Stony Brook, NY
PDO Thread Lift in Stony Brook, NY
A Non-Surgical Approach to Lifting, Tightening & Facial Rejuvenation
If you are beginning to notice sagging skin, loss of facial definition, or changes in the contours of your face and neck but are not ready for surgery, PDO threads may offer another option.
At Elite Laser Center & Med Spa in Stony Brook, NY, PDO thread treatments are customized to help lift and support selected areas of the face while encouraging the skin's natural collagen response.
PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, an absorbable material that has been used in medical sutures for many years.
The threads are carefully placed beneath the skin to provide support to targeted tissue. As the threads gradually dissolve, the body's natural healing response can encourage new collagen formation around the treated area.
The goal is a refreshed, more supported appearance while maintaining natural facial proportions.
What Are PDO Threads?
Support Beneath the Skin Without Traditional Surgery
PDO stands for polydioxanone.
Polydioxanone is a biocompatible, absorbable material that has been used for many years in surgical sutures.
In aesthetic treatments, PDO threads are carefully positioned beneath the skin using a needle or cannula.
Depending on the type of thread and treatment technique, the threads can provide support to selected tissue while also creating a healing response within the skin.
As the PDO material gradually breaks down and is absorbed by the body, collagen can develop around the treatment area.
This combination of temporary mechanical support and collagen stimulation is what makes PDO threads different from treatments that simply add volume.
How Do PDO Threads Work?
Immediate Support
Certain PDO threads are designed to provide physical support beneath the skin.
When appropriately placed, they can reposition or support selected areas of facial tissue and may create an immediate improvement in contour.
The degree of lifting depends on the treatment area, skin quality, facial anatomy, number and type of threads used, and individual treatment plan.
Collagen Stimulation
Placing PDO threads beneath the skin also produces a natural healing response.
As the threads gradually dissolve, collagen can form around the treatment area.
This collagen response may help improve the appearance of skin firmness, texture, and support over time.
PDO thread treatment is personalized. Not every patient requires the same number, type, or placement of threads.
Different Threads Have Different Purposes
Lifting or Barbed Threads
Lifting threads are designed to engage and support tissue. They may be used when the primary goal is improving facial contour or providing support to areas affected by mild to moderate skin laxity.
Smooth Threads
Smooth PDO threads are placed beneath the skin primarily to encourage collagen production. They are not intended to create the same mechanical lifting effect as lifting threads. They may be used when the goal is improved skin support, firmness, or texture.
Specialized Thread Configurations
Different thread configurations may be used depending on the treatment area, anatomy, and desired result. The provider will determine which type of PDO thread is appropriate during consultation.
Benefits of PDO Thread Treatments
PDO threads may provide an option for patients who want facial rejuvenation without traditional facelift surgery.
PDO threads do not produce the same degree of lifting or skin removal as a surgical facelift.
The goal is natural-looking improvement appropriate for the patient's anatomy and degree of skin laxity.
What Areas Can PDO Threads Treat?
Cheeks & Midface
PDO threads may be used to provide additional support to the cheek and midface area. Treatment may help improve the appearance of descending facial tissue and restore a more defined facial contour without adding the volume associated with dermal fillers.
Jawline
Loss of skin firmness along the lower face can soften the appearance of the jawline. PDO threads may be used to support selected tissue and improve the appearance of jawline definition.
Jowls & Lower Face
As facial tissue changes with age, fullness can begin to collect along the lower face and jawline. PDO thread treatment may provide support to selected tissue and help create a smoother transition along the lower face.
Neck
PDO threads may be used in selected patients to improve skin support and stimulate collagen in the neck. Treatment plans depend on the amount of skin laxity and quality of the patient's skin. Patients with significant excess skin may require treatments other than PDO threads to achieve their desired result.
Brow Area
In appropriate patients, PDO threads may be used to provide subtle support around selected areas of the brow. Results depend on individual anatomy and should be expected to be more subtle than surgical brow-lifting procedures.
Skin Firmness & Texture
Smooth PDO threads may be used in selected areas when the primary goal is collagen stimulation rather than mechanical lifting. The collagen response may help improve the appearance of skin firmness and texture over time.
Who May Be a Good Candidate for PDO Threads?
PDO thread treatment may be worth considering for adults who are beginning to notice mild to moderate facial or neck laxity and would like improvement without undergoing traditional facial surgery.
A good candidate may have:
- Mild to moderate skin laxity
- Desire for improved jawline or facial definition
- Early jowling or tissue descent
- Preference for a non-surgical treatment option
- Realistic expectations
- Generally good health
- Willingness to follow pre-treatment and aftercare instructions
PDO threads are not appropriate for everyone.
Patients with significant loose or excess skin may not receive enough improvement from PDO threads alone and may need to consider other treatment options.
A consultation is required to determine candidacy.
What Happens During a PDO Thread Treatment?
Every PDO thread treatment begins with an individual facial assessment.
The provider evaluates the treatment area, skin quality, amount of laxity, facial proportions, and the direction in which tissue support may be beneficial.
Before treatment, the area is cleansed and prepared.
A local anesthetic may be used to improve comfort.
The PDO threads are then carefully placed beneath the skin using a needle or cannula.
The exact number of threads and placement pattern depends on the treatment plan.
Treatment time varies according to the number of areas being treated and the complexity of the treatment.
Does a PDO Thread Lift Hurt?
Patient experiences vary.
Local anesthetic is commonly used to help make the treatment more comfortable.
Patients may feel pressure, pulling, tightness, or other sensations while the threads are being positioned.
Tenderness, tightness, swelling, or soreness can occur after treatment.
Our provider will explain what to expect and provide appropriate aftercare instructions.
When Will I See Results?
Some improvement in tissue position or facial contour may be visible immediately after lifting threads are placed.
However, the treatment area may initially have swelling, tightness, bruising, or temporary irregularities that can affect how the area looks during early healing.
Additional improvement may develop gradually as healing occurs and collagen forms around the treated area.
PDO thread results are temporary.
Longevity varies based on:
- Type of thread used
- Number of threads
- Treatment area
- Skin quality
- Age
- Facial movement
- Lifestyle
- Individual healing response
What Is Recovery Like?
PDO thread treatment does not require the recovery associated with traditional facial surgery, but it is still a medical aesthetic procedure and some temporary effects should be expected.
Temporary effects can include:
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Soreness
- Tightness
- Temporary dimpling or puckering
- Minor asymmetry during healing
- Awareness of the threads beneath the skin
- Temporary discomfort with certain facial movements
Patients will receive specific aftercare instructions based on their treatment.
It is important to follow the provider's instructions carefully while the treated area heals.
PDO Threads vs. Dermal Fillers
Understanding the Difference
PDO Threads
PDO threads are primarily used to provide tissue support and encourage collagen.
They may be appropriate when the main concern is mild to moderate skin laxity, descending facial tissue, or loss of facial definition.
Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are primarily used to add or restore volume.
They may be appropriate when the main concern is loss of volume in areas such as the cheeks, lips, or other facial structures.
Some patients may benefit from both treatments because facial aging can involve both tissue laxity and volume loss. A consultation allows the provider to determine whether threads, fillers, or a combination approach may be appropriate.
Learn More About Dermal Fillers →PDO Threads vs. BOTOX & Dysport
PDO threads, BOTOX, and Dysport address different aspects of facial aging.
BOTOX and Dysport temporarily reduce selected muscle activity and are primarily used to improve expression lines.
PDO threads are placed beneath the skin to provide tissue support and encourage collagen.
One treatment does not replace the other.
Patients may sometimes receive different treatments for different concerns as part of an overall facial rejuvenation plan.
PDO Threads vs. Skin Tightening
Non-surgical skin-tightening treatments and PDO threads work differently.
Radiofrequency and other energy-based skin-tightening treatments use controlled energy to encourage collagen remodeling.
PDO threads are physically placed beneath the skin and can provide support to selected tissue while also encouraging collagen formation.
Depending on the patient's skin and goals, one treatment or a combination of treatments may be considered.
Our Goal Is Natural-Looking Rejuvenation
A PDO thread treatment should be designed around the individual patient's facial anatomy.
At Elite Laser Center & Med Spa, our goal is not to dramatically change your face.
We focus on improving support, contour, and balance while maintaining the features that make you look like yourself.
Treatment planning is conservative and personalized.
Your PDO Thread Consultation
A consultation is an important part of determining whether PDO threads are appropriate for you.
During the consultation, we will discuss:
- Your concerns
- Areas you would like to improve
- Medical history
- Current medications and supplements
- Previous cosmetic procedures
- Previous fillers or neurotoxins
- Skin quality
- Amount of skin laxity
- Facial anatomy
- Expected improvement
- Alternative treatment options
- Possible risks and side effects
- Recovery and aftercare
- Cost
- Recommended treatment plan
Not everyone who requests PDO threads will be an ideal candidate.
If another treatment is more appropriate for your concerns, we will discuss those options with you.
Schedule Your PDO Thread ConsultationFrequently Asked Questions About PDO Threads
What are PDO threads made from?
Are PDO threads permanent?
Will I see an immediate result?
Do PDO threads stimulate collagen?
Are PDO threads the same as fillers?
Are PDO threads the same as a facelift?
How long does the treatment take?
How long do PDO thread results last?
Is there downtime?
Can PDO threads be combined with other treatments?
Why Choose Elite Laser Center & Med Spa for PDO Threads?
PDO thread treatments require careful assessment, treatment planning, and an understanding of facial anatomy.
At Elite Laser Center & Med Spa, every treatment plan is individualized.
Our approach focuses on:
Our goal is to help patients achieve a refreshed appearance without looking overtreated.
Ready to Learn if PDO Threads Are Right for You?
If you are concerned about early jowling, facial laxity, loss of jawline definition, or other age-related changes and would like to explore a non-surgical treatment option, schedule a consultation at Elite Laser Center & Med Spa.
We will evaluate your facial anatomy, discuss your goals, explain what PDO threads can realistically accomplish, and determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Elite Laser Center & Med Spa
Stony Brook, NY
631-675-2500
Explore other treatments at Elite Laser Center:
Important PDO Thread Safety Information
PDO thread treatment is a medical aesthetic procedure and is not appropriate for everyone.
Temporary effects can include swelling, bruising, tenderness, soreness, tightness, dimpling, puckering, asymmetry, and awareness of the threads beneath the skin.
Other complications are possible and should be discussed during consultation.
Patients should tell their provider about all medical conditions, medications, supplements, allergies, previous facial procedures, previous injectable treatments, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and any history of abnormal wound healing or reactions to medical procedures.
Follow all pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions provided by the treating medical professional.
Individual results vary.
PDO thread treatment does not provide the same results as surgical facial rejuvenation.
Related Treatments
Botox, Dysport & Dermal Fillers
Soften fine lines and restore facial volume with Botox, Dysport, and a full range of dermal fillers.
Learn more →RF Micro-Needling
Stimulate collagen and tighten skin with radiofrequency microneedling — a natural complement to thread lifts.
Learn more →Skin Tightening
Non-surgical RF skin tightening to improve the appearance of loose skin and mild laxity.
Learn more →