Are you starting to notice sagging skin or fine lines and looking for a non-surgical way to tighten your skin? A PDO thread lift is an anti-aging treatment that has become one of the most popular minimally invasive procedure options for facial and body rejuvenation.
PDO (Polydioxanone) thread lifts are an advanced aesthetic treatment that uses dissolvable threads to lift sagging skin, tighten, and rejuvenate the surface of the skin. These threads are inserted beneath the skin and stimulate collagen production and lift, providing a natural-looking lift without the downtime of traditional surgery.
PDO threads are made from a biocompatible material that safely dissolves in the body over time. People love PDO thread lifts because they deliver instant results with long-lasting results and long-term collagen-boosting effects.
But just like with any cosmetic treatment, understanding how long the results last is essential to set realistic expectations and plan ahead.
How Long Do PDO Thread Lifts Last for Skin Tightening?
On average, the lifting effect of PDO thread lifts lasts between 12 to 18 months. This can vary slightly depending on factors like skin type, age, lifestyle, and how well you care for your skin post-treatment.
While the threads dissolve within 4 to 6 months, the collagen they help your body produce can maintain the tightening effect long after. Think of it like scaffolding for your skin that fades as your skin gets stronger on its own.
PDO threads lift and shape the skin as they dissolve, leaving behind natural-looking enhancements. Additionally, this thread lift is a minimally invasive approach that offers subtle yet noticeable improvements in skin laxity.
Factors that influence how long a PDO thread lift lasts:
- Age and Skin Quality: Younger skin with better elasticity tends to hold results longer.
- Type of Threads Used: Thicker or barbed threads may provide longer-lasting support. The quality of the threads used, such as how Silhouette Soft threads are made, can also impact how well and how long they perform.
- Treatment Area: The jawline and cheeks often hold results longer than thinner areas like under the eyes.
- Lifestyle Choices: Smoking, sun exposure, and poor diet can shorten results.
- Skincare Routine: Using quality products and staying hydrated can prolong effects.
Expert Tips: Want to give your skin a boost? Start using a gentle vitamin C serum a few weeks before your appointment. It helps prep your skin and supports collagen production afterwards.
What Happens When a Thread Lift Wears Off?
As the PDO threads dissolve, they gradually get absorbed by the body, leaving behind a stronger collagen network. When the lift effect wears off, you may slowly notice the skin returning to its original laxity.
But here’s the good news: Even after the threads are gone, the collagen your body made during the process sticks around, so the overall skin texture and firmness may still look better than before.
You won’t suddenly see everything drop overnight. Instead, it’s a slow transition, giving you time to plan your subsequent treatment if desired. This treatment that uses PDO threads not only lifts but also stimulates collagen production for long-term benefits.
How Many Times Can You Do a PDO Thread Lift?
PDO thread lifts are not one-time treatments. Most people benefit from doing them every 12 to 18 months to maintain optimal results. Some may come in for a touch-up or additional threads in between, depending on their goals.
There is no strict limit to how often you can do a PDO thread lift as long as your skin is healthy and you’re a suitable candidate.
Many clients incorporate thread lifts into their long-term anti-aging routine, like Botox or Xeomin or dermal fillers. The results of the thread lift may vary depending on your skin’s condition, but a PDO thread lift will last several months with proper care.
Think of thread lifts like getting your hair trimmed or your nails done—it’s maintenance for your skin! The procedure lifts the underlying facial muscles, using sutures to lift and tighten the skin, which helps lift and shape facial tissues in a natural-looking way. Some also explore specific areas like the eye thread for targeted lifting.
At Express Med Spa, we recommend having a personalized consultation to develop a thread lift maintenance plan that aligns with your beauty goals.
How to Prolong the Effect of Thread Lift
Want to make your PDO thread lift last longer? Here are some pro tips that are worth doing:
- Hydrate Often: Drink plenty of water daily. Collagen thrives in hydrated skin, and dryness can make skin dull and loose. Supporting hydration helps enhance collagen production and lift the skin for longer-lasting results.
- Use SPF Daily: Unprotected sun exposure can rapidly age your skin and degrade collagen. A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is a must—even on cloudy days.
- Healthy Diet: Focus on foods high in vitamin C, zinc, and amino acids—like berries, citrus, eggs, and leafy greens. These help your body produce collagen naturally and contribute to the benefits of a PDO thread lift.
- Avoid Smoking and Excess Alcohol: Smoking restricts blood flow to the skin, which slows healing and accelerates aging. Alcohol dehydrates your skin and weakens collagen structures.
- Gentle Skincare: Add peptides, hyaluronic acid, and growth-factor serums. Avoid aggressive scrubs or peels for at least 4–6 weeks post-treatment, especially since a thread lift requires time for threads to settle and stimulate new collagen.
- Sleep on Your Back: Sleeping on your side or stomach can pressure your face and disrupt thread positioning, especially during the first few weeks. This is especially important in a treatment that inserts surgical threads to lift and support facial tissue.
- Limit Facial Movement Initially: Avoid exaggerated facial expressions or dental work in the first two weeks. Let the threads settle correctly.
- Skip Saunas and Intense Workouts (Temporarily): Heat and sweat in the first week or two can affect how healthy threads anchor and integrate.
- Regular Maintenance: Consider minor touch-ups every 12 months or sooner, depending on your aesthetic goals and how your skin responds. While a traditional facelift or surgical facelift lifts the underlying tissue in a more invasive way, PDO threads come with less downtime and natural-looking outcomes.
FAQs
How much does PDO thread lift cost?
Prices can vary based on the number of threads used, the treated area, and the provider’s expertise. On average, a PDO thread lift costs between $500 to $2,500. For a full face or jawline, expect to pay on the higher end.
What are the downsides of PDO thread lift?
While PDO thread lifts are generally safe, some downsides include:
Mild swelling or bruising
Temporary discomfort or tightness
Slight risk of infection or thread visibility
Results are not as dramatic as surgery
Choosing a skilled provider like those at Express Med Spa dramatically reduces these risks.
Which thread lift lasts the longest?
There are three main types of thread lifts:
PDO Threads: Last 12 to 18 months
PLLA Threads (Poly-L-Lactic Acid): Last up to 2 years
PCL Threads (Polycaprolactone): Can last over 2 years
Each type stimulates collagen, but the materials dissolve at different rates. PDO threads are ideal for first-timers or those seeking moderate lifting with quicker recovery.
Who is not suitable for thread lift?
PDO thread lifts may not be suitable for:
People with very thin or loose skin
Those with unrealistic expectations
Individuals with autoimmune disorders or poor healing
Pregnant or breastfeeding women
If you’re unsure, our team at Express Med Spa can evaluate your skin and suggest the best options for you.
Ready to Feel Lifted and Confident?
PDO thread lifts last 12 to 18 months, and you can extend their benefits by following the proper skincare and lifestyle habits. They’re a fantastic way to rejuvenate your skin with natural-looking results—without going under the knife.
Whether you’re considering a first-time lift or looking for a maintenance plan, Express Med Spa in La Grange, Shorewood, Frankfort, and Chicago are here to guide you through it with expert care and personalized treatment.
Don’t wait until everything starts to sag—PDO threads work best as a preventative measure too!
