How Long Does a PDO Thread Lift Last?

PDO threads are a revolutionary way to lift and tighten the skin, providing results similar to a surgical facelift. These biodegradable and completely safe threads stay under the skin for 6 to 12 months, and can last up to 18 months or more. The Kagan Institute, with headquarters in Los Angeles and Encino, CA, offers this innovative treatment. PDO threads are different from PLLA and PCL threads in terms of tensile strength, stiffness and durability.

PDO or polydioxanone strands dissolve after 6 to 9 months, while lactic acid threads dissolve after 12 to 18 months. PCL or polycaprolactone yarns are the most durable of the three, taking 2 to 3 years to completely dissolve. Once injected below the surface of the skin, these threads will stimulate collagen production and lift the skin over time. Within 6 to 8 months, they will dissolve on their own and you will be left with a more youthful appearance.

The results of the thread lift can last up to a year, depending on your skincare routine and overall health. The actual yarn itself will be available for 4-6 months before it is absorbed by the natural hydrolysis process. As such, it pulls and tightens the skin during this entire period, after which the skin remains in place and collagen continues to be produced. In general, most patients see that the results of their thread lift last about 12 to 15 months in total.

A PDO thread lift corrects signs of facial aging caused by skin laxity, while a surgical facelift lifts the underlying facial muscles. This minimally invasive treatment uses absorbable PDO (polydioxanone) sutures to lift and tighten sagging skin. There are two main types of PDO threads: barbless floating threads and floating barbed threads. Compared to other injectable cosmetic treatments, thread lifters stand out for their long-lasting results.

Some patients may feel the threads if they press on the surface of the treatment area. A PDO thread lift is an anti-aging treatment that inserts surgical threads under the surface of the skin to stimulate collagen production and lift the skin, thus addressing hair loss, sagging skin and wrinkles. PDO sutures are biodegradable polyester sutures commonly used in surgical procedures and are safely resorbed by the body. This quick, low-risk procedure takes less than an hour to complete, so it is often referred to as a “lunchtime facelift”.