PDO thread lift: what it is, realistic results, cost, and how it compares to a surgical facelift

PDO (polydioxanone) thread lifts have become one of the most-discussed non-surgical facial procedures. They're also one of the most over-promised. Here's what the procedure actually delivers.

What a PDO thread lift is

A thread lift involves inserting fine, dissolvable sutures (threads) under the skin using a needle or cannula. The threads do two things:

Mechanical lift: Barbed or anchored threads physically gather and reposition tissue, providing an immediate lift
Collagen stimulation: As the threads dissolve (over 4–6 months), they trigger an inflammatory response that stimulates new collagen production, which may provide some sustained improvement

Thread materials vary. PDO (polydioxanone) is the most common — it's a suture material also used in cardiac surgery, so its safety profile is well-established. Other materials include PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid) and PCL (polycaprolactone), which dissolve more slowly.

What thread lifts can realistically do

Thread lifts work best for mild to moderate laxity in specific areas:
Brow and lateral brow ptosis (drooping)
Mid-face and cheek tissue descent
Jawline definition (mild jowling)
Neck laxity (mild)

Realistic patient profile: someone in their late 30s to mid-50s who has early laxity and wants a visible but subtle improvement without surgery.

What thread lifts cannot do:
Replace a surgical facelift for moderate-to-severe laxity
Address significant skin excess — threads lift tissue but cannot remove it
Produce results comparable to a surgical brow lift for significant ptosis

How long do results last?

Thread lift results typically last 12–18 months. The mechanical lift is the shortest-lasting component — the threads themselves dissolve in 4–6 months, and whatever was mechanically positioned may return to its original position gradually. The collagen stimulation provides some sustained texture and tone improvement, but this varies significantly by patient.

Some providers claim results lasting 2–3 years; the published literature generally supports 12–18 months for most patients.

The procedure itself

A thread lift session typically takes 45–90 minutes. The area is numbed with topical anesthetic and lidocaine injections. The provider inserts threads using either a sharp needle or a blunt cannula — the cannula approach is generally associated with less bruising.

Downtime: Most patients experience swelling and bruising for 3–7 days. There may be dimpling or puckering at insertion sites that resolves within 1–2 weeks. Some patients report mild tightness or pulling sensation for a few weeks.

Cost ranges

| Area | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Brow lift (thread) | $600–$1,200 |
| Mid-face/cheek | $1,200–$2,500 |
| Jawline | $1,000–$2,000 |
| Full face | $2,000–$4,500 |
| Neck | $800–$1,800 |

Thread lift costs less than surgery but more than most injectable treatments. The comparison to cost-of-surgery should also factor in longevity: a thread lift lasting 18 months costs significantly more per year of effect than a facelift lasting 5–10 years.

Thread lift vs. surgical facelift

| Factor | Thread lift | Surgical facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Anesthesia | Local | General or twilight |
| Recovery | 5–7 days | 2–4 weeks |
| Results | Subtle to moderate | Moderate to dramatic |
| Duration | 12–18 months | 5–10 years |
| Risk level | Low | Moderate |
| Cost | $1,500–$4,500 | $8,000–$20,000+ |
| Best for | Mild-moderate laxity | Moderate-severe laxity |

Thread lifts are an appropriate bridge treatment for patients who aren't ready for surgery, or who want to delay surgery. They are not a permanent alternative to surgery for patients with significant laxity.

Risks and complications

Most thread lift complications are minor and self-resolving:
Puckering or dimpling (usually resolves in 2–4 weeks)
Asymmetry (often swelling-related; evaluate at 4+ weeks)
Visible or palpable threads under the skin

More serious but rare:
Infection (treated with antibiotics; threads may need removal)
Migration of threads (anchoring failure; provider technique-dependent)
Nerve injury (uncommon with proper technique and anatomy knowledge)

Threads can be removed or adjusted if results are unsatisfactory — this is a meaningful advantage over surgical interventions.

Questions to ask your provider

How many thread lift cases have you done, and in what areas?
What thread type and brand do you use, and why?
Do you use a sharp needle or a cannula approach?
What is your policy if I'm unhappy with results or have complications?
Given my anatomy, am I actually a good candidate, or would you suggest something else?

A provider who has performed hundreds of thread lifts will give you significantly better results than one who learned the technique recently.

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