, we break down what you need to know about this procedure and how to determine if you’re a good candidate.

What is a PDO thread lift?

PDO is a medical-grade, biocompatible material commonly used in dissolvable surgical sutures. More recently, these same threads have found a place in aesthetic medicine as a way to lift and tighten aging skin without surgery.

During the procedure, our providers use a cannula — a fine, hollow needle — to position the material beneath the skin’s surface. There are three main types of PDO thread, each with a different cosmetic purpose:

• Mono threads: smooth threads that we place in a mesh-like pattern to tighten the skin and smooth crepey texture
• Screw, or twisted, threads: one or two interwoven threads that provide extra volume in hollow or sunken areas
• Cog, or barbed, threads: featuring tiny barbs anchor into tissue, physically pulling it taut for a more dramatic lift

Once in place, the PDO threads stimulate the production of fibroblasts — the cells responsible for producing collagen. As the material naturally breaks down over the next six months, new collagen continues to form, helping to maintain your results long after the threads themselves disappear.

Who is the ideal candidate for a thread lift?

It’s no surprise why thread lifts are becoming so popular — they’re an excellent choice for many patients who want to restore a firmer, more youthful appearance without having to commit to facelift or necklift surgery. However, they may not be the right choice for everyone.

During your initial consultation, we evaluate your skin health and aesthetic goals to determine whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure. Here are a few things we look for:

Mild to moderate skin laxity

PDO thread lifts are most effective for addressing mild to moderate sagging in areas like the cheeks, jawline, and neck. If you’re dealing with severe laxity or heavy skin folds, the treatment may not deliver the results you desire.

Healthy skin qualities

For best results, candidates should have a relatively thick, healthy layer of tissue for the threads to anchor into. Sun-damaged or very thin skin may not be able to properly support the material or maintain the lifted effect. 

In these cases, we may recommend other collagen-stimulating treatments to improve the condition of your skin before going ahead with a thread lift.

Realistic treatment goals

While a thread lift can deliver impressive results, the procedure isn’t meant to radically alter your facial structure. Ideal PDO candidates are those who want to refresh and redefine their natural contours for a subtly tightened, toned look.

Your next steps to firmer, more youthful-looking skin

Ready to stay one step ahead of collagen loss and laxity? Contact The Beauty Medics in Riverside, California, to schedule a consultation and find out if you’re a good candidate for a PDO thread lift.