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Written By: Jeffrey Atlas, PA-C, Health Content Writer
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Gopal Grandhige, MD, FACS, Board-Certified Surgeon
Last Reviewed: April 16, 2026
PDO threads do not cause sagging after they dissolve. These medical-grade polydioxanone sutures actually work in the opposite way by stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, which continues to support and firm your skin long after the threads have broken down over four to six months. The collagen-boosting effect means your skin maintains its lifted appearance well beyond the initial treatment, with results typically lasting up to eighteen months.
PDO thread lifts offer a minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery for addressing mild to moderate skin laxity. The procedure involves inserting dissolvable threads beneath the skin to provide immediate structural support while triggering ongoing collagen synthesis. Most patients can return to normal activities within twenty-four to forty-eight hours, making this treatment popular among those seeking facial rejuvenation without the extended downtime of surgical options. At Formation in Tampa, our medical team customizes each PDO thread lift to address individual concerns in areas like the cheeks, jowls, neck, and jawline.
Polydioxanone (PDO) threads represent a groundbreaking approach to skin rejuvenation that has transformed the aesthetic medicine landscape. These medical-grade sutures have been utilized in various surgical applications for decades due to their excellent safety profile and biocompatibility, as recognized by organizations like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Today, they are employed in cosmetic treatments to lift and tighten skin that has begun to sag. The PDO thread lift for face and neck areas has gained tremendous popularity because of its minimally invasive nature and the impressive results it delivers to patients seeking facial rejuvenation.
The PDO thread lift procedure involves several key steps that work together to produce remarkable results:
Insertion: PDO threads are carefully placed beneath the skin in strategic locations using a thin needle. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring complete patient comfort throughout the treatment.
Lifting: Once positioned, the threads provide immediate structural support, gently elevating sagging tissues. This instant lifting effect is particularly noticeable in areas like the cheeks, jowls, and neck, where skin laxity tends to be most apparent. For patients specifically concerned about the lower face, combining threads with non-invasive neck and jawline contouring can enhance overall results.
Collagen Stimulation: Beyond the immediate lift, the threads trigger the body’s natural collagen production over time. Collagen is a vital protein responsible for maintaining the structure and elasticity of our skin, as explained by Johns Hopkins Medicine. As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to lax and sagging skin.
Dissolution: The threads gradually break down and dissolve over a period of four to six months. However, the collagen-stimulating effects persist long after, continuing to improve skin quality and firmness.
Long-term Results: Even after the threads have completely dissolved, the newly generated collagen continues to support the skin, maintaining the lifting and tightening effects for an extended period.
PDO threads offer numerous compelling advantages for individuals looking to address visible signs of aging:
Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional facelift surgery, PDO thread treatments require no incisions or general anesthesia. The FDA’s General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel oversees the safety standards for such procedures. This significantly reduces the risks associated with surgery, making the procedure accessible to a broader range of patients who may not be candidates for more invasive options.
Quick Recovery: Most patients can return to their normal daily activities within just a few days following treatment. The minimal downtime makes this an excellent choice for busy professionals and anyone with demanding schedules.
Natural-Looking Results: The gradual lifting and tightening effect produces subtle, natural-looking improvements that enhance your appearance without dramatic alterations. You will look like a refreshed, more youthful version of yourself rather than someone who has had obvious work done. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology highlights how subtle aesthetic improvements can positively impact self-perception.
Versatility: PDO threads can be applied to various areas of the face and body, including the face, neck, and jawline. They effectively address multiple concerns such as sagging cheeks, jowls, drooping eyebrows, and neck laxity. Some patients also consider complementary procedures like FaceTite for enhanced skin tightening.
Collagen Boost: The treatment stimulates long-term collagen production, enhancing overall skin quality over time. This means patients continue to see improvements in skin texture and firmness well beyond the initial lifting effect.
Customizable Treatment: The quantity and placement of threads are tailored to each patient’s unique facial structure and individual aesthetic goals, ensuring personalized results.
Combination Potential: PDO threads can be combined with other treatments like dermal fillers or Botox for comprehensive facial rejuvenation that addresses multiple concerns simultaneously.
When you choose Formation for your PDO thread lift treatment, you can expect a comfortable and professional experience from start to finish. Here is a detailed overview of what the procedure typically involves:
Consultation: The process begins with a thorough assessment of your skin and an in-depth discussion of your aesthetic goals. This consultation helps determine whether PDO threads are the right solution for you and allows our team to create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. You can contact our team to schedule your initial appointment.
Preparation: On the day of your procedure, the treatment area is thoroughly cleaned and precisely marked for accurate thread placement. Our team takes time to explain each step of the process, ensuring you feel fully informed and comfortable.
Local Anesthesia: A mild local anesthetic is administered to guarantee your comfort during the procedure. This crucial step makes the treatment virtually pain-free for patients.
Thread Insertion: The PDO threads are carefully inserted beneath the skin using a fine needle or cannula. The type and number of threads used will depend on your individualized treatment plan and desired outcomes.
Adjustment: Once the threads are in place, they are gently adjusted to achieve the desired lifting effect. Our practitioners use their expertise to ensure optimal thread placement for natural-looking results that complement your facial features.
Completion: The entire procedure typically takes between thirty and sixty minutes, depending on the treatment area and the number of threads being used. You will notice an immediate lifting effect, though the final results will continue to improve over the following weeks and months.
The best candidates for PDO thread lift treatment typically present with mild to moderate skin laxity and are seeking noticeable improvement without undergoing surgery. Ideal candidates generally:
Research from Psychology Today suggests that feeling confident in your appearance can significantly impact overall wellbeing. While PDO threads can provide significant improvements, they may not be suitable for those with severe skin laxity or individuals seeking dramatic changes. Patients with more advanced concerns may benefit from exploring body contouring options or procedures like abdominoplasty. During your consultation at Formation, our medical team will evaluate your specific case and recommend the best treatment options to help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
One of the most appealing aspects of PDO thread lifts is the minimal downtime required for recovery. Here is a comprehensive look at what you can expect following your treatment:
Immediate Results: You will notice an initial lifting effect right away. While some swelling may be present, you will already see visible improvements in your facial contours. View examples of patient transformations in our before and after gallery.
Mild Side Effects: Some patients experience minor bruising, swelling, or tenderness at the treatment sites. These effects usually subside within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or cold compresses.
Recovery Period: Most patients can resume their normal activities within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. However, it is important to avoid strenuous exercise and excessive facial movements for approximately one week to allow the threads to settle properly into position. Maintaining a healthy diet during recovery can support optimal healing.
Gradual Improvement: Continued improvement becomes visible as collagen production increases over time. The full effects of treatment typically become apparent after about three months.
Long-Lasting Effects: Results can last up to eighteen months, depending on individual factors such as skin type, lifestyle habits, and natural aging processes. Some patients opt for maintenance treatments to prolong and enhance their results.
Ongoing Skin Care: To maximize and maintain your results, following a comprehensive skincare routine and protecting your skin from sun damage is highly recommended.
At Formation, we take pride in delivering exceptional patient care and outstanding aesthetic results. When you choose us for your PDO threads treatment for sagging skin, you benefit from numerous advantages:
Experienced Medical Team: Our clinic features Dr. Gopal Grandhige, a board-certified general surgeon certified by the American Board of Surgery who has extensive experience performing aesthetic procedures, including PDO thread lifts. Dr. Grandhige completed his medical training at the University of Michigan Medical School. Formation is a plastic surgery clinic that also includes Dr. Ahmad Saad, a board-certified plastic surgeon, on our medical team. Each practitioner performs procedures within their scope of training and expertise.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We recognize that every face is unique. That is why we customize each procedure to meet your individual needs and goals, ensuring natural-looking results that enhance your inherent beauty. Our comprehensive approach to men’s aesthetic surgery ensures each patient receives individualized care.
State-of-the-Art Facility: Our Tampa location at 1315 South Howard Avenue features modern technology to ensure optimal results and maximum patient comfort. Formation maintains Quad A accreditation, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards of safety and hygiene in all our procedures.
Comprehensive Care: We provide detailed pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions to ensure the best possible outcome for every patient. Our team remains available to answer any questions or address concerns throughout your treatment journey.
Patient Education: Empowering our patients with knowledge is a priority at Formation. During your consultation and treatment, we explain every step of the process and provide all the information necessary for you to make informed decisions about your care. The Obesity Action Coalition notes that understanding your options is essential to feeling confident about aesthetic decisions.
Natural-Looking Results: Our ultimate goal is to enhance your natural beauty rather than change it. We consistently strive for results that leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated while still looking authentically like yourself. Many patients who visit us for facial treatments also inquire about complementary procedures such as liposuction or high-definition liposuction to achieve comprehensive body refinement.
PDO thread lifts offer a compelling solution for individuals seeking to address sagging skin without the commitment and recovery time associated with traditional surgical facelifts. By providing immediate structural support while simultaneously stimulating your body’s natural collagen production, this treatment delivers both instant and progressive improvements that can last up to eighteen months. At Formation, our experienced medical team takes a personalized approach to every PDO thread lift procedure, ensuring results that look natural and complement your unique facial structure. If you are ready to explore how PDO threads can help you achieve firmer, more youthful-looking skin, we invite you to schedule a consultation at our Tampa location to discuss your aesthetic goals and determine whether this innovative treatment is right for you.
No, PDO threads do not cause sagging once they dissolve. The collagen produced during treatment continues to support your skin long after the threads have broken down.
Results typically last up to eighteen months, though this varies based on individual factors like skin type and lifestyle. Many patients choose maintenance treatments to extend their results.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, making it virtually pain-free. Most patients report only mild discomfort during and after treatment.
Most patients resume their daily routine within twenty-four to forty-eight hours. Strenuous exercise and excessive facial movements should be avoided for approximately one week.
Ideal candidates have mild to moderate skin laxity and want noticeable improvement without surgery. Those with severe sagging may benefit more from traditional facelift procedures.
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We previously posted this beautiful patient’s immediate before and after following her PDO Lifting Thread treatment.
Take a look at her fantastic results now that the 10 threads we placed are settled.
Send us a DM or click the link in our bio to schedule a consultation to discuss what treatments are the right fit for you!
#Tampa #Beauty #LiftingThreads #beforeandafter
Facial Harmonization Step 2
It takes more than one treatment and often more than one treatment session to accomplish facial harmony and balance.
Here’s a look at step 2 in the journey for our surgical coordinator Hanna.
She wanted to address asymmetry and fullness in the lower face. To accomplish this we’ve started with Botox in the masseter to slim the jaw, and create a more feminine, heart shaped face. Now for step 2 we’re placing PDO lifting threads to enhance definition around the jawline without adding volume.
Stay tuned for step 3 and click the link in our bio to set up a consultation to determine your next steps to achieve your aesthetic goals.
#facialbalancing #facialharmony #liftingthreads #beauty #tampa
Let’s talk filler placements! 👀
From standard touch-ups to total profile balancing, dermal filler is incredibly versatile. Check out the reel to see all the areas we can treat to enhance your natural beauty.
The secret to great filler? A customized plan. 🎨
👇 Take the next step:
DM us “CONSULT” or click the link in our bio to book your one-on-one consultation today. Let’s see what filler can do for you!
The power of a profile transformation. 🔥
For this patient, we combined PDO Lifting Threads and advanced chin/jawline filler to completely redefine his lower face. By strategically lifting the mid-to-lower face and sculpting the jaw, we didn’t just enhance one feature—we elevated his entire facial appearance.
An incredible, natural-looking result that brings balance and confidence from every angle.
Note: Minor bunching or puckering is completely normal immediately following a PDO thread lift. The slight bunching visible in the after photo will fully subside on its own over the next 2-4 weeks as the threads settle.
#JawlineContouring #PDOThreads #FacialSculpting #JawlineFiller #mensaesthetics
Last week, we partnered with @epicutis for an exclusive evening of luxury, connection, and next-level skin. From complimentary skin analysis scans to good company and great vibes — this is what elevated beauty looks like. Thank you to everyone who joined us. 🥂
#Epicutis #Tampa
#LuxurySkicare #Emage #skingoals
Check out this incredible before and after of our gorgeous patient 6 months following her Female HD Liposculpture! ⏳
While these results are already stunning, here is a little insider secret: she’s not even at her final result yet! Healing from high-definition liposculpture is a journey. Over the next few months, residual swelling will continue to subside, and any temporary skin texture changes or minor discoloration will fully resolve. As the tissues settle, her skin will keep tightening to reveal even more crisp, beautifully defined athletic contours.
We love seeing our patients blossom through their recovery. Patience pays off, and her body will only continue to lean out and lock in over the coming months!
What do you think of her 6-month transformation? Drop a 👇 in the comments!
#BodyContouring #HDLipo #SkinTightening #PostOpHealing
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If you’ve been watching your part widen or your ponytail thin, this is your sign. 👇
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📞 Book your free consultation via the link in bio.
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Did you know that you can snatch your jaw with Botox?
Use the link in our bio to schedule a consultation so we can discuss all of the ways injectables can benefit YOU
#nefertitilift #botox #tampa
This patient’s transformation showcases the power of combining procedures:
High-Definition Liposculpture + Renuvion® skin tightening with fat transfer to the chest.
HD Lipo goes beyond traditional liposuction to sculpt and define the underlying muscle anatomy, while Renuvion uses helium plasma energy to tighten the skin from the inside out. The fat transfer to the chest adds natural volume and projection for a truly athletic contour.
The work is done. The confidence is his. 💪
📍 Formation Tampa
📲 Book your consultation via the link in bio.
#HDLipo #HighDefinitionLiposuction #Renuvion #BodySculpting #FatTransfer MaleBodyContouring
