What Is a PDO Thread Lift?

A PDO (polydioxanone) thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses dissolvable sutures to physically lift and reposition sagging facial tissue while simultaneously stimulating the body’s own collagen production. The result is an immediate improvement in facial contour followed by gradual, long-lasting rejuvenation as collagen develops around the threads.

At New Look Skin Center, PDO thread lifts are performed by skilled specialists who tailor thread placement and density to your facial anatomy, ensuring a natural lifted appearance rather than an overdone, pulled look.

PDO Thread Lift at a Glance

Treatment Type	Dissolvable suture (PDO) tissue lift and collagen stimulator
Anesthesia	Local anesthetic
Session Time	45–90 minutes
Immediate Effect	Visible lift from day of treatment
Full Results	2–3 months as collagen builds around threads
Duration	12–18 months depending on area and thread type
Downtime	Mild swelling, bruising, or tightness — 3 to 7 days
Locations	Glendale · Encino · Irvine · Newport Beach

How Does a PDO Thread Lift Work?

PDO threads are inserted beneath the skin using a fine cannula or needle. Barbed or cog-style threads have small anchoring points that catch and hold tissue, allowing the provider to reposition and lift sagging areas. Smooth threads, while not designed to lift mechanically, are used in a mesh pattern to firm and tighten the skin surface.

Polydioxanone is a bioabsorbable material — the same used in dissolvable surgical sutures — and is naturally broken down by the body over 4 to 6 months. During and after this dissolution process, the body mounts a controlled inflammatory response that stimulates fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells), creating a scaffold of new collagen that maintains the lift and improves skin quality long after the threads are gone.

Treatment Areas

• Jawline and jowls — definition and lifting
• Cheeks and mid-face — lifting and volume support
• Brow and forehead — non-surgical brow lift
• Nasolabial folds — softening and repositioning
• Neck — tightening and smoothing of loose skin
• Under-chin — submental tightening
• Body — abdomen, arms, thighs (smooth threads for skin quality)

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a PDO thread lift different from a surgical facelift?

A surgical facelift repositions deep facial structures, removes excess skin, and delivers dramatic, long-lasting results — but requires general anesthesia, significant downtime, and carries surgical risks. A PDO thread lift is performed under local anesthesia with minimal downtime, delivering a more subtle lift ideal for clients with mild to moderate laxity who are not ready for surgery or want to delay it. Results last 12 to 18 months versus several years for surgery.

How is a PDO thread lift different from fillers?

Fillers add volume to specific areas — they don’t lift tissue. PDO threads physically reposition and tighten sagging skin while stimulating new collagen. Many clients benefit from combining both: threads for lift, fillers for volume and fine line correction. Your provider will assess which approach — or which combination — is best suited to your anatomy.

When will I see results?

An immediate lifting effect is visible on the day of treatment. Some initial swelling can temporarily mask the lift in the first few days. Over the following 2 to 3 months, as collagen builds around the dissolving threads, the results continue to improve — reaching their best appearance at approximately 8 to 12 weeks.

How long do PDO thread lift results last?

Results typically last 12 to 18 months. Thread type, placement technique, the number of threads used, and individual collagen response all influence duration. Touch-up or repeat treatments can extend and maintain results over time.

Is there downtime?

Mild swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness in the treated areas are common for the first 3 to 7 days. Most clients can return to light activities within 1 to 2 days, though strenuous exercise, facial massages, and exaggerated facial expressions should be avoided for 2 weeks post-treatment.

Does a PDO thread lift hurt?

Local anesthetics are administered before thread insertion, making the procedure well-tolerated. Some clients feel mild pressure or tugging during placement. Post-procedure soreness is comparable to moderate muscle soreness and resolves within a few days.

Who is a good candidate?

Ideal candidates have mild to moderate skin laxity — early jowling, cheek descent, brow drooping, or neck laxity — but retain enough skin elasticity for threads to achieve a meaningful lift. PDO thread lifts are not a substitute for surgical facelift in clients with significant excess skin. A thorough consultation assessment is essential.

How much does a PDO thread lift cost?

Pricing depends on the number of threads placed and the areas treated. A consultation at New Look Skin Center will include a complete facial assessment with a personalized thread plan and full pricing before any commitment.

Why Choose New Look Skin Center for PDO Thread Lift?

• Threads placed by trained health care providers
• Detailed facial mapping and thread planning for precise, natural results
• Both lifting (barbed/cog) and smoothing (mono) thread options available
• Combination planning with fillers and injectables for comprehensive rejuvenation
• Conservative technique — we lift, we don’t distort
• Four Southern California locations: Glendale, Encino, Irvine, Newport Beach

Voice Search “PDO thread lift near me”

New Look Skin Center offers expert PDO thread lift treatments across Glendale, Encino, Irvine, and Newport Beach. Our specialists design a personalized thread plan to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate — without surgery and without the frozen look.

Book Your Consultation Today

Consultations are complimentary. Walk away with a personalized plan and full pricing before you commit. Call us today at 818.662.5005