PDO Thread procedures use dissolving sutures to produce a subtle but visible smoothing or lifting of the skin. Instead of removing the patient's loose facial skin surgically, the provider simply uses PDO Threads to improve skin tone, texture and laxity, and as the threads dissolve, they stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the treatment area.

At a Glance

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Are physically healthy. 

• Thread lifts are therefore best suited to patients who are dealing with mild to moderate, rather than severe, signs of skin laxity.

• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals.

Preparation

The treatment area should be clean.

DURATION

1-1.5 hours

ANESTHESIA

Local

Contraindications

  • Active infection or inflammation at the treatment site.

  • Excessive laxity of skin.

  • Severe or untreated diabetes.

  • Blood clotting disorders (e.g., hemophilia).

  • Known allergy to Polydioxanone or local anesthetics.

  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

  • Autoimmune diseases affecting collagen or connective tissue (e.g., scleroderma).

  • Recent use of blood-thinning medications (e.g., aspirin, warfarin).

  • History of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

  • Severe cardiovascular conditions.

  • Unrealistic expectations or psychological instability.

  • Active skin conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis) in the treatment area.

Before Marionette Line Treatment

Before

Treatment Areas

  • Lip Contour: lift and define your lips for a fuller look

  • Lip Lines: fill in smoker lines to smooth the upper lip

  • Lower Face: smooth wrinkled and crepey skin 

  • Tech Neck: smooth neck lines and tighten skin

Immediately After

Immediately After-continued improvement for months

DOWNTIME

  • Avoid heavy exercises for 1 week.

  • Avoid saunas for 1 week.

  • Avoid making any extreme facial movements for 1 week.

  • Limiting facial movements will help lifting threads to stay in place, so no dental work unless strictly necessary.

  • Sleep slightly inclined, face up for 3-4 days.

  • Do not touch or wash your face for 30 minutes after procedure.

  • Eat soft foods, no large bites for 7 days.

  • Do not chew gum for 2 weeks.

  • No strong facial massages for 4 weeks

  • Avoid heat in treatment area, IPL lasers or radio frequency treatment for 30 days.

  • Avoid medications that cause blood clotting, vitamins C, A & E, fish oil, for 7 days.

RECOVERY

Recovery from a thread lift is relatively easy. Thread lifts can be performed under local, rather than general anesthesia, meaning that thread lift patients can drive themselves home and look after themselves immediately after having their procedure. Some patients will experience a little bit of soreness, redness and swelling after having a thread lift and therefore wish to take the rest of the day off, most can return to work immediately. Post procedure discomfort medication to use: Tylenol - helpful for post procedure for 7 to 10 days. Most discomfort occurs in the first 24 to 48 hours. Place ice on very gently just in case of bruising. Stinging, “pulling”, itchy sensation will decrease at about 3 to 5 weeks. A follow-up appointment is scheduled for three or four weeks later as needed.     

Procedure

A PDO Threads procedure is performed with local anesthesia. When the patient is fully numbed the provider will mark the treatment area and insert the threads to lift, smooth and tighten the area. Different threads are used based on the treatment area. The PDO threads will slowly dissolve over 6 months. The PDO threads stimulate the production of collagen in the treament area. Patients who have threads for the purpose of stimulating collagen will notice a gradual improvement in their skin's tone and firmness.  This is important because of the vital role collagen plays in the aging process. Collagen helps support "growth factors" that greatly influence the condition of our skin.

It's important to understand that while no lifting technique can produce permanent results, facelift surgery will produce longer lasting results than a thread lift. The results of facelift surgery can last up to a decade, whereas a thread lift will generally last up to a year.

Experience

You will be guided from initial contact by our team with specific information about your procedure. Your consultation includes a comprehensive, thorough examination and a review of the procedure and recovery. We work with you in a team approach to help you achieve your desired outcome.  

Ready to find yourself again?