Curious how a non surgical facelift works? See how PDO thread lift treatment lifts the cheeks, jawline, and neck under physician directed care at Allurant Medical Spa.
Allurant Medical Spa | San Diego
PDO Thread Lift in San Diego Whether your skin is sagging from natural aging, volume loss, or sun damage, a PDO thread lift can help. The right treatment starts with understanding what's actually changing beneath the surface.
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A Personalized Approach to PDO Thread Lifts
At Allurant Medical Spa, we specialize in PDO thread lift treatments for patients throughout San Diego. A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical option that lifts, tightens, and rejuvenates your skin. Specifically, it uses dissolvable polydioxanone threads, commonly called PDO threads, to redefine facial contours. This approach also stimulates your body’s own collagen production for natural, long-lasting results.
Not every patient’s skin is changing for the same reason. For instance, some patients deal with loose, less resilient skin, while others notice early fine lines or deeper volume loss. That’s why every PDO thread treatment plan starts with understanding the underlying cause, not just the area of concern.
Understanding What PDO Threads Really Are
A PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive treatment for facial rejuvenation. It uses fine, dissolvable sutures made from polydioxanone, a material used safely in medicine for decades. As a result, these threads lift and rejuvenate the skin without surgery or incisions. At Allurant, we offer three types of threads: cog, mono, and screw. Cog threads grip and reposition sagging tissue for an immediate lift. Meanwhile, mono and screw threads work beneath the surface to stimulate collagen and add subtle volume. Each type is tailored to a different goal: lifting, volumizing, or boosting collagen production. Over several months, the threads dissolve completely, leaving only their collagen-building results behind.
Watch PDO Thread Intro Video
Curious what a PDO thread lift session actually looks like? Watch the video below for a quick walkthrough of the treatment. You will see how the threads are placed and what patients typically feel. Additionally, the video explains why sessions take less than an hour. From there, you can decide if this treatment fits your goals. Dr. Kat is also happy to answer any questions during your consultation.
Areas We Treat with PDO Threads in San Diego
PDO threads are one part of a broader set of options we offer for each area of the face. Explore the full range of treatments available for:
Neck
Threads are a popular option for the early signs of neck aging, like mild sagging or crepey texture. As a result, they stimulate collagen to firm and smooth the skin over time, while also lifting subtly sagging tissue.
Cheek
PDO threads are one of several options we use to restore lift and volume to a softened midface. Cog threads reposition sagging tissue, while screw threads add subtle volume to hollow areas. In addition, many patients pair threads with filler for a fuller, more lifted result.
Chin
Threads can support chin definition and skin laxity alongside filler or Botox, depending on your goals. Cog threads can subtly lift loose skin along the chin and jawline. As a result, this creates a more sculpted, defined profile without surgery.
Jawline
Cog threads are a go-to option for sharpening jawline contour without surgery. Their barbs anchor into loosening tissue and gently pull it back into place. Over time, they also stimulate collagen for a firmer, more defined jawline.
Conditions PDO Threads Can Help With
PDO threads are often recommended as part of the treatment plan for several common skin concerns. Learn more about each condition and how we approach it:
Smile lines that run from the nose to the mouth. Often softened with cog threads or a combination of threads and filler. Threads gently lift the tissue, while filler restores lost volume underneath. Together, they create a smoother, more natural transition.
Early creasing in thinning skin, which mono threads can improve by rebuilding collagen and elastin beneath the surface. Results build gradually over several months as new collagen forms. As a result, this makes fine lines less noticeable without changing your natural expression.
Deeper, more established lines that often respond best to threads paired with neurotoxins or dermal filler. Threads improve skin quality and firmness, while neurotoxins relax the muscles causing the wrinkle. As a result, combining treatments typically gives a more complete, longer-lasting result.
General loss of firmness that PDO threads address directly by triggering new collagen production. As collagen rebuilds, skin gradually looks firmer and more supported. In this case, threads are a strong option for early to moderate laxity.
Looser, less resilient skin along the cheeks, jawline, or neck. One of the top reasons patients ask about threads. Cog threads can reposition loose tissue for an immediate improvement. In addition, mono and screw threads support the results by rebuilding collagen underneath.
The broader combination of volume loss, collagen decline, and sagging that PDO threads are designed to help reverse. Because aging affects the skin in multiple ways, we often combine thread types for a balanced result. Your treatment plan is built around your specific pattern of aging.
The Different Types of PDO Threads
Every patient’s combination of sagging, volume loss, and skin quality is different. We offer three types of PDO threads, and often blend them for the most natural result.
Cog Threads
Barbed threads anchor into the skin and gently reposition sagging tissue. They lift the cheeks, jawline, and neck while triggering collagen production underneath.
Mono Threads
Smooth threads are placed in a mesh-like pattern beneath the surface. They boost natural collagen and elastin production, improving tone and texture. Unlike cog threads, they don't physically lift the skin. Ultimately, this makes them ideal for fine lines and mild laxity around the eyes and neck
Screw Threads
Twisted threads add surface area and subtle volume as collagen builds around them. Naturally, they're a good option for hollow areas like the cheeks or nasolabial folds.
Combination
Many patients get the most natural-looking result from a blend of thread types. For example, cog threads along the jawline paired with mono threads under the eyes. Your provider will recommend the combination that fits your anatomy and goals.
What to Expect During Your PDO Thread Lift Treatment at Allurant Medical Spa
01
Consultation for PDO Threads in San Diego
Every PDO thread treatment begins with a personalized consultation. Dr. Kat will assess your skin and discuss your aesthetic goals. She’ll also explain the difference between lifting and collagen-stimulating threads. Together, you’ll build a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
02
Treatment
Depending on your tolerance, we may add numbing cream or a local anesthetic beforehand. Then, thin dissolvable threads are carefully placed under the skin. They lift sagging areas and stimulate collagen production. Over the following months, the threads naturally dissolve. Ultimately, this leaves firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin with minimal downtime.
03
Post-Treatment Care
Following proper post-care instructions is essential for the best results. You may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness for a few days. During the first week, avoid strenuous exercise and excessive facial movement. In turn, this allows the threads to settle and collagen production to begin.
Benefits of Personalized PDO Thread Treatments at Allurant Medical Spa
PDO threads address sagging skin and early aging signs. They skip the downtime and commitment of surgery. Many patients also ask about PDO thread lift cost before their first visit.
Natural-Looking Lift
Threads reposition skin gradually, avoiding the pulled or "overdone" look sometimes associated with surgical facelifts.
Long-Term Collagen Stimulation
As threads dissolve over several months, they continue stimulating collagen, so results build gradually and last.
Minimal Downtime
Typically, patients return to normal activities within a few days, with only mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness.
Customizable to Your Goals
Thread type, placement, and combination are tailored to your facial structure and concerns.
Results That Enhance, Not Change, Your Look
PDO threads are designed to refresh your natural features rather than alter them.
The Science Behind PDO Threads
PDO threads are backed by decades of clinical use and a growing body of peer-reviewed research. In fact, the technology builds on collagen-stimulation techniques used across dermatology and reconstructive medicine. Understanding the science behind PDO threads helps set realistic expectations for your results.
Understanding How PDO Threads Work Beneath the Skin
PDO (polydioxanone) is a biodegradable suture material used safely in medicine since the 1980s. When placed beneath the skin, it triggers a controlled healing response that builds new collagen. Cog threads add an immediate mechanical lift, while mono and screw threads rely on the collagen response alone. Over roughly six months, the threads fully dissolve, leaving the collagen-building results behind. In fact, this mechanism is well documented in peer-reviewed research. See this PubMed-published study on knotless suture rejuvenation, published on PubMed.
Recognizing the Difference Between a Thread Lift and a Surgical Facelift
One of the most common questions we hear is how PDO threads compare to a traditional facelift. Both can address sagging skin, but they’re suited to different goals, timelines, and stages of aging.
PDO Threads
- Non-surgical; threads placed under local anesthetic
- Subtle, natural-looking lift that builds over months
- Results last around 12–18 months
- Best for those with early to moderate sagging, or as a maintenance option
Surgical Facelift
- Surgical; typically requires sedation or general anesthesia
- More dramatic, longer-lasting correction
- Results last for many years
- Best for those with significant skin laxity or excess skin
Are You a Candidate for PDO Threads?
PDO threads work best for certain signs of aging. During your consultation, Dr. Kat will confirm if threads are the right fit for you. Good candidates often notice early sagging in the cheeks, jawline, or neck. In addition, they may have mild to moderate loss of skin firmness. Likewise, many are looking for a non-surgical option with minimal downtime. Good candidates are also in good general health with realistic expectations. Some simply want to maintain results between more invasive treatments.
However, if you have significant excess skin or loose tissue, a surgical consultation may be a better fit. We’ll discuss this openly during your visit.
Risks and Considerations
PDO threads have been used safely in medicine for decades. As with any procedure, minor risks are possible. For example, these include bruising, swelling, and temporary asymmetry. Rarely, threads may become visible, palpable, infected, or migrate. Your provider will review your health history and these risks during your consultation.
For an independent overview of thread lift benefits and complications, see Cleveland Clinic’s guide to thread lifts.
Why Choose Allurant Medical Spa for Your PDO Threads?
Choosing the right provider is just as important as choosing the right thread. At Allurant Medical Spa, we combine an expert provider with advanced technology. Together with personalized treatment strategies, this helps you achieve natural, long-lasting results.
Non-Surgical Lift
Achieve a youthful, lifted appearance without invasive surgery or long downtime. PDO threads provide a minimally invasive facelift, so they're an ideal choice for anyone seeking a subtle or noticeable lift.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Every consultation ensures your treatment plan addresses your specific concerns. Whether it's sagging, fine lines, or loss of definition, we aim for natural-looking, balanced results.
Combination Treatment Expertise
From Sculptra to dermal fillers to Emface, we know how to layer treatments. Your results will look cohesive, not piecemeal.
Expert Provider
Dr. Kat personally performs every PDO thread treatment. She customizes each one to your facial structure and goals. So, this ensures safe, effective, and natural-looking results.
Located in the Heart of San Diego
Our Carmel Valley office proudly serves patients throughout San Diego, Del Mar, Encinitas, La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, and the surrounding communities.
Results
See just some of the results from Allurant Medical.
Frequently Asked Questions About PDO Threads in San Diego
How much does a PDO thread lift cost in San Diego?
Pricing depends on your treatment plan; we’ll provide exact costs during your consultation.
How many threads are used in one treatment?
This varies by patient, typically ranging from a few threads to over a dozen.
Can PDO threads be removed if I don't like the results?
Yes, threads can be removed, though this is rarely needed with proper placement.
What's the difference between PDO threads and Botox or filler?
Threads lift and tighten skin, while Botox relaxes muscles and filler adds volume.
Is there an age limit for PDO threads?
No strict age limit; candidacy depends on skin quality, not age alone.
When can I wear makeup or exercise after treatment?
Most patients wait 24 to 48 hours before makeup or strenuous activity.
Will I need more than one PDO thread treatment?
Many patients repeat treatment yearly to maintain results as threads dissolve.
Take the First Step Toward a Natural, Lifted Look
Sagging skin and early signs of aging don’t have to mean surgery. With PDO threads at Allurant Medical Spa, you can achieve a firmer, more refreshed appearance. Beyond that, each treatment is built around your face and your goals. Curious about PDO thread lift cost? Ask Dr. Kat during your consultation. Schedule your consultation today, and let us guide you toward natural, lasting results.
Learn how PDO thread lifts can lift and tighten the face without surgery. Discover the benefits of this non surgical facelift treatment at Allurant Medical Spa in San Diego.
Discover everything about PDO Thread Lifts in San Diego, including how to choose the right threads, procedure steps, and recovery.