PDO Threads

A photo of a woman getting PDO threads treatment on her face.

Elevate Your Beauty Naturally

Join one of the most powerful innovations in minimally invasive facelift technology, PDO Threads, and experience the game-changing results for yourself with less downtime than a traditional facelift. This cutting-edge procedure lifts and tightens sagging skin using absorbable sutures for a naturally youthful and rejuvenated appearance. At Still Well Med Spa in Staten Island, NY, we adhere to industry-leading standards of safety and efficacy while tailoring each PDO Thread lift treatment to the unique needs and presentation of each patient. Contact us to learn more about this procedure and the transformative results it delivers.

About PDO Threads

Wish you could have the benefits of a facelift without the hassles that come with taking the surgical route? Thanks to PDO Threads, the next major stride in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation technology, that dream has officially become a reality! This procedure is powerful and just as precise as a standard surgical facelift, but with much less downtime and discomfort. Plus, it pairs more readily with other cosmetic treatments, thanks to its more discrete after effects. Read on for a more complete overview of PDO threads, how they work, and more.

What are PDO Threads?

PDO stands for “polydioxanone,” a hypoallergenic, dissolvable polymer that is broken down safely by the body over time. Well before they were adapted to this particular cosmetic treatment, PDO threads have been used in many other medical applications. This polymer is woven into very fine, hair-like threads, which can be non-barbed or barbed. PDO threads have been used in various forms of heart surgery, wound healing, and other non-cosmetic applications as well as for facial rejuvenation purposes.

Aside from being hypoallergenic and readily absorbed by the body with a very low risk of complications, PDO thread lifts are cleared by the FDA as class II medical devices, meaning the FDA has confirmed their safety and efficacy with evidence-based findings. Of particular importance to their application in cosmetics is the fact that they do not create scar tissue. This allows treatment providers to encourage subtle changes in superficial tissues without worrying about the aftermath of unsightly scars.

How Do PDO Threads Work?

PDO threads improve the skin through two key mechanisms. First, they create an immediate lifting effect by repositioning underlying tissue. This helps restore more defined contours in areas affected by early sagging.

Second, the threads stimulate collagen production as they naturally dissolve over time. This process strengthens the skin’s structure, improving firmness, elasticity and overall texture. Together, these effects allow for refinement that shows up early and improvement that continues over time, resulting in a more supported and naturally refreshed appearance.

PDO Threads Benefits

Thanks to their considerably less invasive approach (as compared to surgical facelift), safety, and effectiveness, PDO threads can accommodate a wider patient population while still providing an effective and aesthetically impactful experience. Some of the most commonly cited benefits of PDO Threads include:

  • Subtly Beautiful Results: Nobody wants to look like they’ve “had work done.” PDO Threads procedures give providers precise control over the results, meaning even younger patient groups with less advanced signs of aging can have these issues remedied without worrying about an expressionless appearance or out-of-proportion facial features after the fact.
  • Smooth Recovery: Requiring zero incisions or general anesthesia, PDO Threads procedures require a fraction of the recovery time (and discomfort) of surgical facelift procedures. This means you can take much less time off of your daily obligations and return to full capacity sooner.
  • Duration of Results: While every patient is unique in terms of aging, skin type, and other factors, those who practice aftercare responsibly can enjoy results for up to a year.
  • Versatility: PDO Threads can treat a wide range of issues involving loose skin, including areas along the cheeks, neck, jawline, brows, and more, to provide a comprehensive enhancement in one treatment.

PDO Threads vs. Other Facial Rejuvenation Treatments

While PDO threads offer a unique lifting effect, other options may be better suited to you, depending on your goals, skin condition and desired level of correction.

PDO Threads vs. Surgical Facelift

A surgical facelift provides the most dramatic and long-lasting results by removing excess skin and repositioning deeper facial structures. However, it requires anesthesia, significant downtime and a longer recovery period.

PDO threads offer a non-surgical alternative that lifts and tightens the skin without incisions. While the results are more subtle and temporary, they are ideal for patients who want noticeable improvement without the risks, cost or recovery associated with surgery.

PDO Threads vs. Dermal Fillers

Dermal fillers restore lost volume in areas such as the cheeks, lips and under-eyes. They are highly effective for addressing hollowing and contour irregularities but do not physically lift sagging skin.

PDO threads, on the other hand, mechanically lift tissue while also stimulating collagen production. In many cases, these treatments are complementary rather than interchangeable, with threads addressing laxity and fillers restoring volume.

PDO Threads vs. Radiofrequency Treatments

Radiofrequency (RF) treatments like RF microneedling use heat energy to stimulate collagen and tighten the skin over time. These treatments are non-invasive and effective for improving mild skin laxity and texture.

PDO threads provide an immediate lifting effect in addition to long-term collagen stimulation. While RF treatments gradually tighten the skin, threads reposition tissue for more visible contour improvement, making them a better option for patients with moderate sagging.

PDO Threads vs. Microneedling

Microneedling improves skin texture, tone and mild scarring by triggering collagen production through controlled micro-injuries. It is best suited for surface-level concerns rather than structural changes.

PDO threads go beyond surface rejuvenation by lifting and supporting underlying tissue. While microneedling enhances skin quality, PDO threads address skin laxity and facial contour, offering a more structural approach to aging concerns.

At Still Well Med Spa, treatment plans are often customized using a combination of these modalities. During your consultation, we evaluate your skin condition, facial structure and long-term goals to determine whether PDO threads or a combination approach will deliver the best results.

PDO Threads at Still Well Med Spa

Our team of highly experienced professionals at Still Well Med Spa takes your safety and comfort seriously. We pride ourselves on crafting fully customized treatments that provide not only a safe and effective, but enjoyable experience that delivers transformative results you can be proud of. Call for a PDO Threads consultation today, and we will carefully and comprehensively assess your needs and expectations to ensure this is your experience. When it’s time for treatment, we will have you in and out within less than an hour, and will stick with you through the recovery process and afterwards. We’re always here for your questions or comments, so feel free to contact us at any point throughout the process.

Cost of PDO Threads

The cost of PDO threads varies depending on the treatment area, the number of threads used and the level of lift desired. Because each procedure is fully customized, pricing is determined during your consultation.

Smaller areas typically require fewer threads, while more comprehensive treatments involve a greater level of planning and customization. Provider experience, technique and whether treatments are combined can also influence overall cost.

During your consultation, we will create a personalized plan that aligns with your aesthetic goals, lifestyle and budget.

How PDO Threads Fit Into a Long-Term Aesthetic Plan

PDO threads are often most effective when viewed as part of a broader approach to skin health and aging. While they provide lifting and support, they can also complement other treatments that focus on skin quality, tone and volume.

Many patients choose to combine PDO threads with treatments that stimulate collagen or restore volume over time. This layered approach allows for more comprehensive results that address multiple aspects of aging while maintaining a natural appearance.

PDO Threads Frequently Asked Questions

You can think of this procedure as using two major mechanisms to rejuvenate your skin: manually lifting the skin and promoting healing processes like collagen formation. The former produces immediate results, meaning you will notice a more refreshed, youthful look soon after treatment (although swelling and bruising may need to subside first). However, the full results will not be visible until the collagen has had a chance to enhance the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and other properties conducive to a healthier, more youthful appearance.
The answer to this question depends largely on a set of individualized factors unique to each patient. For example, your skin type, lifestyle (smoking/drinking, diet, sleep, etc.), age, and the nature of your particular PDO Threads treatment can all affect how long you can expect to see results. To provide an approximate range, most PDO Threads patients maintain their results for several months, up to a full year. It’s important to note that PDO Threads stimulate collagen production, meaning that your initially observed results will continue to improve as the collagen matures over time. This firming and overall enhancement of the skin may even continue after the threads have dissolved.
Thanks to the use of anesthetic, it’s very unlikely you will experience any significant discomfort during a PDO Threads procedure. You may notice a sense of tugging or rubbing as the threads are being inserted and/or manipulated, but the majority of patients report little to no discomfort. You will remain awake and alert throughout the procedure, and our providers will ensure you’re as comfortable as possible for the duration.
While some routine side effects, including mild bruising, swelling, and soreness around the treatment area, are to be expected, it’s very unlikely that you will experience any severe side effects. PDO Threads are well tolerated by the body, and risk of infection or allergic reaction is extremely low. Swelling and soreness, as well as any discoloration, should resolve on its own within a few days. To help you manage your symptoms as comfortably and efficiently as possible, our care team will provide simple post-treatment instructions for you to follow.
PDO Threads are typically better suited for people who are experiencing earlier, mild to moderate signs of aging. This procedure allows patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s to improve facial contours with a minimally invasive approach. While PDO Thread treatment is very gentle and well-tolerated, there are still some conditions, medications, and other factors that may affect your eligibility for this treatment. These are best discussed in a consultation with a licensed provider. In general, if you are reasonably healthy and have realistic expectations of the treatment, you may be a candidate for PDO threads.
Thanks to their versatile and minimally invasive nature, PDO Threads procedures can easily be paired with other treatments, and often are. Which treatments you choose are dependent on your particular aesthetics goals, medical eligibility, cost, and so on. Procedures commonly paired with PDO Threads include cosmetic injectables (e.g., Botox and dermal fillers), laser resurfacing, chemical peels, radiofrequency treatments, microneedling, and pulsed-light therapy. Combining PDO Threads procedures with one or more of these additional options as part of a comprehensive anti-aging regimen allows you to more precisely and thoroughly target a wider range of issues, including uneven skin tone and texture, fine lines, areas of hollowing, acne scars, and much more. With this increased utility, however, comes more implications in the area of safety, efficacy, and cost. It’s important to discuss your treatment plans with a well-qualified provider to create a safe and effective anti-aging regimen that works for you.

As with many procedures, there are short-term and long-term aftercare recommendations to help you safely and comfortably navigate the acute recovery phase while safeguarding your results for longer periods of time. Immediately following your procedure, you will be recommended to keep your facial muscles relaxed, which means avoiding excessive expression. Similarly, vigorous exercise and exposure to extreme heat (sauna, hot shower, hot summer days, etc.), may affect your results, so it’s best to avoid these as directed.

Also, avoid applying direct pressure to the treatment area as much as possible, and make sure to sleep on your back. In addition to these more general aftercare recommendations, you will likely be provided with more individualized instructions that better accommodate your circumstances. As always, deferring to a licensed provider is always the smartest and safest practice when it comes to treatment prep and aftercare guidelines.

What Kind of Results Can You Expect From PDO Threads?

PDO threads are designed to create a refined, natural-looking lift rather than a dramatic transformation. The goal is to enhance your existing features and restore balance, not to change the way you look.

Most patients notice improved definition, especially along the jawline and cheeks, along with a more refreshed overall appearance. Depending on the number of threads used and the treatment area, some patients may experience more visible contouring, while others achieve a softer, more subtle lift.

It is also important to understand that results are influenced by factors such as skin quality, degree of laxity and how your body responds to collagen stimulation. We will guide you on what level of improvement is realistic and how PDO threads can best support your long-term aesthetic goals.

Why Choose Still Well Med Spa for PDO Threads?

At Still Well Med Spa, every treatment is guided by a balance of medical precision and aesthetic judgment. Under the leadership of Dr. Anne Marie Stilwell, our team focuses on results that look natural and are aligned with your individual features.

PDO thread treatments require a thoughtful and customized approach. We take the time to evaluate your facial structure, skin quality and long-term goals before creating your treatment plan. Whether you want to lift, contour or refresh your appearance, your results are designed to enhance your natural look.

Our care extends beyond the procedure itself. We prioritize safety, advanced techniques and clear patient education so you feel informed at every step. From your first consultation through your follow-up visits, your comfort and confidence remain our priority. At Still Well Med Spa, you can expect attentive care, careful planning and results that develop naturally over time.

Contact Still Well Med Spa to Learn More

Choosing the right provider plays a major role in both your experience and your results. At Still Well Med Spa in Staten Island, NY, PDO thread treatments are performed with precision, careful planning and a deep understanding of facial anatomy to achieve a natural outcome that feels balanced and refined.

Every member of our team of highly experienced aesthetics professionals is deeply passionate about providing each patient with a meaningful, safe, and highly effective treatment. As your PDO Threads provider, we will make sure you stay confidently informed throughout the process so you can be comfortable with your decisions. Contact Still Well Med Spa for a consultation today and take that first step towards a renewed you.

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