PDO Threads

Non-surgical, Collagen Building Treatment

Building Collagen & Creating Lift

A thread lift is a non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure that passes suture-like threads beneath the surface of your skin, lifting the tissue. The procedure is minimally invasive and there are no incisions involved. The threads may have tiny barbs or cones that help grip the tissue under skin. When appropriately positioned, they give your face a more lifted, toned appearance, especially around the lower face and jowls. 

 

The procedure has been dubbed a “lunchtime lift” because it’s quick, with minimal downtime, especially compared to a surgical facelift. It may also be referred to as a PDO thread lift (for polydioxanone, a dissolvable material also used in sutures) or a “micro-suspension lift.” It’s also sometimes called a sugar lift, since the threads are made from long chains of a polysaccharide, a sugar.


“PDO” threads are absorbed over the first six months and trigger a boost in your natural collagen production that can improve your skin’s firmness for up to a year. 


The lift provided by threads made from poly-l-lactic acid (Silhouette Instalift) may last up to 2 years.

Can be used to treat these conditions:

Fine Lines & Wrinkles, Sagging Skin

Smoothing Threads:

Smooth PDO threads that are loaded into acupuncture sized sharp or blunted needles (cannulas). These very thin, non-textured PDO threads are about the caliber of a human hair and are laced under the skin surface in rows or lattices to fit the treatment area.  The can be used virtually anywhere on the face and body to reinforce skin integrity, stimulate collagen and help tighten and remodel the surface texture. PDO threads gradually breakdown into carbon dioxide and water in the skin in a process called hydrolysis, stimulating collagen production in the process.  Results are seen gradually over the course of weeks and can last up to a year.


Lifting Threads:

Lifting threads are used to reposition, lift, and secure skin in a more desirable contour. These threads are designed and engineered to be self-anchoring and the process requires no incisions or knot tying.  Depending on the type of thread, the tissue engagement is achieved with texture built into the surface of the thread (laser cut or molded) to create a velcro-like effect that grips on the tissues and holds the lift in place.  PLLA threads use a series of tiny cones beaded onto the thread to achieve the same effect.  The procedure is performed using local anesthesia with minimal downtime.  Results are seen immediately and may last up to 12 months for PDO threads and 24 months for PLLA threads.


Lifting threads are used in conjunction with neurotoxins, fillers and most energy-based device treatments and offer the benefit of promoting lift without  risking over-filling a face that already has adequate volume but still needs lift. 


Lifting threads can be used on the following areas:

  • Cheeks
  • Jawline
  • Neck
  • Eyebrows
  • Nose
  • Body

A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedure designed to lift, tighten, and structurally support sagging skin. 


Medical-grade, dissolvable sutures made from Polydioxanone (PDO) are precisely inserted beneath the skin surface. These threads mechanically lift loose tissues immediately. 


As they naturally dissolve over roughly six months via a process called hydrolysis, they trigger a surge in endogenous collagen synthesis to maintain your skin's firmness and structure.  

Lifting (or barbed) threads feature micro-textures or laser-cut barbs that act like Velcro to grip, reposition, and secure sagging skin tissues in a more youthful, elevated contour. Smoothing threads are thin, non-textured filaments placed in a lattice or row formation just beneath the surface to reinforce skin integrity, smooth fine lines, and remodel texture by building a thick collagen foundation.  

At our Matawan clinical facility, we utilize threads to sculpt and lift several key problem areas. Lifting threads are highly effective for defining sagging jowls, raising sagging cheeks, tightening loose neck skin, sharpening the jawline, and performing non-surgical brow lifts. Smooth threads are regularly deployed to treat fine lines around the mouth, under-eye hollowing, and surface crêpiness.  

While the physical polydioxanone (PDO) threads are safely absorbed by your body within the first six months, the newly generated collagen framework left behind continues to support and keep the skin tight for 18 to 24 months. 


Longevity depends strictly on individual metabolism, lifestyle factors, and the specific density of threads utilized during your treatment session.  

Often referred to as a "lunchtime lift," downtime is minimal compared to a surgical facelift. Most Monmouth County patients resume their daily work schedules immediately. 


You may experience mild localized swelling, tightness, tenderness, or minor bruising at the entry sites, which typically clears up within a few days. We advise avoiding heavy facial expressions, dental work, and vigorous exercise for two weeks post-procedure.  

Absolutely. Combining therapies is one of the most effective ways to achieve full, natural facial balancing without surgery. While dermal fillers work instantly to restore deep volume loss (such as in the cheeks or temples), lifting threads pull up sagging tissues. This dual approach ensures you get an elevated profile without the risk of over-filling your face. Botox can also be added concurrently to relax active muscles that might pull against the threads.  

Patient comfort is our absolute priority at Source Medical Aesthetics. We use local anesthetic blocks before the procedure begins. While you may feel a slight pressure or a pulling sensation as the threads are adjusted to secure the lift, actual pain is minimal.  

You can receive a completely customized, physician-led PDO thread lift at Source Medical Aesthetics, located at 1032 State Route 34 in Matawan, NJ.


Our practice directly serves patients across Central New Jersey, providing natural, non-surgical anti-aging solutions to clients from neighboring communities including Marlboro, Holmdel, and Colts Neck.