How PDO Thread Lifts Can Give You a Subtle Lift Without Surgery or Downtime

Normal aging, sun damage, genetics, and weight fluctuations all contribute to skin laxity and sagging that makes you look older than you feel. As you age, your body’s production of collagen and elastin — the structural proteins that keep skin tight and firm — naturally slows down, worsening the effect.

If you’re looking for a way to restore youthful firmness to your cheeks, jawline, or neck without the downtime of a surgical facelift, turn to The Beauty Medics in Riverside, California. Syed Bokhari, MD, and our team offer advanced skin tightening treatments, including PDO thread lifts.

In this month’s blog, we help you understand the science behind this popular cosmetic procedure and how it can benefit you.

What is a PDO thread lift?

This procedure tightens and firms your skin using dissolvable sutures. These “threads” are made from a safe, medical-grade polyester material called polydioxanone (PDO) that breaks down in the body over time.

There are three main types of these specialized sutures:

• PDO mono threads: smooth sutures that promote firmness and elasticity
• PDO cog threads: barbed threads that hook into tissue to provide stronger support
• PDO screw threads: spiral- or coil-shaped sutures that restore volume and plump up sunken areas

While the thread itself provides a subtle physical lift by pulling the skin taut, a deeper transformation also happens beneath the surface. Once inserted, the presence of the suture triggers your body’s healing response, which stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin in the treatment area. 

This helps rebuild the skin’s underlying support structure for a dual lifting effect.

The natural advantages of PDO thread lifts

The combination of physical support and natural regeneration make PDO thread lifts a highly effective way to rejuvenate skin and minimize the signs of aging. Let’s take a look at the key benefits.

Improved skin quality

Increased collagen and elastin not only firm and tighten, they make your skin smoother, thicker, and more radiant. In addition to the immediate lift, your full results gradually unfold over the course of months.

Natural-looking rejuvenation

A thread lift enhances your natural facial contours, addressing issues like wrinkles, fine lines, and mild to moderate laxity or sagging. It delivers subtle, yet noticeable results that look natural, not stiff or overdone.

No downtime

Unlike a surgical facelift, which requires significant recovery time, you can return to most regular activities immediately after your thread lift. We use tiny incisions and local anesthesia, making it a low-risk procedure suitable for a wide range of people, including many who may not be eligible for surgery.

Lasting results

PDO threads typically dissolve within six months, but the benefits of the procedure don’t end there. Patients can enjoy a refreshed appearance that lasts up to a year, depending on factors like your skin volume and the type of sutures used.

What to expect during your procedure

The entire thread lift procedure generally takes about an hour, making it easy to fit into your busy schedule. We begin by thoroughly cleansing the skin and applying a local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the treatment.

Once the area is numb, Dr. Bokhari makes a small, strategically-placed incision. He uses a thin tube, called a cannula, to guide the PDO threads into the subcutaneous layer of skin and then anchors them in place before removing the cannula.

You may experience some mild, temporary swelling, soarness or bruising around the treatment site immediately after your thread lift — this typically clears up within 24 to 48 hours. Our team provides you with personalized post-treatment instructions to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results.

Is a PDO thread lift the right fit for you? Contact The Beauty Medics, online or by phone, to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you achieve your aesthetic goals.