What Are PDO Threads and How Do They Work?

Fine lines, early jowling, or a softer jawline can sneak up slowly. You might still feel youthful and energetic, but the mirror starts to show skin that looks a little looser than it used to. If you are not ready for surgery, but you want something more than skincare alone, PDO threads can sit in that middle space. 

At Aesthetic Center of Richmond Dermatology, PDO thread treatments are designed for people who want subtle lifting, firmer skin, and a refreshed look without going through a traditional facelift. 

What are PDO Threads? 

PDO stands for polydioxanone, a biocompatible material that has been safely used in medical sutures for many years. In aesthetics, PDO Threads are ultra-fine, absorbable strands placed just under the skin to provide gentle support and to encourage your body to make more collagen. 

Although each treatment plan is customized, the threads share the same purpose. They give your skin an internal support structure while prompting it to firm and thicken over time. 

How Do PDO Threads Work? 

PDO threads work in two key ways. First, there is an immediate, mechanical effect. When the threads are placed and gently tightened, they reposition the skin slightly. This can soften jowls, define the jawline, and create a subtle “upward” effect that many people associate with a Non-surgical facelift. 

The second effect happens over the following months. Your body reacts to the presence of the thread by activating fibroblasts, the cells that build collagen and elastin. The threads essentially act as Collagen boosting threads, encouraging your skin to rebuild some of its own internal scaffolding. 

Over time:

• The threads gradually dissolve 
• Fresh collagen remains in their place 
• The skin looks firmer, smoother, and better supported 

Results are not instant in the same way filler can be, but they tend to look very natural because they come from your own tissue remodeling. 

What Areas Can PDO Threads Treat? 

PDO threads can be used in multiple parts of the face where mild to moderate laxity is starting to show. Common areas include: 

• Cheeks that look flatter or heavier than they used to 
• Softening along the jawline, which can be improved with Jawline PDO threads
• Early jowls that create a shadow near the corners of the mouth 
• The neck, where skin can appear crepey or less firm 
• Brows that have started to drift downward 

Your provider evaluates your facial structure, skin thickness, and specific concerns. From there, a treatment plan is drawn up that focuses on improving shape rather than changing how you look entirely. 

What To Expect During a Thread Lift Treatment 

A Thread lift treatment is typically done in the office and usually takes under an hour once everything is planned. 

Here is how the process usually feels from a patient’s point of view: 

1. You begin with a consultation where you talk through your goals, concerns, and medical history. Photos may be taken to document your starting point and to help you later when you look at your own version of PDO facelift before and after results. 

2. On the day of treatment, the skin is cleansed and numbing is applied. This may be a cream, small injections, or both, so that you stay comfortable. 

3. The provider marks out the vectors where the threads will go. Then a fine needle or cannula is used to slide the thread under the skin along those paths. 

4. Once the threads are in the correct position, they are gently adjusted to create lift and support. Any extra length at the entry point is trimmed. 

5. You walk out with some initial lift. Mild swelling or bruising is common for a few days, and the area can feel a bit tight or tender at first.

Most people go back to normal daily activities quickly, with a few short-term rules to protect their results, such as avoiding heavy workouts or exaggerated facial movements for a brief period. 

Benefits And Limitations To Keep In Mind 

PDO threads appeal to many patients because they fill a gap between skincare and surgery. They are especially popular with people who feel “too early” for a facelift but are not satisfied with topical products alone. 

Key benefits often include: 

• A more defined facial contour, especially along the midface and jawline
• Improvement in early sagging without incisions or general anesthesia
• A gradual, natural look as collagen builds over several months 
• The option to combine with other treatments, such as neuromodulators or skin resurfacing, for more comprehensive rejuvenation 

At the same time, it is important to be realistic. PDO threads will not replace a full surgical facelift for someone with advanced laxity or heavy skin. The results are more subtle and have a limited lifespan. Most people enjoy the benefits for about a year to a year and a half, sometimes longer, depending on skin quality, age, and lifestyle choices like smoking or sun exposure. 

A thoughtful consultation makes a big difference. The right candidate, the right technique, and the right aftercare tend to produce the best, most natural outcome. 

Are PDO Threads Right For You? 

If you are noticing early sagging, softening along the jawline, or a tired look that skin care alone is not improving, PDO threads may be worth exploring. Ideal candidates often fall into these general categories: 

• Mild to moderate skin laxity rather than very heavy, loose tissue 
• Reasonably good skin quality with some remaining elasticity 
• A desire for subtle, refreshed results rather than dramatic change 
• Willingness to follow aftercare instructions and maintain a healthy lifestyle 

The emotional side matters too. Many people come in saying they feel confident in most parts of their life, but their reflection does not match how they feel inside. PDO threads can help bridge that gap without dramatically changing your features, which is why they have become such a popular option for PDO Threads in Glen Allen, VA and surrounding communities.

Experience PDO Threads At Aesthetic Center of Richmond Dermatology 

If you are curious about how PDO threads might work for your own features, the team at Aesthetic Center of Richmond Dermatology can walk you through the process in detail, look closely at your facial structure, and give honest feedback about what to expect. You can review possible treatment plans, discuss how threads might pair with other services, and decide together whether this approach fits your goals. 

A personal consultation is the best way to see how this technique can be adapted to your face and lifestyle. When you are ready to take the next step, schedule a visit with Aesthetic Center of Richmond Dermatology to talk about a PDO Threads treatment plan that feels right for you and to explore how a carefully planned PDO Threads, Non-surgical facelift, and related options can support your long-term confidence. 

Boost collagen and confidence — book your PDO Thread session today!