Natural and long-lasting results with minimal downtime.
What is a PDO Thread Lift
PDO Threadlifting is a cosmetic procedure that uses fine suture material, a.k.a “threads” or “thread lift”, to lift and tighten sagging skin. PDO Max threads are made from a dissolvable material (polydioxanone) that your body naturally absorbs over time, producing collagen in the process. There are essentially two types of threads—barbed and smooth. The barbed threads provide lifting and support to loose skin while smooth threads solely encourage collagen production. There are different types of smooth threads, and these can be used to fill folds or hollows in your facial contour in lieu of or in addition to traditional injectable fillers. Barbed and smooth threads also can be used alone or together in a unique and personalized combination for lifting, supporting and volumization. The results last between one to two years. Your surgeon will recommend the best combination to produce immediate, natural, and noticeable results!
PDO Thread Lift benefits
A PDO Max threadlift procedure provides an immediate improvement in your appearance and is a non-surgical alternative to a traditional facelift or browlift procedure. If desired, the procedure can be done the same day as your consultation and is performed under local anesthesia with little to no discomfort or downtime.
A PDO threadlift provides a quick, easy, and non-invasive alternative to a traditional facelift. If indicated, the procedure can be performed at the time of consultation and is done comfortably with just local anesthesia to numb the treatment sites. The vectors (directions) of pull, types of threads, and number of threads used are individualized to create an immediate lifting and tightening of loose, sagging skin. The most commonly treated area is the face and includes the brows, cheeks, jowls, jawline, and neck. In some patients, loose skin of the breast or body may also be amenable to threadlifting for a non-surgical lift.
PDO threads are made of a biocompatible, absorbable suture material that stimulates the production of collagen as they dissolve. Collagen production improves skin texture, elasticity, and smoothness in the treated areas.
Patients will see results immediately after the procedure. In addition, the process by which the threads dissolve stimulates collagen production in the treated area(s), contributing to gradual but even more noticeable improvements in skin tone and texture in the weeks and months after the procedure.
Compared to a surgical facelift approach, a PDO threadlift requires minimal to no downtime. There is no required restriction on activity, although some patients may experience bruising, swelling, or post-procedural soreness that lasts from 1-2 days up to 2 weeks. You will feel most comfortable reducing your activity until these signs and symptoms resolve.
A PDO threadlift provides subtle and natural-looking results. It enhances the contours of the face without an overly “pulled” or artificial appearance.
As the threads dissolve over time, the production of new collagen leads to long-lasting improvements in skin tightness and texture. Results can last from 12 to 24 months.
PDO threads come in both barbed and smooth varieties as well as different sizes and gauges. The array of different types of threads allows your provider maximal versatility and customization. Patients commonly choose threadlifting to address sagging skin around their eyebrows, cheeks, jowls, jawline, and neck. Less commonly treated areas include loose skin of the upper pole of the breasts, inner arms, knees, and abdomen.
As a non-surgical procedure, a PDO thread lift carries fewer risks and complications compared to traditional surgical facelifts. There is no need for general anesthesia or extensive incisions.
PDO threads have been used in medical procedures for decades and are considered safe. They are approved by the FDA for use in aesthetic treatments.
There is no scarring, as the procedure is performed through small needle insertion sites.
A PDO thread lift complements other non-surgical procedures like dermal fillers, neurotoxins (Botox / Dysport), radiofrequency microneedling, and certain lasers for a comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan. Your provider will give you specific instructions and tailor the recommendations to your individual needs.
Who is a good candidate for PDO Threadlift
Almost anyone is a candidate for a PDO Max threadlift procedure. An excellent candidate has minimal skin laxity and is interested in an immediate lift with little to no downtime.
PDO Thread Lift Videos
PDO Thread Lift techniques
A PDO threadlift is performed by a qualified, trained professional such as a board-certified plastic surgeon or aesthetic nurse practitioner. You will notice an immediate improvement after the procedure, but the best results typically start at 2-4 weeks post-procedure. The procedure takes between 15-45 minutes and is done under local anesthesia with little to no discomfort.
PDO Thread Lift procedure types
There are essentially two types of PDO Threads—barbed and smooth. Depending on your needs, your surgeon or nurse practitioner will determine the best option for addressing skin laxity. Typically, a full face / neck / brow threadlift will be performed with barbed sutures then augmented with smooth threads in areas that require more collagen production such as the jowls, under-chin area, or neck. In 3 months, a complimentary Boost procedure will be scheduled to add one or more barbed or smooth threads to augment the results and improve longevity. It is possible for results to last up to 1 to 2 years.
How PDO Thread Lift compares to other facial surgical procedures
At Plastic Surgery of Westchester we have a wide array of medical procedures to meet all of your needs. When discussing facial procedures one of the most asked questions is whether a person should do a full face lift or a thread lift. Both procedures are meant to tighten the skin to provide a more youthful appearance but each do it in a very different way.
A facelift is a surgical operation that we do in our operating room with a recovery time of roughly 2-3 months. PDO Thread lifts are performed in office as well, they help produce collagen naturally over time and are a non-surgical procedure with little to no recovery time. Both procedures have immense benefits and we are here to walk you through all the options that will best suit you!
PDO Thread Lift Treatment Areas
Brows, cheeks, jowls, neck, and certain areas of the body are all suitable for PDO threadlifting. The breast, arms, abdomen, and knees are the most common body areas treated.
Initial consulation for PDO Thread Lift
Your overall health and skin quality, medications, allergies, and goals will be reviewed, and he / she will then provide recommendations for a treatment plan. Photos are an essential part of the process and provide an excellent way to see your results as they evolve over time.
Pre-Procedure preparation for PDO Thread Lift
It is important that you prepare for your PDO threadlifting procedure by:
- Avoiding any NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Aleve and supplements such as fish oil, green tea, certain cold medications) for no less than 5 days prior to your procedure day. If you take prescription blood thinners, you must discuss the timeframe for pausing use of these medications with the plastic surgeon as well as your prescribing physician. This will ensure minimal bruising and swelling.
- Using Arnica montana, an over-the-counter herbal supplement, for 2 days prior and for up to 5-7 post-procedure to minimize bruising and swelling.
- Refraining from excessive alcohol use before and after your procedure.
If you have an allergy to latex, lidocaine, epinephrine, or polydioxanone, or are prone to cold sores or herpetic outbreaks, you must let your provider know prior to the procedure. In some instances, a prophylactic antibiotic or antiviral may be prescribed. It is not necessary to have a chaperone for transportation, although having one may make your post-procedure ride home more comfortable.
What to expect during PDO Thread Lift
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and feels much like other types of injectables. You will be positioned comfortably in a beach-chair position in a well-lit procedure room. Your pre-procedure photos are taken, markings on the skin are made with a cosmetic pencil, and the skin is cleansed. A small amount of local anesthetic will be used to numb the treatment areas, then the threadlift is performed via small insertion sites with a needle size similar to a blood draw. Depending on the area(s) addressed, anywhere between 4 to 24 threads may be used. The threadlift material has low reactivity; however, please let your provider know if you are allergic to polydioxanone, latex, lidocaine or epinephrine. You will feel numb for 30-45 minutes after the procedure but well enough to drive home. You can resume regular activity once you feel healed.
Before
Marking
Numbing
Thread Pull
AfterRecovery after PDO Thread Lift
There is no recommended downtime and no scarring is expected. You may feel sore or “tight” for the first 1-2 weeks in the treated areas as well an occasional “popping” sensation as the threads settle. The threads are durable and should not break even with regular activity. However, if the area(s) feel sore or tender, or if there is bruising and swelling, you should allow a period of recovery before resuming vigorous activity until these signs resolve. You should notify your provider if a persistent area of discomfort is noted, as he or she may massage the area or instruct you to do the same; otherwise, no massaging or maintenance is required.
PDO Thread Lift results
The initial results are seen immediately after the procedure, but they also improve over the next 1-2 months as collagen is produced and additional skin tightening occurs. Patients who choose threadlifting and are good candidates for this procedure often have high satisfaction with their results!
PDO Thread Lift anesthesia
A PDO threadlift is performed under local anesthesia.
PDO Thread Lift complications
You can expect some bruising, swelling, and soreness after the procedure. The risks for an allergic reaction, failure or breakage of thread material, infection, nerve injury or bleeding / hematoma are rare and uncommon. If you have an allergy to latex, lidocaine, epinephrine, or polydioxanone, or are prone to cold sores or herpetic outbreaks, you must let your provider know prior to the procedure. In some instances, a prophylactic antibiotic or antiviral may be prescribed. Routine, standard precautions will be taken to minimize any complications.
PDO Thread Lift cost
The cost of a PDO threadlift is per area treated (includes both right and left sides, as applicable) and includes a complimentary Boost procedure (typically done 3 months after the initial treatment session):
PDO Thread Lift FAQ’s
PDO Max Threads are exclusively offered at Plastic Surgery of Westchester. They are one of the first FDA-approved threads in the U.S. and have the highest tensile strength of all available threads on the market.
Based on a consultation with your plastic surgeon or nurse practitioner, a plan for the threadlift procedure will be designed. The procedure can take anywhere between 4 to 24 for a full face and neck, so the number of threads varies on your anatomy, appearance, and goals.
We do not charge per thread. Our threadlifts are priced per area and cost between $1200 to $2000+ per area (areas are: brow, cheek / jowl, jawline, neck, breast, and body), which includes both sides of the face or body part as well as a Boost procedure done 3-4 months after the initial threadlifting procedure.
PSW offers a complimentary Boost procedure for all threadlift patients. A Boost procedure is typically done 3 to 4 months after the initial threadlift and serves to add one additional thread into each area to improve the longevity of the results. Smooth threads can be offered instead of the additional barbed threads for added collagen production and at no additional cost.
The procedure is performed awake and in the office setting. The experience is very similar to injectables such as Dysport or filler. There is minimal discomfort since a local anesthetic is used to pre-treat the areas. The procedure typically takes anywhere from 15 minutes to 45 minutes depending on the number of areas addressed.
We ask that you refrain from any non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin or ibuprofen or products that contain these substances for at least 5 days prior to your procedure. If you are on a particular blood thinner for a medical condition, it is important to let your surgeon and staff know when scheduling the appointment. Arnica Montana is an over-the-counter herbal supplement that can be started prior to the procedure and continued for a few days after to minimize any bruising or swelling that can ensue.
As the threads dissolve over time, the production of new collagen leads to long-lasting improvements in skin tightness and texture. Results can last from 12 to 24 months.
Bruising and swelling are common. Bruising can be very minimal but in rare cases can be significant enough to prevent a return to regular activity immediately after the procedure. It is recommended that you refrain from going to the gym or any other strenuous activity after the procedure until bruising resolves. There can mild soreness of the treated areas which usually subsides by 3 days post-procedure. Full settling of the threadlift takes about 2 weeks. However, if you feel well and have no bruising, there is essentially no contraindication to physical activity post-procedure.
The beauty of PDO threadlifting at Plastic Surgery of Westchester is that our results are immediate and only get better over time! You will probably look even better between 4 to 8 weeks after your procedure.
Facilities & Hospital Affiliations
Our surgeons have privileges at White Plains Hospital, New York Presbyterian – Lawrence Hospital Center, Montefiore – New Rochelle Hospital, Westchester Medical Center, and Jacobi Medical Center. They also perform procedures in their fully accredited operating room in Harrison, NY. Our state-of-the-art facility is professionally designed and decorated for your comfort. We are always interested to know if there is anything we can do to enhance your experience. We appreciate your suggestions and pledge to work as a team to make your time here a rewarding experience.
- White Plains Hospital
- New York Presbyterian – Lawrence Hospital Center
- Montefiore – New Rochelle Hospital
- Westchester Medical Center
- Jacobi Medical Center
Accreditation and Associations
We maintain an AAAASF accredited surgical suite, equipped like a hospital operating room with the privacy and ease of an office setting, offering full general anesthesia for more complex procedures as well as sedation and local anesthesia for other procedures. We enjoy a strong relationship with some of the finest hospitals in the area, offering overnight and extended post-operative stays if medically advisable. This is ideal for our out of town patients, those with little post-operative help, or those desiring a more private recovery. We can also arrange your recovery with a nurse at a luxury hotel located within minutes of our facility.
Contact Us
Schedule your PDO Thread Lift Consultation
Please contact us with any questions or if you would like to setup a time for a one-on-one consultation with one of our surgeons.
