Facial Balancing
PDO Threads
Balance Lab Aesthetics
PDO Threads
Revitalize Naturally, Elevate Confidently with Balance Lab Aesthetics.
PDO (Polydioxanone) threads have become a popular, non-surgical cosmetic procedure for lifting and tightening sagging skin. This minimally invasive treatment offers a youthful appearance without the need for traditional facelift surgery. PDO threads, made from biodegradable material, are inserted into the skin to stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture, and lift targeted areas like the jawline, cheeks, neck, and brow. The threads naturally dissolve over time, leaving long-lasting rejuvenation results.
Key Benefits of PDO Threads:
- Non-Surgical Skin Tightening: PDO threads offer a safe and effective alternative to invasive facelifts, providing natural-looking skin lift without downtime.
- Collagen Stimulation: The insertion of PDO threads triggers the body’s natural healing process, boosting collagen production for firmer, more elastic skin.
- Minimal Downtime: With only slight swelling or bruising, patients can quickly return to their daily activities.
- Customizable Results: PDO threads can be tailored to treat specific areas of concern, from jawline contouring to eyebrow lifts, offering versatile treatment options.
- Gradual, Natural Enhancement: As the threads dissolve, the skin continues to improve over months, providing subtle, long-lasting enhancements.
- Safe and FDA-Approved: PDO threads are made from absorbable, medical-grade materials that are FDA-approved for safe use in cosmetic procedures.
Sculptra vs. Radiesse
vs. PDO Threads
Sculptra®, Radiesse® and PDO threads can all support collagen-related improvement, but they do not work in the same way. Sculptra focuses on gradual restoration, Radiesse combines immediate contour with biostimulation, and lifting threads provide mechanical support for selected areas of loose or descended tissue.
Sculptra®
Sculptra is an injectable biostimulator that works gradually. Rather than creating a fully developed result immediately, it supports new collagen formation as the treated area improves over the following weeks and months.
- Gradually restores facial support and volume
- Stimulates natural collagen production
- Softens the appearance of lines and wrinkles
- Supports firmer and more resilient-looking skin
- Creates subtle, progressive rejuvenation
- Useful for broader areas of facial volume loss
Radiesse®
Radiesse provides immediate volume and structural support through its gel carrier. Its calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres also support collagen and elastin production as the gel is gradually absorbed.
- Provides immediate visible contour support
- Improves facial structure and definition
- Stimulates collagen and elastin production
- Supports firmer and more resilient-looking skin
- Useful for deeper folds and selected contour concerns
- Can be used in specialized diluted treatment protocols
PDO Threads
PDO threads are placed beneath the skin using a needle or cannula. Barbed or cog threads can provide temporary mechanical support and reposition selected tissue, while smooth threads are primarily used for tissue stimulation rather than significant lifting.
- Can create an immediate, subtle lifting effect
- Provides temporary mechanical tissue support
- Stimulates a healing and collagen response
- Can improve selected areas of mild skin laxity
- May enhance jawline, cheek or neck definition
- Does not add the same type of volume as filler
The Main Difference
Sculptra gradually rebuilds facial support through collagen. Radiesse immediately adds contour while also supporting biostimulation. PDO lifting threads mechanically reposition selected tissue. Threads are therefore different from injectable fillers and are generally better suited to mild tissue descent than true facial volume loss.
At-a-Glance Comparison
Treatment selection depends on whether the primary concern is volume loss, facial structure, skin quality or loose and descended tissue.
| Comparison | Sculptra | Radiesse | PDO Threads |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Poly-L-lactic acid microparticles | Calcium hydroxylapatite microspheres in a gel carrier | Absorbable polydioxanone surgical threads |
| Primary action | Gradual collagen-supported volume restoration | Immediate contour with continued biostimulation | Temporary mechanical lift and tissue stimulation |
| Immediate volume | No lasting immediate filling result | Yes | No |
| Physical lifting | No direct mechanical lifting | Structural support rather than physical tissue suspension | Yes, with appropriately selected barbed or cog threads |
| When results appear | Gradually over several weeks and months | Immediately, with progressive improvement afterward | Some immediate lift with further improvement as swelling settles and tissue response develops |
| Best suited for | Diffuse volume loss, facial wrinkles and progressive facial rejuvenation | Facial contour, stronger structural support and selected skin-quality concerns | Mild-to-moderate laxity, early jowling and selected areas of tissue descent |
| Typical treatment plan | Usually a series of sessions | Often one initial treatment with maintenance as needed | Usually one procedure with later reassessment |
| Downtime | Usually mild swelling, tenderness or bruising | Usually mild swelling, tenderness or bruising | Often more recovery than injectables, including swelling, tenderness, bruising, tightness or temporary dimpling |
| Longevity | Gradual results may persist for up to approximately two years in some patients | Duration varies by treatment area, product placement and individual response | Duration is variable; the mechanical effect may soften as the threads dissolve and long-term durability is less predictable |
| Can it be dissolved? | No precise dissolving agent is available | No precise dissolving agent is available | Threads are absorbable, but they cannot be instantly dissolved like hyaluronic-acid filler |
| Important limitations | Does not provide an immediate final result or mechanical lift | Adds structure but does not directly suspend descended tissue | Does not replace lost volume and cannot reproduce the degree or durability of a surgical facelift |
Smooth Threads vs. Lifting Threads
Not every PDO thread produces the same result. The thread design must match the patient’s anatomy and treatment goal.
Smooth PDO Threads
Smooth threads are placed in a mesh-like pattern to stimulate a tissue response. They may support firmness, texture and skin quality, but they generally do not create a meaningful mechanical lift.
Barbed or Cog Lifting Threads
Lifting threads contain projections that engage the tissue. They can reposition selected areas and provide temporary support for mild-to-moderate laxity.
They may produce a subtle improvement in appropriately selected patients, but they cannot remove excess skin or reproduce the degree and durability of surgical lifting.
Where Hyaluronic-Acid Filler Fits
Hyaluronic-acid filler is different from all three treatments. It is primarily used for immediate and precise filling, shaping and contouring.
Immediate targeted volume
HA filler is useful when a patient needs precise correction in a specific area, such as the lips, cheeks, chin or selected facial folds.
Does not physically lift skin
Strategic filler placement can support facial contours, but filler does not suspend loose tissue in the same way as a lifting thread.
May be dissolvable
Many hyaluronic-acid fillers can be reduced or dissolved with hyaluronidase, unlike Sculptra, Radiesse and PDO threads.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
These treatments are not interchangeable. The right recommendation depends on whether your main concern is facial volume loss, structural definition, skin quality, loose tissue or a combination of several concerns.
PDO threads should not be described broadly as FDA-approved for every cosmetic lifting use. The specific thread device, its FDA clearance and its labeled indication should be confirmed before treatment.
Achieve a Youthful, Refreshed Look
Popular PDO Threads Treatment Areas
Forehead
Cheeks
Nasolabial Folds
Marionette Lines
Neck
Vertical neck lines
Sagging Skin
Jaw Lines
Before & After Gallery
At Balance Lab Aesthetics, we celebrate each person’s unique beauty and aim to boost confidence and radiance. Using the latest techniques in beauty and aesthetics, we ensure that our clients receive exceptional results and feel valued. Our clients love us for our commitment to helping them look and feel fabulous.
Customized PDO Threads Solutions
Personalized Treatments for Your Unique Needs
Our Treatments are tailored to address your specific concerns, whether you’re targeting fine lines, deeper wrinkles, or overall facial rejuvenation. Each solution is designed to deliver natural, refreshed results that enhance your individual beauty. Let our experts create a plan that brings out the best in you.
Beauty Blueprint
15 minutes
Do you have questions about our treatments? Maybe you’re unsure which treatment is right for you? Consultation at Balance Lab Aesthetics is a great way to learn more about our treatments, get personalized recommendations from our providers.
Balance & Proportion
15-45 minutes
Say goodbye to signs of aging with our anti-wrinkle injections, featuring neuroTOXin treatment! Starting at just $10 per unit, this effective solution can help you achieve a smoother, more youthful appearance. Book your appointment today.
SmoothPDO threads
20 mintues
Smooth PDO Threads offer a non-surgical lift using fine threads to boost collagen, improve skin texture, and smooth wrinkles. Inserted under the skin, they enhance areas like the forehead and cheeks without downtime, providing a natural, youthful look.
PDO Threads Tier 1 or Tier 2
45 mintues
PDO thread lift treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that lift and tightness sagging skin tissue using threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO). As the threads dissolve, they are replaced by your body’s own collagen.
Your practitioner identifies areas of sagging skin and marks where each thread will be placed. Local anesthetic injections are then administered in these marked areas.
Using a fine cannula, your practitioner inserts threads beneath your skin. These threads are thin and feature small, cone-like structures along their length to aid in lifting.
The insertion process may feel painless for some, while others describe it as “painful but tolerable.” Once inserted, the threads are shaped and adjusted, with the cone-like structures latching onto tissue to lift and support sagging areas.
After positioning, the threads are trimmed to be secure and invisible beneath the skin.
A thread lift typically takes 30 to 45 minutes. Downtime is minimal, with most patients resuming normal activities the same or following day. Side effects, including mild tenderness, swelling, or bruising, usually subside within a day or two.
No other non-surgical treatment provides as dramatic a change to the face as a thread lift. Thread lifts have filled an important role in achieving significant anti-aging results without the need for surgery. While non-surgical options like neurotoxins and fillers have long been used to create a softer, fuller look, they cannot replace the physical lift of a surgical facelift. Thread lifts effectively address this need without requiring a traditional facelift by a plastic surgeon.
Thread lifts are especially beneficial for those who have relied on fillers to create lifted cheek contours. Overuse of fillers to achieve a higher cheek structure can sometimes lead to an “overfilled” or “chipmunk” look, as fillers can only add volume but do not actually lift tissue.
In contrast, thread lifts provide a physical lift, restoring a more youthful appearance to the cheeks and jowls. Additionally, the procedure stimulates collagen production, offering long-term support for the lift using your body’s own collagen.
1. Inserted Under the Skin: Threads are inserted using a small needle or cannula.
2. Tissue Stimulation: The threads stimulate the surrounding tissue, promoting collagen production.
3. Lifting and Tightening: The threads act as a scaffold, lifting and tightening the skin.
Common areas include the cheeks, jawline, neck, eyebrows, and the area around the eyes. They can also be used to lift and tighten the skin on the body.
The level of discomfort varies from person to person but is generally minimal. Local anesthesia is typically applied to reduce any pain during the procedure.
Thread lifts are performed in our office during a 1-2 hour appointment. For optimal results, it is recommended to avoid alcohol and blood-thinning medications 1-2 days prior to treatment.
Post-procedure discomfort is typically minor and can be managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ice and arnica cream may also help alleviate mild swelling or bruising.
After the procedure, you may experience tightness, slight swelling, redness, bruising, and inflammation. Since a foreign material has been introduced to tighten the tissue, these sensations are normal. Any discomfort and swelling will diminish over the following week as your tissue heals and adapts.
You’ll notice an immediate lift, but additional results will appear as collagen production continues over the next 2-3 months. Full recovery is typically achieved within two weeks.
It’s important to consult your doctor regarding activity restrictions during healing. We generally recommend avoiding vigorous exercise and facial massage to allow the threads to secure properly. While regular (non-vigorous) activities can resume immediately, avoid anything that might pull or dislodge the threads before they are fully embedded.
If you have a major event planned, we recommend scheduling your thread lift well in advance to ensure full recovery before the event.
PDO thread lifts can be seamlessly integrated with other anti-aging treatments, including laser therapies and dermal fillers, to achieve a refreshed, youthful look. This combination is particularly effective for the lower face, where thread lifts and injectable fillers work together to provide enhanced, long-lasting results.
Men and women with mild to moderate sagging, wrinkles, or lines on the forehead, face, or neck are typically good candidates.
Patients should be in overall good health and have realistic expectations for the outcome. This non-surgical procedure is best suited for individuals who want to enhance their appearance without surgery. While the results can be impressive, a thread lift is not a replacement for all types of surgical lifts.
The longevity of results depends on various factors and differs from patient to patient, with most thread lifts lasting around 18 months or more.
While the threads are in place beneath the skin, your body generates new collagen in the treated area. Although the threads will dissolve after approximately six months, the rejuvenated effects can persist with appropriate maintenance and care.
For optimal results, we recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment within 4 to 6 months, allowing us to assess your progress and advise on a personalized maintenance regimen.
Pre and Post Operative Care
Our PDO TREADS TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol at least one week before the treatment since it might dry the skin and influence the anesthetic during the treatment.
• Avoid omega fish oils, vitamin E, chilli ginseng, garlic, krill, and other supplements 2 days before your treatment.
• Avoid aspirin-based medicines like Naproxen/Naprogesic, Neurofen, and Ibuprofen, which may cause bleeding, adverse effects, and problems during the service.
• Avoid high-intensity workouts and saunas the days leading up to your treatment.
Things to Avoid After Your Treatment:
• Avoid excessive movement in the injected area for around 2 weeks.
• Avoid strenuous activity for 1 week for any facial treatments and 2 weeks for body treatments.
• Avoid wearing makeup in the treatment area for at least 48 hours after the treatment.
• Avoid drinking alcohol a week following your treatment to avoid swelling.
• Avoid certain aesthetic treatments and facials for 4 weeks following the treatment.
• Avoid certain medication and aspirin-based medicines like Naproxen/Naprogesic, Neurofen, and Ibuprofen following your treatment.
• Avoid smoking for at least 14 days after your treatment to promote the best results.
POST PDO TREADS TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Things to Do After Your Treatment:
• If you have mild bruising or swelling, ice the treated region for a few minutes, 4 to 5 times a day for the first week.
• Minimize the amount of activity you do the day of and the day after your treatment to promote optimal healing.
• Post-op painkillers are allowed as long as they are recommended by your expert.
• Do not take aspirins for 2 weeks following the service.
• Do not use makeup and face cream for 48 hours.
• For a week, avoid straws and eat soft meals which will restrict movement of the face.
• Avoid chewing gum for 2 weeks after your treatment.
• Sleep upright for the first 2 weeks following your treatment.
• For 3 weeks, avoid pulling, massaging, scrubbing, or exfoliating your face.
• Washing or touching your face should be avoided for the first 12 hours.
When to Expect Your Results:
• Some subtle results should be visible right away, while maximum effects will be visible 4-6 weeks following the treatment.
• Bruising and swelling will be apparent after the treatment and should only last around 2-3 days.
• Tissue asymmetry and abnormalities are frequent and usually last 1-2 weeks.
• Pain at the injection locations is typical and often persists for a few days after the service. Please consult your professionals if any discomfort persists after 2 weeks.