What Is a Thread Facelift?

A PDO Thread Lift, or Thread Facelift, uses polydioxanone (PDO) suture threads to lift and tighten the skin. During the procedure, very thin, biodegradable polyester threads are inserted just below the surface of your skin using a cannula. The threads are biodegradable and stimulate your body’s natural healing response to generate new collagen, helping to smooth and tighten skin.

While not as effective as a surgical facelift, a PDO Thread Lift works to tighten and lift sagging skin on the face and neck. The results are instant, and the sutures naturally dissolve within 6 months, leaving you looking refreshed without surgery. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete, and there’s minimal downtime. We use a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort, and you are able to return to normal activities soon after the procedure.

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Why Get a PDO Thread Lift?

If you are starting to see sagging skin on your face and neck but are not ready for surgery, a PDO Thread Lift may be an option for you. A thread facelift procedure has many benefits:

  • Non-surgical procedure
  • Natural results for your face and neck
  • Minimal discomfort
  • Virtually no scarring
  • Minimal downtime

This minimally-invasive skin tightening treatment can be combined with injectables, including BOTOX® Cosmetic and dermal fillers to address dynamic wrinkles, laser skin resurfacing to improve skin’s tone and texture, and nonsurgical skin treatments like Forever Young BBL to the appearance of skin on the face and neck.

The Procedure

During a PDO Thread Lift, your provider uses a blunt-tipped needle called a cannula to insert the FDA-approved PDO (polydioxanone) synthetic suture into the middle layer of your skin, parallel to the surface of the skin. The thread is then anchored in place and the cannula is removed. The thread is made from material that is bio-absorbable, meaning your body will absorb it over time. The threads lift and tighten the skin immediately.

The procedure stimulates a controlled healing response in your skin to encourage your body to produce collagen, the substance that creates elasticity in skin. This new collagen production makes your skin look younger, firmer, and more lifted over time. You will see results immediately after the procedure, and full results will appear within 1 to 2 months after the treatment once you have fully healed.

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Client Testimonials Real Experiences, Beautiful Results

Jaclyn is AMAZING! I have never had laser treatment before and I had varicose veins everywhere on my face. My cheeks had them, sideburns and nose had them and I had red dots on my ...

—Matt Reed

It was a great experience! Ashley and Lauren are both so competent and made me feel safe and comfortable. The people working at the desk were very nice and made check in and check ...

—Beth

I had a wonderful experience at this spa. The staff was exceptional, and I would like to specifically commend Lauren for her extensive knowledge and kindness. She takes the time to...

—Marsha Landin Fugate

Today’s visit was at Calospa in Lexington Ky. The women that work there are exceptionally kind , professional and knowledgeable. Lauren was the best!. Such a nice visit.Dr Ca...

—Polly Horn

Amazing experience. Everyone is SO friendly and makes you feel so comfortable. Dr. Q is very knowledgeable and kind, he knew exactly what needed to be done to make me look beautifu...

—Tricia McBeath

My consultation with Dr. Calabrace couldn’t have been better. He and Nicole were wonderful! I feel fully informed and comfortable with my plan. Loved everyone in the office!

—Max Hall

I had a great experience at CaloSpa in Lexington with laser vein removal on my face. I’m prone to getting broken capillaries and reticular veins. This is my 3rd time visiting...

—Jennifer

Great staff! Not only are they always welcoming and personal - but the results are always consistently excellent. The Botox results are the very best I have ever experienced.

—Shelley Lansaw

Lauren was very easy to work with. She explained everything and offered reassurance!! Thank you for a very good experience! Front desk staff always smiling and always complimentary...

—Karen

My injector Ashley was so kind and attentive and paid such close attention to detail to the proportions and accuracy of injecting. She also asked frequently about any pain I might ...

—Haley Stark

Great service and great staff !! Kristin & Leah are very welcoming when you arrive. Talented Injectors (Lauren is amazing) and wondedful Aestheticians (Jaclyn is the best).

—Stephanie Cronk

I recently had a laser treatment with Jaclyn, and she was fantastic from start to finish. She made sure I was comfortable throughout the entire process and explained everything in ...

—JT Witt

Jaclyn is so wonderful! She has truly transformed my skin and taken care of all of my concerns. She is so kind and really listens to ensure my treatment plan best fits my goals. I ...

—Karli LeMaster

Two Advanced Options for a Subtle Lift Silhouette InstaLift® Thread Lift

For patients seeking a slightly stronger lift with equally natural-looking results, CaloSpa® also offers the Silhouette InstaLift®, an advanced thread lift designed to lift and reposition deeper facial tissue while stimulating collagen production. Unlike traditional PDO threads, Silhouette InstaLift uses absorbable sutures with tiny bidirectional cones that provide immediate lift and long-term rejuvenation. The sutures gradually dissolve as new collagen forms, helping restore facial volume and definition over time without surgery or extended downtime.

Silhouette InstaLift is ideal for improving midface sagging, softening jowls, and restoring youthful contours. Its subtle, natural results evolve beautifully in the months following treatment.

Whether you choose PDO threads for gentle tightening or Silhouette InstaLift for deeper facial rejuvenation, your CaloSpa® provider will tailor the approach to your goals for refreshed, natural confidence.

Nothing to Fear

Feeling anxious about your procedure? We offer self-administered nitrous oxide with the Pro-Nox™ system for patients undergoing certain procedures. Ask about it during your consultation.

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Thread Lift FAQs

Is it safe?

Yes, this FDA-approved procedure is very safe, and there is very little downtime. PDO threads have been used for many years for surgical procedures, and they are considered extremely safe. Most patients experience some swelling and minimal bruising for the first few days after the treatment, but few serious side effects have been reported from this procedure.

Does it hurt?

Before the treatment, we will disinfect your skin with alcohol, apply a numbing agent to the area being treated, then inject a local anesthetic into the skin to reduce discomfort. You may experience some swelling for a few days after the procedure. You are encouraged to use over-the-counter pain medication like Advil or Tylenol to treat the post-procedure swelling.

Which areas can be treated with a PDO Thread Lift?

A PDO Thread Lift is effective at tightening the skin on the face and neck. The most common areas of treatment include:

  • Crow’s feet
  • Undereye wrinkles
  • Sagging brows
  • Drooping cheeks
  • Loose jawline
  • Jowls
  • Neck lines

What is recovery like?

A: You can immediately return to your normal routine and resume most regular activities. You are encouraged to avoid rubbing your face for the first week after treatment and should avoid drinking with a straw, smoking, or undergoing a dental procedure for the first several weeks after treatment to avoid stretching the skin around the mouth. You are encouraged to sleep with your head elevated to avoid rolling over onto your face.

How long does a PDO Thread Lift last?

The biodegradable sutures will be absorbed by the body within 6 months after treatment, but the effects of the thread facelift can be much longer. The threads encourage your body’s natural healing process to occur, stimulating collagen regrowth in the treatment areas. This will cause your skin to naturally tighten and lift, and the results will continue to last even after the sutures are absorbed. You will continue to age as time goes by, so it may be necessary to repeat the procedure or maintain your results with other treatments, like BOTOX® Cosmetic, dermal fillers like Sculptra® Aesthetic, and RF skin tightening procedures.

If you are interested in learning if a PDO Thread Lift is right for you, please call us to set up an initial consultation appointment, and our staff can help you decide.

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