PDO Thread Lifts

A PDO Thread Lift uses dissolvable sutures made of polydioxanone (PDO) — a biocompatible material safely absorbed by the body. These threads are placed beneath the skin to gently lift and reposition sagging tissue.

But the benefits don’t stop there. As the threads dissolve over time, they trigger your skin to produce new collagen and elastin, improving firmness, texture, and elasticity long after the threads are gone.

It’s like scaffolding for your skin: immediate lift now, plus structural repair that builds gradually over months.

PDO Thread Lifts are ideal for tightening and lifting areas of the face and body affected by aging or gravity. Common treatment areas include:

• • Jawline definition and sagging (“jowls”)
  • Marionette lines and nasolabial folds (smile lines)
  • Cheeks and mid-face
  • Eyebrow lift
  • Neck tightening
  • Skin laxity on the lower face

This makes PDO threads a great option for patients who want to refresh their appearance without undergoing invasive surgery.

PDO (polydioxanone) has been safely used in medical sutures for decades. When inserted into the skin, threads create two effects:

1. 1. Mechanical lift – Threads physically reposition sagging tissue for an instant improvement.
   2. Biological stimulation – As they dissolve, threads stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

This dual action means you get both immediate tightening and long-term rejuvenation.

Your PDO Thread Lift appointment at our San Diego med spa near Balboa Park is straightforward and minimally invasive:

1. 1. Consultation – We evaluate your skin laxity and facial structure to design a treatment plan.
   2. Preparation – A numbing agent is applied for comfort.
   3. Thread Placement – Using a fine cannula, PDO threads are inserted under the skin in targeted areas.
   4. Lift – Threads are gently adjusted to lift and reposition tissue.

The procedure typically takes 45–60 minutes. You may experience mild swelling or bruising, but most patients resume daily activities in Hillcrest or Downtown the same day.

• Immediate lift: noticeable tightening right after treatment.
  
• Gradual improvement: collagen production continues for 3–6 months.
  
• Duration: results typically last 12–18 months, depending on skin health and lifestyle.

For many patients, PDO threads are an excellent bridge between non-invasive treatments (like fillers and Botox) and surgical facelifts.

• Andrea from Hillcrest came in wanting more jawline definition without fillers. PDO threads gave her an instant contour, and she said coworkers noticed she looked “slimmer and younger.”
• Mark from Mission Hills wanted a subtle lift for his mid-face. After PDO threads, he told us he felt more confident in meetings and photos.
• Vanessa from Bankers Hill had threads for her smile lines and described the results as “natural but noticeable” — exactly what she wanted.

PDO Thread Lifts pair beautifully with other procedures for comprehensive rejuvenation:

• • Dermal fillers – restore volume where needed
  • Botox® or Dysport – relax dynamic wrinkles
  • Benev Exosomes or PRP – accelerate healing and boost collagen response
  • Laser or IPL treatments – improve skin tone and texture alongside tightening

Our providers customize every plan to ensure results are natural and long-lasting.

• Conveniently located near Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Downtown, and Balboa Park
• Expert providers trained in advanced thread lift techniques
• Focus on natural results that enhance, not over-correct
• Comprehensive plans combining PDO threads with other treatments for maximum effect

We believe PDO threads are about subtle lift and natural rejuvenation, not drastic changes.

Are PDO threads safe?
Yes. PDO sutures have been used in medicine for decades and are FDA-cleared for aesthetic use.

Does it hurt?
Most patients describe the treatment as tolerable. We use local anesthetic for comfort.

How long is recovery?
Minimal. You may have swelling or bruising for a few days, but most patients return to normal activities right away.

How long do results last?
Most patients enjoy results for 12–18 months. Maintenance treatments help extend benefits.

Will I look unnatural?
No. PDO threads are designed to create subtle, natural lift. At Aesthetica, we specialize in enhancing your own features.

If you’re looking for a non-surgical facelift alternative in San Diego (92103) that lifts sagging skin and restores youthful contours, PDO Thread Lifts may be right for you.

Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward radiant, youthful skin.

American Society of Plastic Surgeons – What Are Thread Lifts?
National Library of Medicine – PDO Thread Lift and Collagen Stimulation