What a PDO thread lift is
A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure. Fine, dissolvable threads made of polydioxanone (PDO), a material long used in absorbable surgical sutures, are placed beneath the skin to:
- Lift sagging cheeks and jowls
- Improve jawline definition
- Lift the brows
- Tighten loose skin on the neck
- Stimulate long-term collagen production
Lift now, collagen later
Unlike a surgical facelift, threads give an immediate mechanical lift plus gradual collagen renewal. Every thread lift at Embrace is personally performed by Dr. John Mark Pabona, MD, FACP, with attention to precision, symmetry and safety.
How a PDO thread lift works
Threads are inserted under local anesthesia using fine cannulas. Depending on your anatomy and goals, Dr. Pabona may use:
- Cog threads to lift and reposition tissue
- Smooth threads for collagen stimulation and skin tightening
- Screw (twist) threads for volume support
What happens over time
The threads dissolve over 4–6 months, but collagen remodeling continues for up to 12–18 months. The aim is a natural lift, firmer skin and subtle rejuvenation.
MINT PDO threads and FDA status
MINT™ is one of the PDO thread lines available at Embrace. Current MINT options include PETIT+, FIX and FINE+. Dr. Pabona selects the thread type and placement based on your facial anatomy, tissue quality and goals.
Threads are medical devices, so the FDA clears them rather than approving them. MINT threads are FDA-cleared absorbable sutures for soft-tissue approximation, and MINT Lift is also cleared for suspending (lifting) facial tissue.
Who is a good candidate
A PDO thread lift tends to suit people who:
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity
- Want lifting without surgery
- Prefer minimal downtime
- Want collagen stimulation
- Want more structure without adding volume or looking overfilled
Treatment areas
- Midface and cheeks
- Jawline and jowls
- Nasolabial folds
- Brows
- Neck
When surgery is the better choice
Threads work best for early to moderate sagging. More advanced laxity may need a surgical consultation, and Dr. Pabona will tell you if he thinks surgery would serve you better.
What to expect: time, downtime and results
Procedure time
45–75 minutes, depending on the areas treated.
Anesthesia
Local anesthetic. Most patients report minimal discomfort.
Downtime
Mild swelling and bruising for 3–7 days. Temporary tightness or tenderness typically resolves within 1–2 weeks.
Results
An immediate lift, followed by progressive collagen improvement. Most patients enjoy results for 12–18 months, depending on skin quality and lifestyle. See a two-week result in our PDO thread lift before and after gallery.
Cost
Pricing depends on how many threads you need, which types are used and which areas are treated. You'll get an exact quote at your skin consultation, and CareCredit financing is accepted.
Risks, and how threads compare
Common effects are swelling, bruising, tightness and tenderness. Less often, threads can cause dimpling or puckering, asymmetry, a thread you can feel or see, or infection. Careful thread selection, placement and aftercare lower these risks, and many minor irregularities settle as swelling resolves.
Threads vs filler vs facelift
- Threads lift and reposition tissue and stimulate collagen, without adding volume.
- [Dermal fillers](/services/dermal-fillers/) restore lost volume and contour.
- A surgical facelift removes excess skin and gives the most dramatic, longest-lasting change, with a longer recovery.
Combination treatments and the Embrace approach
Embrace focuses on whole-face harmony, not isolated treatments. Threads are placed to rebalance structure, not distort it, and are often combined with dermal fillers, RF microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, skin boosters and medical-grade skincare, including Obagi and Rejuran.
See a full-face plan that combined MINT PDO threads with Obagi MagIQ and CHIQ fillers in our facial rejuvenation before and after case. Care is physician-led and conservative, using evidence-based techniques chosen by Dr. Pabona.
Deep dermis
- Epidermis
- Dermis
- Deep dermis
- Fat pads
- Muscle
Questions
Common questions about PDO thread lift
How long does a PDO thread lift last?
Most patients enjoy results for 12 to 18 months, depending on skin quality and lifestyle. The threads themselves dissolve over about 4 to 6 months, but the collagen they stimulate keeps supporting the skin after that. Maintenance treatments can extend results, and Dr. Pabona will suggest timing based on how your skin responds.
Is a PDO thread lift painful?
Local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable, and most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, temporary tightness, tenderness or soreness is common, especially when you open your mouth wide or sleep on your side. It typically resolves within one to two weeks.
What are the downsides of a thread lift?
Results are more subtle and shorter-lived than a surgical facelift, and threads work best for mild to moderate laxity. Expect mild swelling and bruising for 3 to 7 days and tightness for up to two weeks. Less common issues include dimpling, asymmetry, a palpable thread or infection. Careful placement by an experienced physician helps lower these risks.
Can threads replace a surgical facelift?
Not for everyone. PDO threads are ideal for early to moderate laxity and give a lift without surgical incisions, general anesthesia or a long recovery. More advanced sagging, or a lot of excess skin, may need a surgical consultation instead. Dr. Pabona will be honest about which approach is likely to give you the result you want.
How much does a PDO thread lift cost?
The cost depends on how many threads you need, which thread types are used and which areas are treated, so pricing is set after your consultation. Dr. Pabona will review the plan and the exact price with you before you decide. CareCredit financing is accepted if you'd like to spread out payments.
Does Embrace offer MINT PDO threads?
Yes. MINT™ is one of the PDO thread lines available at Embrace Eternal Beauty, with current options including PETIT+, FIX and FINE+. Dr. John Mark Pabona selects the thread type and placement plan based on your facial anatomy, tissue quality, treatment goals and overall plan.
Will I look overdone after a thread lift?
The approach at Embrace prioritizes subtle structural refinement, not a pulled or tight look. Threads are placed to rebalance your features rather than change them. Some bunching or tightness can show in the first days and usually settles as swelling goes down, leaving a refreshed version of your own face.
