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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: March 9, 2026
PDO threads are biodegradable sutures made from polydioxanone that lift and tighten sagging skin without surgery. When inserted beneath the skin, they create a supportive framework that elevates tissue while stimulating your body’s natural collagen production.
There are three main types of PDO threads: mono threads for skin tightening and collagen stimulation, cog threads with barbs for lifting sagging areas like the cheeks and jawline, and screw threads for restoring volume to hollow areas. Results appear immediately after treatment and can last up to 18 months as new collagen continues to develop.
At Formation in Tampa, Dr. Gopal Grandhige uses PDO thread lifts to help patients achieve natural-looking facial rejuvenation with minimal downtime. Keep reading to learn about the different PDO thread types, placement techniques, and what results you can expect.
PDO threads come in different varieties, and the type used will depend on your skin concerns and the results you want to achieve. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of PDO threads and how each one works:
At Formation, different thread types can be combined to build a customized treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and goals. The FDA oversees medical devices like PDO threads to help ensure safety standards are maintained.
PDO threads, short for polydioxanone threads, are specialized biodegradable sutures widely used in medical procedures. In cosmetic applications, these threads work to lift and tighten skin that has started to sag or lose its firmness.
During the treatment, the threads are placed beneath the skin through a fine needle, where they function as a supportive framework. This framework gently elevates the skin while triggering your body’s natural collagen production. According to research published in the National Library of Medicine, PDO threads have shown effectiveness in facial rejuvenation procedures. The threads break down on their own over time, but the lifting effects can remain visible for months as fresh collagen develops, leaving skin looking smoother and more firm.
This minimally invasive treatment is commonly called a PDO thread lift or simply a thread lift procedure. It has become a go-to option for patients in Tampa who want facial rejuvenation without undergoing traditional surgery. The appeal lies in achieving natural-looking results with significantly less downtime than a conventional facelift would require. For those considering other neck and jawline contouring options, PDO threads offer a compelling alternative.
To get the best possible results, different techniques can be applied during a PDO thread lift procedure. The method selected will depend on the treatment area and the specific outcome you’re looking for. Below are some of the most common techniques used at Formation in Tampa.
The lifting technique is the most frequently used approach for PDO threads and works well for patients who want a more contoured, elevated look. With this technique, cog threads are placed beneath the skin to physically raise sagging areas like the cheeks, jowls, and neck.
Once the threads are secured and tightened, they immediately lift the skin for noticeable improvement right away. As your body produces new collagen over time, the results continue to improve and become even more defined. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons emphasizes the importance of choosing qualified providers for any cosmetic procedure.
For patients primarily interested in improving skin texture and firmness, the skin tightening technique uses mono threads. These threads are arranged in a mesh-like pattern beneath the skin, triggering collagen production that creates a firmer, more youthful complexion.
Dr. Gopal Grandhige often recommends this technique for fine lines, wrinkles, and areas where skin has lost its elasticity, such as the neck and around the eyes. Some patients also combine this with Botox for enhanced results.
When volume loss is a concern, screw threads can be used to restore fullness to areas like the cheeks and temples. The twisted structure of these threads helps add plumpness to the skin, creating a fuller appearance.
This technique is especially effective for patients who want facial rejuvenation without relying on artificial fillers. Cleveland Clinic explains that non-surgical contouring options have become increasingly popular for those seeking subtle improvements. Patients interested in injectables may find PDO threads to be a valuable complement.
In many cases, a combination of these techniques may be used together for optimal results. For instance, a patient might receive cog threads in the lower face for lifting while mono threads are placed around the forehead for skin tightening.
This personalized approach allows Dr. Gopal Grandhige to tailor the treatment to each patient’s unique goals and concerns. You can view examples of his work in our patient gallery. Mayo Clinic Health System notes that contouring procedures can significantly improve patient satisfaction with their appearance.
The best type of PDO thread depends on your unique facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. During your consultation at Formation, Dr. Gopal Grandhige will assess your concerns and recommend a customized treatment plan. Whether you need a powerful lift, added support for longer-lasting results, or collagen stimulation for improved skin quality, PDO threads can be tailored to meet your needs.
Many patients seeking men’s aesthetic procedures find that PDO threads offer an excellent entry point into non-surgical rejuvenation. Psychology Today explains that feeling confident in your appearance can positively impact overall well-being.
Now that you’re familiar with the various PDO thread types and placement techniques, here’s what you can anticipate after your PDO thread lift procedure.
One of the most attractive benefits of a PDO thread lift is the immediate lift visible right after treatment. Once the threads are positioned and secured, you’ll notice a visible improvement in areas where skin had begun to sag. This lifting effect is particularly evident along the cheeks, jawline, and neck, where aging commonly causes a drooping appearance.
Due to the collagen-stimulating properties of polydioxanone threads, your skin will progressively improve in quality over the weeks following your treatment. As collagen production ramps up, your skin becomes tighter, smoother, and more supple, diminishing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Hopkins Medicine discusses how various contouring procedures can help patients achieve their aesthetic goals.
Unlike more invasive surgical options, PDO threads deliver subtle, natural-looking outcomes. You won’t appear as though you’ve had “work done.” Instead, it looks like you’ve simply rewound the aging process. Your facial features stay true to you, but you’ll see a more lifted, refreshed version of yourself in the mirror. For patients who may eventually want more dramatic improvements, FaceTite treatments can provide additional contouring.
Although the threads themselves dissolve within approximately six months, the benefits of the procedure can extend much longer, often up to 18 months or beyond. This happens because the collagen production stimulated by the threads continues to strengthen your skin’s firmness and elasticity well after the threads have fully absorbed. The NIDDK provides resources on how maintaining a healthy lifestyle supports long-term aesthetic results.
One of the biggest advantages of a PDO thread lift is the minimal recovery period required. Unlike traditional facelift surgery that demands weeks of downtime, most patients return to their normal routines within a day or two. Some mild swelling and bruising may occur, but these effects typically fade quickly. Patients in the Hyde Park area can visit our Hyde Park plastic surgery office for convenient care.
Sagging skin can feel discouraging, but PDO threads offer a way to address the visible signs of aging without surgery. Whether you want a subtle lift, smoother skin texture, or overall facial rejuvenation, PDO threads deliver natural-looking results that can last for months. Harvard Health highlights that overall wellness contributes to better aesthetic outcomes.
At Formation in Tampa, Dr. Gopal Grandhige and his team provide PDO thread treatments tailored to help you reach your aesthetic goals with minimal downtime and impressive outcomes. For patients interested in comprehensive body contouring procedures, we also offer liposuction and tummy tuck surgery.
Ready to see what PDO threads can do for you? Contact Formation to schedule your consultation and learn how this non-surgical option can help you look and feel your best!
PDO threads have become one of the most effective non-surgical options for patients who want to address sagging skin and restore a more youthful appearance. With different thread types available, including mono, cog, and screw threads, treatments can be customized to target your specific concerns, whether that means lifting, tightening, or adding volume.
The versatility of PDO thread techniques allows Dr. Gopal Grandhige to create a treatment plan that fits your unique facial anatomy and goals. From the lifting technique for sagging jowls to the skin tightening approach for fine lines, there’s a solution for nearly every concern. Patients seeking more defined results may also consider HD liposuction to complement their facial rejuvenation. Frontiers in Psychology research confirms the positive psychological benefits of feeling confident in one’s appearance.
What makes PDO threads especially appealing is the combination of immediate results and long-term benefits. You’ll see a visible lift right after your procedure, and as collagen production continues over the following months, your skin will look even firmer and smoother.
If you’re ready to turn back the clock without going under the knife, Formation in Tampa is here to help. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Gopal Grandhige today and find out how PDO threads can help you achieve the refreshed, natural-looking results you deserve.
The threads dissolve within about six months, but results can last up to 18 months or longer due to continued collagen production.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. Local anesthesia is applied before the procedure, so the treatment area is numbed during thread placement.
Most patients resume their regular routines within one to two days. Some mild swelling or bruising may occur but typically resolves quickly.
PDO threads work best for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity who want facial rejuvenation without surgery. A consultation with Dr. Gopal Grandhige can determine if this treatment is right for you.
Yes. PDO threads can be paired with other non-surgical treatments to enhance overall results. Dr. Gopal Grandhige can recommend the best combination based on your goals.
The next step after losing 100 pounds.
After significant weight loss, the skin doesn’t always shrink back to match the body’s new shape. And no amount of exercise can remove that excess skin.
In this surgery, Dr. Gopal performs a 360° circumferential body lift to remove excess skin and reshape the patient’s waistline, abdomen, and lower back.
The approach involves lifting the skin on the back and pulling it downward on the front to create a smoother, flatter contour while positioning the incision low enough to be concealed by underwear.
This patient lost over 100 pounds. During surgery, Dr. Gopal explains how approximately 3 pounds of skin were removed from the back, with another 5 pounds planned for removal from the front.
It’s not just about removing skin. It’s about reshaping the body after a significant weight-loss journey.
📍 Dr. Gopal Grandhige | Formation, South Tampa
Interested in body contouring after major weight loss? Schedule a consultation to explore your options.
#BodyLift #CircumferentialBodyLift #ExcessSkinRemoval #WeightLoss #BodyContouring
There’s lean. Then there’s sculpted.
High-definition liposuction goes beyond traditional fat removal. It’s about strategically sculpting around the underlying muscles to create more visible definition in the chest, abdomen, and waist.
For this patient, the goal was a leaner, more defined, athletic appearance without an exaggerated look.
Dr. Gopal Grandhige specializes in male HD liposuction, customizing each procedure to the patient’s anatomy, muscle structure, and desired level of definition.
The result? A more sculpted physique that complements his natural build.
Interested in HD liposuction? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal at Formation Tampa. Link in bio.
Actual patient photos. Individual results vary.
#HDLiposuction #MaleLiposuction #HighDefinitionLiposuction #BodySculpting #Tampa
“That responsibility means everything to me.”
When a patient chooses a plastic surgeon, they’re placing an extraordinary amount of trust in someone else’s hands.
And that responsibility goes far beyond what happens in the operating room.
For Dr. Gopal, it means taking the time to understand each patient’s goals, carefully planning their procedure, making thoughtful decisions throughout surgery, and being there for them during recovery.
Every detail matters because there’s a real person behind every procedure, with hopes, concerns, and expectations.
And that person deserves to feel cared for every step of the way.
#Tampa #CosmeticSurgery #PatientCare #bodycountouring #hdliposuction
Every body needs a different plan.
An HD liposuction consultation with Dr. Gopal is much more than discussing which areas to treat.
He takes the time to evaluate each patient’s anatomy, explain what he’s seeing, and walk through exactly how he would approach the procedure.
Where should fat be removed? Where should it be preserved? How can the waist be sculpted while maintaining natural curves? And when might additional skin tightening be needed?
These are just some of the decisions Dr. Gopal walks patients through, explaining not only what he recommends, but why.
This Reel is a small glimpse into a consultation that typically involves a much more detailed conversation, with time for patients to ask questions and understand their options.
📍 Formation | South Tampa
Considering high-definition liposuction? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal to discuss your goals and explore what’s possible.
#HDLipo #HighDefinitionLiposuction #BodyContouring #Tampa
There’s lean. Then there’s sculpted.
For some men, even years of consistent training and cutting cycles don’t produce the abdominal definition they’re working toward.
Here’s what one patient shared in his Google review of Formation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Waited a few months to write this because I wanted to make sure the results held up.
The HD technique did what years of cutting cycles couldn’t. Abs actually show now, even relaxed, even in bad lighting. If you’ve chased a six pack for years you know what that means. Recovery was more involved than I expected and the bruising was wild for a bit. But the result looks like me, just leaner and more defined. Doesn’t look surgical, which was my biggest fear going in. Would recommend, but only if you’re already putting in the work.”
Dr. Gopal Grandhige specializes in male high-definition liposuction, an advanced body-contouring technique that goes beyond traditional fat removal.
By strategically removing fat around the underlying muscles, HD liposuction can enhance natural muscle definition and create a leaner, more sculpted, athletic appearance.
The goal isn’t to create artificial abs. It’s to reveal and enhance the muscle contours already there, with the level of definition customized to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
📍 Formation, South Tampa
Interested in male HD liposuction? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Gopal to explore your options.
Google patient review.
#HDLiposuction #MaleLiposuction #BodyContouring #Tampa
Crunches can only do so much.
You can spend hours strengthening your abdominal muscles, but that doesn’t guarantee visible definition.
A layer of fat sits between the muscles and the skin, and crunches can’t specifically target that fat.
For many people, exercise and reducing overall body fat can help reveal their abs. But even people who are already lean and fit can have stubborn fat that hides their natural muscle definition.
That’s where high-definition liposuction may help.
Dr. Gopal uses HD lipo to selectively remove fat around the natural contours of the abdominal muscles, helping reveal the definition that’s already there.
📍 Formation | South Tampa
Interested in HD lipo? Schedule a consultation to learn more.
#HDLipo #HighDefinitionLiposuction #AbdominalSculpting #BodyContouring
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
