Introduction: The Rise of Minimally-Invasive Lifts
As aesthetic technology advances, more people are seeking solutions that offer visible rejuvenation without the downtime, cost, or risks of a surgical facelift. One of the standout treatments in this category is the PDO thread lift—a minimally invasive procedure that lifts sagging skin, improves facial contours, and promotes collagen production. At Skin Aesthetics & Medspa (Timonium & York), we specialise in advanced, tailored aesthetic treatments, including PDO threads, to help you look refreshed and natural.
In this article we’ll explore what PDO threads are, how they work, who is a good candidate, what you can expect during and after the treatment, benefits and risks, integrating with other treatments, and why choosing Skin Aesthetics & Medspa matters.
What Are PDO Threads?
The term “PDO threads” refers to sutures made of polydioxanone (PDO), a biodegradable material that has been used in surgical procedures (such as cardiothoracic surgery) for many years due to its biocompatibility. cosmeticinjectables.com+3Bella Rose Aesthetics+3Dr Matla Aesthetics+3
These threads are used in aesthetic medicine for a thread lift: the threads are inserted beneath the skin via a fine needle or cannula, then used to lift sagging tissue and stimulate the body’s natural collagen production. Cleveland Clinic+1
Unlike a surgical facelift, a thread lift uses no large incisions, no general anaesthesia, and minimal downtime. It is sometimes referred to as a “lunchtime lift” due to the convenience and speed of the procedure. Cleveland Clinic+1
Types of PDO Threads
There are different designs of PDO threads to achieve different effects:
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Mono threads (smooth): These are used mainly for collagen stimulation and improvement of skin texture, rather than dramatic lifting. Dr Matla Aesthetics+1
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Cog or barbed threads: These have little barbs or cones along the thread which grip the tissue and allow a lifting effect when the thread is pulled. Good for areas with sagging or jowls. mintpdo.com+1
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Screw / twisted threads: These are used for volume restoration and tightening rather than pure lift—used in areas like cheeks or hollows. Dr Matla Aesthetics
Each type can be selected based on the patient’s skin condition, goals, and anatomy, which is why consultation and customisation matter.
How Do PDO Threads Work?
The mechanism behind PDO threads is two-fold: immediate mechanical lift + long-term collagen stimulation.
Immediate Lift
When the threads are inserted beneath the skin and anchored, they physically lift the tissue. This gives a visible improvement in contour or reduction in sagging almost immediately after the procedure. Azul Blanca Medspa+1
Collagen Stimulation / Neocollagenesis
As the threads gradually dissolve (PDO typically dissolves over about 4-6 months), they act as a scaffold which triggers fibroblasts in the skin to produce new collagen. This newly formed collagen helps to maintain and enhance the lifting effect, improve skin texture, elasticity and firmness. mintpdo.com
Duration & Sustainability
While the threads dissolve, the collagen Matrix remains. According to various sources, visible lifting may last anywhere from 1-2 years (for many PDO thread lifts) depending on age, lifestyle, number of threads, area treated, and skin quality. Azul Blanca Medspa+2Healthline+2
It’s important to set realistic expectations—this is less dramatic than a surgical facelift but offers great improvement with far less downtime.
What Areas Can Be Treated?
PDO threads are versatile and can be used in various parts of the face and body, depending on the provider’s technique and the patient’s needs.
Common Facial Areas
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Jawline and jowls: to define the jaw, lift sagging around the lower face. cosmeticinjectables.com
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Cheeks / mid-face: to reposition sagging tissue, restore contour.
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Under-eye / hollows: to improve texture and contour.
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Neck: to lift loose skin, smooth vertical bands or mild drooping. mintpdo.com+1
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Brows / forehead: to elevate the brow or improve drooping. Cleveland Clinic
Possible Body Areas
Beyond the face, advanced practitioners may use threads on areas like arms, abdomen, or knees to improve skin laxity. However, there may be fewer certified practitioners for body applications and results vary. mintpdo.com
At Skin Aesthetics & Medspa, we focus on delivering tailored thread lift solutions for the face and neck, particularly for clients who want to look refreshed and lifted without surgery.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for PDO threads. Here’s what makes a strong match:
Good Candidate Criteria
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Adults with mild to moderate skin laxity, not extreme sagging (which might require a surgical approach). ambrdfcs.org
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Those in the late 30s to 50s who are beginning to see signs of aging but still have good skin tone. Cleveland Clinic
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People who want a less invasive alternative to surgery, with quicker recovery.
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Patients who understand the limitations: thread lifts deliver subtle improvements—not a full surgical facelift. Healthline
Who May Not Be Optimal
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Patients with very loose or excessively sagging skin might have better outcomes with surgical methods. dermplasticsaz.com
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Those with active skin infections, uncontrolled health conditions, or unrealistic expectations.
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Patients expecting dramatic transformation comparable to surgery.
During your consultation at Skin Aesthetics & Medspa, we will assess your anatomy, skin quality, goals, and suitability for the treatment. We’ll also discuss combination options—threads can work synergistically with fillers, lasers, Botox, etc.
What to Expect: The Treatment Process
A typical visit for PDO threads at Skin Aesthetics & Medspa follows these steps:
1. Consultation & Planning
We’ll review your medical history, skin condition, anatomy, and aesthetic goals. We’ll map the treatment areas and decide on thread type (mono, cog, screw) and number of threads required.
2. Preparation
A topical anaesthetic or local anaesthetic is applied to the treatment area to ensure comfort. Dr Matla Aesthetics+1
3. Thread Insertion
Fine needles or cannulas are used to insert the threads under the skin along predetermined vectors. The threads are anchored, and once in place, the provider may gently pull or adjust to create lift. bostoncenterforplasticsurgery.com+1
4. Immediate Aftercare
You may see an immediate lift in the treated area. There may be mild swelling, bruising, or mild discomfort. Most clients can resume normal activities within a day or two.
5. Optimisation & Follow-up
Over the next several weeks to months, collagen continues to form around the threads, gradually improving texture and firmness. We schedule follow-up visits as needed to assess healing and outcomes.
Benefits of PDO Threads
Here are key advantages of choosing PDO threads.
Minimally Invasive
No large incisions, no general anaesthesia, and much less downtime compared to traditional facelifts. Sunshine Cosmetic Clinic & Medi Spa+1
Quick Procedure & Recovery
Many treatments take under an hour and only mild downtime. bostoncenterforplasticsurgery.com
Natural-Looking Results
The lift is subtle and enhances natural contours without an over-done look. Collagen stimulation means results improve over time. Azul Blanca Medspa
Versatility & Customisation
Different thread types allow us to customise to your anatomy, goals, and skin condition.
Collagen‐Boosting
By triggering neocollagenesis, you not only get lift but improved skin quality, texture and firmness. mintpdo.com
Lower Cost than Surgery
While cost varies, it is generally significantly less than a surgical facelift with its added risks and downtime. dermplasticsaz.com
Risks, Considerations & Realistic Expectations
As with any aesthetic procedure, PDO threads come with considerations to keep in mind.
Common Side Effects
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Mild swelling, bruising, tenderness at insertion sites (typically resolves in days). Cleveland Clinic+1
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Mild discomfort or “tugging” sensation while threads settle. CareCredit
Rare Risks
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Infection at entry points (rare with proper sterile technique)
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Thread migration or visible threads (rare, but underscores importance of experienced provider)
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Asymmetry or less than expected lift if underlying tissue is very lax
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Patients must avoid certain behaviours early on (excessive movement, pressure, etc.) to ensure optimal results. Healthline
Setting Expectations
Important to understand:
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Results are subtle to moderate, not equivalent to a full surgical facelift.
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Longevity depends on factors: skin quality, lifestyle (smoking, sun exposure), area treated, number of threads. Some studies show results lasting 1-2 years; others show up to 3-4 years in select cases. Healthline+1
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Maintenance may be needed to uphold optimal lift and quality.
Aftercare: Optimising Your Results
To maximize the benefits and longevity of your thread treatment, the following aftercare steps are encouraged:
Immediate Post-Treatment
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Expect mild swelling or bruising; apply ice packs as advised.
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Avoid vigorous facial movements, excessive chewing or heavy exercise for the first few days. Cleveland Clinic+1
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Avoid sleeping on your side or face; elevate your head to reduce strain on the threads.
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Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least 24-48 hours (they impair healing).
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Avoid treatments that put pressure or vibrate the treated area (e.g., facial massages, lasers) unless specifically allowed by your provider.
Longer Term Care
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Use gentle skincare and sun protection—sun damage and UV exposure degrade collagen and skin quality.
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Maintain healthy lifestyle: good nutrition, hydration, quality sleep, avoid smoking.
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Schedule follow-ups with Skin Aesthetics & Medspa to monitor your results and discuss maintenance treatments as needed.
Why Choose Skin Aesthetics & Medspa for Your PDO Thread Treatment
At Skin Aesthetics & Medspa, we’re committed to delivering safe, effective, and tailored aesthetic treatments with a focus on natural results and client satisfaction. Here’s what sets us apart:
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Expertise & Experience – Our team is highly trained in advanced thread lift techniques, understands facial anatomy, and customises each treatment to the individual.
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Comprehensive Consultations – We take time to assess your skin condition, anatomy, goals, and create a full plan (threads plus complimentary treatments if needed).
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Personalised Approach – Every treatment plan is tailored: we choose the right thread type, insertion vectors, number of threads, and integrate enhancements like fillers or skin-boosting treatments if beneficial.
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Safety & Comfort – We adhere to strict sterilisation standards, use comfort-measures (anaesthesia, gentle technique) and thorough post-care instructions.
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Timonium & York Locations – Convenient and accessible locations, making it easy for you to schedule and follow-up.
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Ongoing Support & Maintenance – We don’t just place threads and send you home—we provide follow-up care, monitor progress, and recommend maintenance to sustain your results.
Realistic Timeline & What You’ll See
Here’s a rough timeline of what to expect after your PDO thread treatment at Skin Aesthetics & Medspa:
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Day 0 (Day of treatment): You’ll see immediate lift in the treated area; mild swelling or bruising may appear.
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Days 1-7: Swelling and bruising should begin to settle. Avoid heavy exercise or facial strain.
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Weeks 2-4: Residual swelling subsides; you’ll see improvement in skin texture and lift becomes more stable.
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1-3 Months: Collagen production accelerates; skin quality improves, firmness increases.
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6–12+ Months: The threads are absorbed (usually around 4-6 months for PDO); the collagen network remains. Results plateau, though some gradual improvements may continue.
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12-24+ Months: Depending on your skin and lifestyle, you’ll see how well the lift holds. Eventually maintenance or repeat treatment may be desired.
Integrating PDO Threads with Other Aesthetic Treatments
PDO threads can be highly complementary to other non-surgical treatments offered at Skin Aesthetics & Medspa:
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Dermal fillers – To restore volume in cheeks, lips or under-eyes while threads lift sagging.
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Botox®/Neuromodulators – To relax muscles that may interfere with lift or accelerate ageing.
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Laser treatments / Microneedling / RF – To improve skin texture, tone and collagen from multiple angles.
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Skin care & boosters – Topical treatments (growth factors, peptides) to support collagen and skin health.
Combining modalities often gives more comprehensive and longer-lasting results than single treatments alone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a PDO thread procedure take?
Most treatments take around 30-60 minutes depending on the number of threads and areas treated. bostoncenterforplasticsurgery.com
Is it painful?
With local anaesthesia and proper technique, discomfort is minimal. Some tugging or mild soreness may occur after the procedure. CareCredit
When will I see results?
You’ll see an immediate lift, and then gradually improved skin firmness and texture over the following weeks as collagen forms.
How long will the results last?
On average, results last 1-2 years for many patients; in some cases up to 3-4 years, depending on thread type, number, skin quality, and lifestyle. Healthline
Are PDO threads safe for all skin types?
PDO threads are considered safe for many skin types, but suitability depends on individual anatomy, skin condition, and overall health. A thorough assessment at Skin Aesthetics & Medspa will determine suitability. Bella Rose Aesthetics
Will I have visible scars?
No major scars—threads are inserted through tiny entry points which usually heal invisibly. Sunshine Cosmetic Clinic & Medi Spa
Can I combine this with other treatments?
Yes—they’re often combined for enhanced results, as outlined above.
How much does it cost?
Cost depends on areas treated, number and type of threads, provider experience. During your consultation we’ll provide a personalised quote.
Conclusion: Is PDO Thread Lift Right for You?
If you’re noticing early sagging, loss of firmness and contour in your lower face, neck or cheeks—and you want improvement without a full surgical facelift—the PDO thread lift offered at Skin Aesthetics & Medspa could be a highly effective—and efficient—solution.
It offers the benefits of lift and collagen stimulation, minimal downtime, and results that look natural and refreshed. Through a personalised treatment plan, expert technique, and full after-care support, you’ll be well-positioned to achieve noticeable improvement and maintain it over time.
Contact Skin Aesthetics & Medspa today at (717) 495-1167 (Timonium & York locations) to schedule your consultation, explore if PDO threads are right for you, and take the next step toward a younger-looking you.
