Love the Skin You’re In
Milton’s Favorite Spot for PDO Thread Lifts
A non-surgical facelift that works with your anatomy.Skin laxity is one of the most common concerns we hear about, and for a long time, the only meaningful solution was surgery. PDO threads changed that. By placing dissolvable medical-grade sutures beneath the skin, we can physically lift sagging tissue while simultaneously triggering a collagen response that improves skin quality from the inside out. The result is a firmer, more elevated appearance that looks natural because it is built on your own tissue.
PDO, or polydioxanone, is the same material that has been used in surgical sutures for decades. It is safe, well-studied, and FDA-approved for cosmetic use. Once placed, the threads gradually dissolve over several months, but the collagen they stimulate continues to support the skin long after the material is gone.
What Can PDO Threads Treat?
At 82 Magnolia Aesthetics, we use PDO threads to address a wide range of concerns related to skin laxity, sagging, and loss of facial definition. Common treatment areas include:
How PDO Threads Work: Lifting Now, Building Collagen Later
PDO threads work on two levels simultaneously, which is what makes them such an effective option for patients dealing with skin laxity.
The first effect is mechanical and immediate. Once the threads are inserted beneath the skin, they physically reposition and anchor sagging tissue, creating a visible lift right away.
The second effect is biological and progressive. The presence of the threads triggers the body’s natural healing response, leading to increased collagen production in the treated area. That new collagen thickens and hydrates the skin over the weeks and months that follow, improving texture, firmness, and overall skin quality long after the threads themselves have dissolved.
We place the threads strategically to follow the natural contours and angles of your face. There is no need for general anesthesia, no surgical incisions, and no lengthy recovery. Most patients return to their normal routine within a day or two, and the full result settles in beautifully over the following weeks.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Your PDO Thread Appointment
PDO thread appointments are completed in-office and typically take between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the treatment areas and number of threads we are placing. A topical numbing cream and local anesthetic are applied before treatment to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Most patients find the experience far less intimidating than they expected.
Immediately after your appointment, some mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the insertion points are completely normal. The skin may feel slightly tight or pucker lightly in the first few days as it adjusts to the threads. These effects settle quickly, and most patients look and feel presentable within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions About PDO Threading
PDO, or polydioxanone, has been used in surgical sutures for decades and has an extensive safety record across multiple medical fields. For cosmetic thread lift applications, it is FDA-approved and considered safe for most healthy adults. The threads are biocompatible and dissolve naturally in the body over several months without leaving any residue.
Side effects are typically mild and temporary, including swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the insertion points. As with any cosmetic procedure, provider training and technique play a critical role in both safety and outcome, which is why choosing a qualified medical provider for this treatment is essential.
Yes, and combining threads with complementary treatments often produces a more complete result. Common pairings include:
- Neuromodulators for dynamic lines and brow lifting
- Dermal fillers for volume and contour
- RF microneedling for skin texture and tightening
- Biostimulators for deeper structural support
- Skincare for long-term skin health maintenance
Your provider will recommend the combination that best fits your goals.
PDO threads work best for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want lifting and tightening without surgery. They are a strong option for patients who are not ready for a surgical facelift or who want to extend the results of previous treatments.
The best way to find out if you are a good candidate is a consultation where we can assess your skin, your anatomy, and what you are hoping to achieve.
Most patients enjoy the results of a PDO thread lift for two to three years. The threads themselves dissolve over four to six months, but the collagen stimulated during that process continues to support the skin well beyond that point.
Longevity is influenced by several factors, including age, skin quality, lifestyle habits, and sun exposure. Patients with good baseline skin health and consistent skincare maintenance tend to hold their results longer.
Touch-up treatments can extend and refresh results over time, and many patients choose to layer their thread treatments with complementary options like RF microneedling or biostimulators to maximize long-term skin quality.
Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure is. We apply a topical numbing cream and local anesthetic before treatment, which takes the edge off significantly. You may feel mild pressure or slight tugging during thread placement, but sharp pain is not typical. Post-treatment soreness is mild and usually resolves within a few days.
