Picture a lifted, contoured, and refreshed look, without surgery, stitches, or long recovery. PDO thread lifts at Destination Aesthetics™ offer a safe, FDA-approved way to tighten and sculpt the skin using absorbable sutures that also stimulate natural collagen. Whether you want to elevate your brows, sharpen your jawline, or smooth early signs of laxity, PDO threads provide immediate improvement with results that continue to enhance as your skin produces new collagen.
Our experienced team performs PDO thread lifts at all Destination Aesthetics™ med spa locations in El Dorado Hills, Elk Grove, Folsom, Roseville, and Sacramento, CA. Each treatment is customized to your unique goals, helping you achieve natural-looking rejuvenation and restored facial balance.
PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, a biodegradable material that has been safely used in medical procedures such as heart surgery for decades. When placed just beneath the skin, these absorbable threads act like an internal scaffold, instantly lifting sagging tissue while also triggering your body to produce fresh collagen. Over time, the threads naturally dissolve, leaving behind a stronger support structure and smoother, firmer skin.
This treatment is often called a “nonsurgical facelift” because it restores youthful contours without incisions, stitches, or downtime. PDO threads can rejuvenate the brows, cheeks, jawline, and neck, delivering natural-looking results that continue to improve in the months following your procedure.
The cost of a PDO thread lift depends on the number of threads used, the treatment areas addressed, and whether PDO threads are combined with other injectables such as dermal fillers or BOTOX® Cosmetic. Because each patient’s needs are unique, our providers will design a fully personalized plan during your consultation. After evaluating your skin and goals, we’ll provide you with a transparent cost estimate and discuss package or maintenance options to maximize your results.
A thread lift, sometimes referred to as a nonsurgical facelift, involves injecting PDO threads to lift the skin and give it a firmer, more youthful appearance. We inject PDO threads into areas such as the:
If appropriate, one of our #DAGs may recommend enhancing your results with other injectable treatments, such as dermal fillers or BOTOX® Cosmetic. The BOTOX® brow lift is especially popular for those of our clients who are looking to really open up the areas around their eyes.
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to plump, shape, and smooth. PDO threads, on the other hand, act as dissolvable sutures that reposition tissue and encourage natural support structures. Both are FDA-approved and can be used alone or together depending on your goals.
PDO threads are placed under the skin to gently lift and support lax areas while stimulating new collagen. Over several months, this collagen improves skin tone and firmness even after the threads dissolve. Dermal fillers use hyaluronic acid or similar compounds to restore volume in areas such as the cheeks, lips, and under the eyes. They provide immediate contour and smoothness, with results lasting anywhere from 6 to 18 months depending on the product used.
Results
Immediate lift; collagen builds over months
Instant volume and smoothing
Cost
Varies by number of threads and areas
Varies by type of filler and amount used
Formulations
Polydioxanone sutures
Hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, etc
Timeline
Brows, cheeks, jawline, neck, full face
Results last 6–18 months depending on filler
Treatment Areas
Face, neck, chest, stretch marks, scars
Cheeks, lips, under-eyes, folds, chin
Results
Instant volume and smoothing
Cost
Varies by type of filler and amount used
Formulations
Hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, etc
Timeline
Results last 6–18 months depending on filler
Treatment Areas
Cheeks, lips, under-eyes, folds, chin
A #DAG is a Destination Aesthetics™ girl or guy who believes in equality, freedom, love, acceptance, and peace.
As nurse practitioners, registered nurses, and licensed estheticians, we combine our years of experience and artistry in our craft with a passion for bringing out the very best in you. We are family-centric teammates on a mission to help you live your best and most beautiful life.
Provides immediate lifting of sagging skin
Stimulates natural collagen production for long-lasting support
Improves jawline definition and restores youthful contours
Refines skin texture and elasticity over time
Minimally invasive with little to no downtime
Customizable treatment for brows, cheeks, jawline, and neck
PDO threads are an excellent option for men seeking subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation that preserves masculine features. Our providers use tailored techniques to define the jawline, lift heavy brows, and improve early signs of laxity without over-softening facial structure.
Learn more about how we approach male-specific treatments on our DA™ Men page.
PDO threads pair well with other injectable treatments and skin rejuvenation services to maximize results. Our providers often recommend enhancing thread lifts with neuromodulators or fillers to further refine contours or address wrinkles.
Below are some popular treatments that are typically paired with PDO threads:
Step 1
Your appointment begins with a personalized consultation where one of our providers evaluates your skin, reviews your goals, and determines whether PDO threads are the right option for you. They may recommend combining PDO threads with complementary treatments like fillers or neuromodulators for optimal balance and harmony.
Step 2
The procedure typically takes 20–30 minutes. A topical or local anesthetic is applied for comfort, and then the threads are carefully placed beneath the skin using fine needles. Depending on your goals, threads may be positioned for lifting or in a mesh pattern to support collagen stimulation.
Step 3
Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur for 1–2 days, but most people resume work and daily activities the next day. The lifting effect is visible immediately, and results continue to improve as collagen production increases over the following weeks. While the threads dissolve naturally in about 4–6 months, the collagen framework they leave behind helps maintain results for up to a year or more.
PDO thread lifts are FDA-approved and have a strong safety track record when performed by trained professionals. The polydioxanone material used in the threads is the same type of absorbable suture often used in heart surgery, which makes it highly biocompatible and safe for the body to absorb over time. When administered by experienced providers with knowledge of facial anatomy, PDO thread lifts carry a low likelihood of adverse effects and provide natural-looking, rejuvenated results without surgery.
What Are Possible Side Effects?
Side effects are uncommon and typically resolve quickly. Possible side-effects, while rare, may include:
Most treatments take less than 30 minutes, making PDO threads a convenient option for patients who want results without a lengthy appointment or downtime.
You’ll notice an immediate lifting effect right after treatment. Over the following weeks, results continue to improve as collagen production is stimulated beneath the skin.
A topical or local anesthetic is used before the threads are placed, which minimizes discomfort. Patients typically report mild pressure or tugging sensations during treatment, but no significant pain.
For about a week, avoid vigorous facial rubbing, heavy exercise, and sleeping facedown. These precautions help protect the threads as they settle into place.
Yes, PDO thread lifts are safe across a wide range of skin types. During consultation, your provider will determine candidacy and customize the approach based on your skin condition and goals.
Yes, PDO threads work especially well in combination with dermal fillers and neuromodulators to restore both lift and volume. Many patients opt for combination plans for more comprehensive rejuvenation.
Avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and certain supplements (like fish oil or vitamin E) for a few days before treatment, unless otherwise directed by your provider. This helps minimize bruising and swelling.
While the threads dissolve naturally after 4–6 months, the collagen framework they leave behind can keep skin lifted and firm for up to a year or more.
If you would like more information about Destination Aesthetics and the services we provide, give us a call! We would be happy to sit down and talk to you about your cosmetic options and answer any questions that you may have.
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