When it comes to addressing sagging skin and facial aging, many people assume surgery is the only answer. But in recent years, PDO threads have emerged as a minimally invasive, collagen-boosting alternative to traditional facelifts. If you’re considering facial rejuvenation, it’s worth understanding the differences between these two procedures to determine which approach best suits your needs.
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO threads are thin, dissolvable sutures made of polydioxanone, a biocompatible material that has been safely used in medical procedures for decades. In aesthetic treatments, PDO threads are inserted just beneath the skin using a fine needle or cannula to lift sagging tissues and stimulate natural collagen production.
As the threads dissolve over 4 to 6 months, they leave behind a framework of newly formed collagen that supports the skin, resulting in a firmer, smoother, and more youthful appearance. Results typically last 12 to 18 months, and the treatment can be repeated as needed.
Types of PDO Threads
There are several types of PDO threads, each with a specific purpose:
- Mono threads: Smooth threads that primarily stimulate collagen and are ideal for skin tightening.
- Cog threads: Threads with barbs that grip the skin and lift sagging areas.
- Screw threads: Twisted threads that provide volume and lift to hollow or sunken areas.
What Is a Traditional Facelift?
A traditional facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that involves removing excess skin, tightening underlying muscles, and repositioning facial tissues to reduce sagging and wrinkles. It is typically performed under general anesthesia and requires significant downtime and recovery.
Facelifts provide dramatic and long-lasting results, often lasting 10 years or more, but they come with higher costs, surgical risks, and recovery demands compared to non-surgical alternatives like PDO threads.
Key Differences Between PDO Threads and Facelifts
1. Invasiveness
- PDO Threads: Non-surgical, performed under local anesthesia, no cutting or stitches.
- Facelift: Surgical, requires incisions, general anesthesia, and sutures.
2. Downtime and Recovery
- PDO Threads: Minimal downtime; most patients return to daily activities within a day or two.
- Facelift: Recovery can take 2 to 4 weeks, with swelling, bruising, and wound care required.
3. Results
- PDO Threads: A non-surgical treatment that offers a noticeable, lifted appearance, along with improved skin texture and firmness. In many cases, threads can deliver results that are comparable to a facelift, especially for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. With minimal downtime and natural-looking results, threads are a powerful option for facial rejuvenation.
- Facelift: A surgical procedure that provides a comprehensive lift by repositioning deeper facial tissues and removing excess skin. Best suited for advanced signs of aging, a facelift offers dramatic and long-lasting results. For those not ready for surgery, PDO threads can achieve similar lifting effects with less recovery time.
4. Longevity
- PDO Threads: Results last 12 to 18 months, with continued improvement due to collagen stimulation.
- Facelift: Results typically last 7 to 10 years or more.
5. Risks and Side Effects
- PDO Threads: Low risk when performed by a qualified provider. Minor side effects may include bruising, swelling, or slight puckering of the skin.
- Facelift: Higher risk of complications, including scarring, infection, nerve injury, and anesthesia-related issues.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
PDO Threads are a versatile option for anyone looking to lift and contour the face without surgery. Whether you’re noticing early signs of aging, dealing with heaviness in areas like the eyelids or jowls, or simply want a more defined, youthful look—threads can offer significant, natural-looking results. While commonly used for mild to moderate laxity, they can also deliver dramatic improvement in the right hands, making them a powerful solution for a wide range of aesthetic goals—regardless of age.
Facelifts remain a trusted option for individuals seeking a comprehensive and longer-lasting lift, especially for more advanced skin laxity and deeper facial folds. For those open to surgery and extended recovery, it can offer a transformative result.
Areas That Can Be Treated with PDO Threads
- Cheeks and midface
- Jawline and jowls
- Neck and under the chin
- Brows and forehead
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette lines
The Procedure: What to Expect
PDO thread lifts are performed in-office and typically take under 60 minutes. Local anesthesia is applied, and the threads are inserted through small entry points. There is little discomfort during the procedure, and most patients experience only mild soreness afterward.
You may be advised to avoid vigorous activity, sleeping on your side, or exaggerated facial movements for the first few days to a week. Swelling or bruising can occur, but usually subsides within a few days.
Why Choose PDO Threads?
- Natural-looking results that improve over time
- Stimulates your body’s own collagen production
- No incisions or scars
- Minimal downtime
- Lower cost than surgery
- Safe, with a low risk of serious complications
Is It Right for You?
Ultimately, choosing between PDO threads and a traditional facelift depends on your goals, timeline, budget, and skin condition. If you’re looking for a non-surgical lift with minimal downtime, PDO threads offer a powerful option to enhance facial contour, restore firmness, and create a naturally refreshed look—without the need for surgery. If you’re seeking dramatic and long-lasting changes to more advanced aging concerns, a surgical facelift may be the better route.
At Melamed Aesthetics, our experienced providers offer personalized consultations to help you explore your options and find the best approach for your unique goals. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a more youthful, refreshed appearance.