Close
Written By: Jeffrey Atlas, PA-C, Health Content Writer
Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Gopal Grandhige, MD, FACS, Board-Certified Surgeon
Last Reviewed: May 20, 2026
PDO Threads short for Polydioxanone Threads are biodegradable sutures used in minimally invasive aesthetic treatments to lift, firm, and tighten sagging skin without surgery. The procedure works by inserting fine threads beneath the skin to mechanically reposition tissue while simultaneously triggering the body’s natural collagen production, a mechanism well-supported by published clinical research. Results are visible almost immediately and continue to improve over time, with effects lasting between 12 to 18 months.
At Formation, a plastic surgery clinic, board-certified surgeon Dr. Gopal Grandhige specializes in aesthetic surgery and performs PDO Thread treatments designed to address skin laxity in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck. The procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, requires minimal downtime, and is considered a safe, effective alternative to traditional surgical facelifts. As the threads gradually dissolve, they leave behind strengthened collagen networks that keep the skin firmer and more lifted long after the treatment is complete.
PDO Threads are best suited for individuals experiencing mild to moderate skin sagging who want meaningful cosmetic improvement without the risks or recovery time associated with surgery. Whether the goal is a more defined jawline, a tighter neck, or lifted cheeks, this versatile treatment offers a clinically backed solution for both men and women. A consultation with Dr. Gopal Grandhige at Formation is the recommended first step for anyone exploring whether PDO Threads are the right fit for their aesthetic goals.
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads are biodegradable sutures with a well-established history in surgical medicine. In the realm of aesthetic care, however, these specialized threads serve a different purpose: they work to rejuvenate the skin, restore lift, and firm areas where laxity has developed over time. The FDA’s General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel maintains oversight of the safety standards that govern aesthetic devices like PDO threads, providing patients with an important layer of regulatory assurance.
At Formation, a plastic surgery clinic, Dr. Gopal Grandhige, a board-certified surgeon who specializes in aesthetic surgery utilizes PDO Threads to help patients achieve meaningful skin renewal. Our team operates under a clear philosophy of patient-centered care, ensuring every treatment decision is guided by the individual’s unique goals and skin condition. The threads actively stimulate collagen production, which progressively improves skin elasticity, texture, and overall firmness, and since the body naturally absorbs them over several months, no permanent foreign material is left behind.
PDO Threads stand out as a compelling non-surgical alternative for patients looking to achieve facial and body lifting without the risks or extended recovery that traditional surgery demands. Because the procedure is minimally invasive, quick to perform, and requires very little downtime, it fits seamlessly into the routines of patients with busy, demanding lifestyles much like other non-surgical body contouring options that prioritize convenience alongside results.
Plastic surgeon Dr. Gopal Grandhige explains that the PDO thread procedure achieves its results through several complementary mechanisms:
The PDO thread procedure is straightforward and typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the treatment area. Here’s a clear breakdown of what patients can expect from start to finish:
PDO Threads have earned their reputation as a go-to solution for non-surgical skin tightening and lifting, and for good reason. Dr. Grandhige is a board-certified surgeon who highlights the following key advantages for patients considering this treatment:
A question that comes up frequently among prospective patients is: “How long do PDO threads last?” While the threads themselves are naturally absorbed by the body within approximately six months, the collagen production they trigger continues to work well beyond that point delivering results that outlast the threads themselves. Understanding the connection between body image and overall well-being can also help patients approach their aesthetic journey with healthy, grounded expectations.
In general, PDO thread lift results hold for 12 to 18 months, though individual outcomes can vary depending on factors such as age, skin type, and lifestyle habits. Many patients at Formation, a plastic surgery clinic, choose to schedule maintenance sessions roughly once a year to keep their results looking their best. For men looking to pair PDO Threads with additional facial rejuvenation, BBL for men is another popular treatment option available at Formation.
Before undergoing PDO thread treatment, patients typically present with concerns such as skin laxity, visible wrinkles, or a loss of volume in areas like the cheeks, jawline, or neck. Following the procedure, the difference is clear skin appears firmer, tighter, and noticeably lifted. PDO thread before and after outcomes frequently reveal an immediate visible improvement, with results becoming even more pronounced over the months that follow as the body’s collagen production continues to build. Research on post-bariatric body contouring from Mayo Clinic further highlights how skin rejuvenation treatments like PDO Threads can play a meaningful role in a patient’s overall body confidence journey.
PDO Threads are an excellent fit for individuals who want a non-surgical path toward addressing sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles. For those who aren’t yet ready to commit to a surgical facelift but still want a meaningful improvement in their appearance with minimal disruption to their daily life this treatment offers a compelling middle ground. Dr. Grandhige specializes in aesthetic surgery and notes that PDO Threads are particularly effective at lifting the mid-face, neck, and jawline, making them a widely sought-after solution for both men and women. Younger patients or those newer to aesthetic treatments may find it helpful to first explore foundational resources on self-image and cosmetic confidence before committing to a procedure. For male patients interested in pairing PDO Threads with body sculpting, awake liposuction for men is another minimally invasive option worth discussing during consultation.
When considering PDO Threads, selecting a skilled and experienced provider is essential to achieving safe, effective results. Formation works with leading aesthetic specialists, including Dr. Ahmad Saad, whose surgical expertise further strengthens the clinic’s commitment to delivering exceptional, patient-focused outcomes. At Formation, a plastic surgery clinic, plastic surgeon Dr. Gopal Grandhige brings the expertise and precision that this treatment demands. Dr. Grandhige is a board-certified surgeon with a focused background in aesthetic procedures, ensuring that every PDO thread lift is performed with the highest standard of care. Patients interested in combining PDO Threads with facial enhancement through injectables may also want to explore Botox for men as part of a broader treatment plan. To take the next step, contact Formation today to schedule a personalized consultation and begin your aesthetic journey with confidence.
PDO Threads represent a powerful advancement in non-surgical aesthetic care, offering patients a reliable and proven path to firmer, lifted, and more youthful-looking skin. Whether the concern is a sagging jawline, loose neck skin, or loss of volume in the cheeks, this minimally invasive treatment addresses it all without the commitment of surgery or the burden of lengthy downtime. The dual action of immediate mechanical lifting combined with long-term collagen stimulation makes PDO Threads one of the most well-rounded skin rejuvenation options available today. At Formation, a plastic surgery clinic, plastic surgeon Dr. Gopal Grandhige brings board-certified expertise and a specialized focus in aesthetic surgery to every procedure ensuring patients receive results that are both safe and genuinely transformative. For anyone ready to take the next step toward refreshed, tightened skin, exploring men’s aesthetic surgery options at Formation or scheduling a consultation with Dr. Grandhige is the ideal place to begin. Also, consider learning about Harvard Health’s guidance on sustainable lifestyle habits to support your long-term aesthetic results from the inside out.
The procedure is well-tolerated by most patients, as a local anesthetic is applied to the treatment area prior to thread insertion. Any discomfort experienced is typically minimal and short-lived. Post-treatment soreness, if present, usually subsides within a few days.
An immediate lift is visible right after the procedure is completed. However, the most noticeable improvements develop gradually over the following weeks as collagen production increases. Full results are generally apparent within one to three months post-treatment.
The threads themselves dissolve naturally within approximately six months, but the collagen they stimulate continues to support the skin well beyond that. Most patients enjoy results that last between 12 to 18 months. Annual maintenance sessions are recommended to sustain optimal outcomes.
PDO Threads are best suited for individuals experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity in areas such as the face, neck, or jawline. They are particularly ideal for patients who want a facelift-like effect but are not ready for surgical intervention. A consultation with Dr. Gopal Grandhige at Formation will determine whether this treatment aligns with the patient's specific goals and skin condition.
PDO Threads require very minimal downtime, which is one of their most significant advantages. Most patients return to their daily routines within just a few days following the treatment. Strenuous activity and prolonged sun exposure should be avoided during the short recovery period to support proper healing.
Which one had surgery 1 or 2? 👀
High-definition liposuction goes beyond traditional fat removal. Instead of simply reducing fat evenly, the surgeon strategically removes fat around the underlying muscles to make their natural contours more visible.
But here’s what makes it interesting: HD lipo doesn’t create the same six-pack on everyone. Each person’s anatomy, muscle development, and desired level of definition influence the final result.
Now take another look at these two patients.
Which one do you think had HD liposuction, 1 or 2?
Drop your guess below, then check the pinned comment for the answer!
#HDLiposuction #MaleLiposuction #BodyContouring #Tampa
There’s a story behind every decision.
Cosmetic surgery is a personal decision. Yet people who choose it often find themselves having to explain or defend that choice to others.
Some want to restore changes after pregnancy or weight loss. Others have worked hard to get in shape but still have areas they’d like to improve. And some simply want to feel more comfortable with their appearance.
The reasons are different for everyone. And they don’t have to make sense to anyone else.
At Formation, Dr. Gopal believes the decision to pursue cosmetic surgery should be guided by a patient’s personal goals, realistic expectations, and what’s medically appropriate for them.
Because ultimately, the person making that decision is the one who will live with it.
#Tampa #CosmeticSurgery #BodyContouring #Liposuction
Our first four-legged patient. 🐾
Dr. Gopal takes his liposuction and body contouring very seriously.
Even when his patients have four legs.
From loose skin and neck liposuction to a jawline that deserves its own before-and-after reveal, this might be his most dramatic transformation yet.
And yes, he even got the patient’s permission to share the results. 😂
A little Halloween fun from Dr. Gopal and his two very patient pups! 🎃🐶
No dogs underwent surgery. Just two willing participants and one very committed surgeon.
#SurgeonLife #tampa #necklipo
What weight loss can’t fix.
After losing over 100 pounds, this patient had achieved significant weight loss, but was left with excess skin around his abdomen and back that weight loss alone couldn’t address.
During an 8-hour surgery, Dr. Gopal performed a circumferential body lift, a procedure that removes excess skin around the entire midsection to improve body contour.
In this video, Dr. Gopal walks through the procedure, explaining how he removed approximately 3 pounds of skin from the back and estimated another 4–5 pounds would be removed from the abdomen.
He’s also using a small amount of fat collected during the procedure to add volume to the upper chest, improving its contour without performing a separate chest lift.
For patients who have experienced major weight loss, body contouring can help address the excess skin that remains after the weight is gone.
Considering surgery after weight loss? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation in Tampa to explore your options.
Actual patient footage. Individual results vary.
#BodyContouring #BodyLift #ExcessSkinRemoval
Only 3 months after surgery. And still healing.
This patient had previously undergone a tummy tuck but wanted to improve his abdominal contour, create more definition, and address the appearance of his existing scar.
Dr. Gopal combined several body contouring techniques, including HD liposuction, skin tightening with Renuvion, fat transfer to the chest, and revision of the previous tummy tuck scar.
The result so far? A more defined abdomen, improved body contours, and a revised scar that’s still in the early stages of healing.
At just three months after surgery, these aren’t the final results. Swelling can continue to decrease, and scars typically soften and fade as healing progresses.
Swipe to see a closer look at the scar revision.
Considering body contouring or looking to improve the results of a previous procedure? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation Tampa. Link in bio.
Actual patient photos. Individual results vary.
#HDLiposuction #BodyContouring #ScarRevision #SkinTightening #TummyTuck
Your fat is liquid gold.
The fat you don’t want might be exactly what another part of your body needs.
During liposuction, the fat we remove doesn’t always have to be discarded. In fact, Dr. Gopal refers to it as “liquid gold.”
Why? Because that fat can sometimes be transferred to another area of the body to add volume, enhance natural contours, and create a more balanced shape.
For women, that might mean adding volume to the breasts, hips, or buttocks. For men, fat transfer can help enhance the chest or shoulders.
And because we’re using your own fat, we can potentially improve two areas during the same surgery.
Of course, fat transfer isn’t right for everyone. It’s something Dr. Gopal discusses with patients beforehand and incorporates into the surgical plan when appropriate.
Considering liposuction in Tampa? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation to explore your body contouring options.
#TampaLiposuction #FatTransfer #BodyContouring
Cosmetic surgery isn’t just cosmetic.
We often measure the success of plastic surgery by what we can see in before-and-after photos. But some of the most meaningful changes happen in ways a photograph can’t capture.
How someone feels about themselves. The confidence they carry into everyday life. The freedom of no longer feeling uncomfortable in their own skin.
For Dr. Gopal, that’s what makes this work so meaningful.
A patient who underwent body contouring in 2025 recently reached out to share how much the experience continues to mean to her.
She didn’t talk about measurements or how her body looked. She talked about how much better her days had become.
And that’s something Dr. Gopal has always believed: Cosmetic surgery isn’t simply about changing how someone looks. It’s about understanding what that change means to the person choosing it.
#Tampa #CosmeticSurgery #BodyContouring
A flatter stomach without a tummy tuck? 👀
Pregnancy, and sometimes increased pressure from fat deep inside the abdomen, can cause the abdominal muscles to separate down the middle. This is called diastasis recti, and it can make your belly stick out even if you’re otherwise lean.
Traditionally, repairing that separation often meant undergoing a tummy tuck. But what if you don’t have much loose skin to remove?
For the right patient, Dr. Gopal can use robotic-assisted surgery to bring those separated muscles back together through three small incisions, without the long scar associated with a traditional tummy tuck.
That’s exactly what he did for the patient in these before-and-after photos. No tummy tuck. No additional procedures.
**But this approach isn’t for everyone.** If you have significant loose skin or excess fat, a different treatment may be more appropriate. That’s why understanding what’s causing your belly to protrude matters before deciding on surgery.
Curious whether you’re a candidate? DM us or schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation Tampa. Link in bio.
Actual patient results. Individual results vary.
#DiastasisRecti #MuscleSeparation #DiastasisRectiRepair #RoboticSurgery #Tampa
Why does fluid sometimes collect after surgery?
After certain surgical procedures, fluid can accumulate beneath the skin, forming what’s called a seroma.
In this video, Dr. Gopal demonstrates how he drains a seroma in a patient recovering from diastasis recti repair.
This is one of the reasons postoperative follow-up matters. It allows Dr. Gopal to monitor healing, identify any issues, and address them when necessary.
Considering surgery? DM us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation Tampa.
#DiastasisRecti #Seroma #TampaSurgeon #AbdominalMuscleRepair
The fat is gone. But what takes its place?
When fat is removed during liposuction, it leaves behind space beneath the skin. As the body heals, fluid can sometimes collect in that space, creating what’s called a seroma.
And here’s why that matters.
If fluid continues to collect, it can potentially affect the final contour.
That’s why Dr. Gopal pays close attention to fluid buildup during recovery. His approach is to identify seromas early and address them quickly.
Considering liposuction in Tampa? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation to learn more.
#Liposuction #Seroma #BodyContouring
