PDO Thread Lift (Elevate 5): Everything You Need to Know

PDO Thread Lift (Elevate 5): Everything You Need to Know

One of KDAA’s favourite PDO thread lift treatments is our Elevate 5, a precision-based approach that strategically uses five key entry points to optimize tension distribution for a natural, lasting lift. This technique effectively targets the cheeks, mid-face, and jawline jowls, enhancing facial contours while stimulating collagen for firmer, more youthful skin. By carefully positioning threads at these precision points, Elevate5 ensures a balanced, lifted appearance without an over-pulled or artificial look. In this Q&A, we’ll explore how PDO threads work, who they’re best suited for, aftercare essentials, and the best combination treatments to enhance your results.

Q: What is a PDO Thread Lift, and how does it work?

A: A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical facelift that lifts and tightens sagging skin using absorbable threads made of polydioxanone (PDO). These threads then stimulate collagen production that locks in the threads, plus provides a natural skin tightening effect while improving facial contours plus skin quality. The procedure is ideal for those looking for a facelift without surgery and only limited downtime.

Who is a Good Candidate for PDO Thread Lifting?

Q: What age groups benefit most from PDO thread lifts?

• A: The best candidates for PDO thread lifting for sagging skin are:
  Ages 30-40: Great for preventing early signs of aging, mild jowling, and skin laxity with prejuvenation benefits of biostimulation or bio remodelling.
  Ages 40-50: Helps lift the jawline, cheeks, and neck while improving collagen production and remodelling where most needed.
  Ages 50-60+: Can significantly enhance skin firmness. As we get older its even better and more important to combine with other treatments to help reverse the loss of collagen, elasticity and dermal strength as we age. Good combinations to consider include bio re modellers, HIFU (Ultraformer MPT), Radiofrequency Microneedling (Candea Matrix) laser treatments and medical grade skincare for optimal results.

PDO Thread Lift Treatment Process

Q: What is involved in a PDO thread lifting procedure?

• The thread lift treatment process includes:
  Consultation & Skin Assessment: The doctor determines which PDO threads are best for your face and desired results. If you are on blood thinners this increases the risk of bruising.

• Numbing & Local Anaesthesia: This is performed to cover the entry points and temple margins.
• Thread Insertion: PDO threads are placed under the skin using fine needles or cannulas that push and glide through the skin in the fat layer. Once accurately placed, tension is then applied, and you will feel an instant lifting effect. The ends of the threads are then trimmed, and we ensure that the ends insert only in the deeper collagen layer to avoid any dimpling or skin tension effects. Steri-strips will then be placed over the entry sites and should stay in place until the following day. 
• Collagen Stimulation Begins: Over the next 3-6 months, your skin produces new collagen, further locking in the tightening and firming the treated areas.

PDO Thread Lift Aftercare: What to Avoid?

Q: What is the aftercare for PDO threads?

A: The first 3 weeks are crucial for collagen formation and thread integration. Follow these aftercare steps for the best PDO thread lift results:

• Avoid excessive facial movements (no exaggerated chewing, laughing, or yawning).
• Sleep on your back to avoid pressure on the threads.
• We will provide and instruct how you can use a bandage overnight to protect your threads as your body locks them in with new collagen
• Avoid heavy exercise that involves bouncing or pounding the pavement, during your treatment we will review your usual activities and make suggested changes where necessary.
• Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking, especially in the first short while as they slow collagen production.
• No facials, laser treatments, or chemical peels for 4 weeks.
• Use arnica cream for mild bruising.
• Stay hydrated and eat collagen-boosting foods (bone broth, eggs, fish and shellfish, vitamin C (citrus fruits and berries or tomatoes and leafy greens), and protein rich foods (collagen is made from protein building blocks glycine, proline and hydroxyproline) along with zinc and copper rich foods (oysters, lentils, chickpeas, almonds and seeds).

How Long Do PDO Threads Last & When to Repeat?

Q: How long do PDO thread lifts last?

A: PDO thread lift results last between 6-12 months, depending on:

• Skin type & age – younger patients see longer-lasting results.
• Number of threads used – more threads = longer lift. We generally recommend more threads be inserted as we gracefully age. 
• Lifestyle factors – smoking, vaping, unprotected sun exposure, and diet can all impact longevity.

A: When should you repeat a PDO thread lift?

• Most patients benefit from a touch-up after 9-12 months to maintain collagen stimulation.
• Some choose a combination treatment (bio re modellers, volumizing and contouring treatments, RF microneedling, or HIFU) to prolong effects.

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Types of PDO Threads (we use Xytide) and their Applications

Q: What are the different types of PDO threads?

1. Barbed (Cog) Threads – Best for lifting sagging skin on the jawline, cheeks, and jowls.
2. Mono Threads – Improve skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles without lifting. These can be utilized in any skin problems areas such as the crow’s feet 
3. Screw/Tornado Threads – Add volume and collagen in areas like under the eyes and temples. These can assist those with eye hollows or dark circles by strengthening the collagen and supporting layers

Thread technology continues to improve allowing more natural results that better target problem areas. The benefits of high end threads includes:

• Advanced threads with higher tensile strength for lifting.
• Used in areas of high movement (jawline, brows, and deep dermal layers).
• Provides longer-lasting support compared to standard PDO threads.

Best Combination Treatments with PDO Threads

Q: What are the best treatments to combine with PDO threads?

For Sagging Skin & Lifting:

• HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ultraformer MPT) – Tightens deeper layers before or after thread lifts and assists skin’s bio remodelling.
• RF Microneedling (Candela Matrix, Secret RF) – Boosts collagen and elastin production plus helps tighten sagging skin plus target unwanted jowl and double chin fat.
• Acclaro UltraClear Microcoring: this removes microcores of skin to remove excess skin in problem areas and like threads can be used for lifting using vectors and careful planning of your treatment. 
• Collagen boosting treatments and Bio Remodellers along with volumising and contouring treatments.

In line with the latest TGA guidelines, we are unable to display specific cosmetic treatments. However, our full range of treatments remains available.

For Skin Strength & Rejuvenation:

• Non-ablative Fractional Lasers (1927nm or 1550nm and 1570nm ALMA Hybrid, Candela Nordlys) – Improves texture, pores, and fine lines.
• IPL photorejuvenation (Candela Nordlys) or Candela V Beam Prima Pulsed Dye Laser – Reduces redness, pigmentation, and sun damage.
• Polynucleotide Injections (PN, PDRN, or Rejuran) – Strengthens the dermal matrix including strengthening and improving collagen and elastin production for better long-term skin health or enhancing treatment benefits.

Final Thoughts on PDO Thread Lifts

PDO thread lifting is finding its place in our toolbox as a good and effective alternative to surgery, providing a non-surgical facelift with limited downtime. The best results come from choosing the right thread type, following proper aftercare, and combining PDO threads with other rejuvenation treatments.

Looking for the best PDO thread lift near me? Schedule a consultation today to see how threads can lift, tighten, and rejuvenate your skin! 

While all these treatments can have benefits, for personalized recommendations based on your individual assessment, a holistic approach and consideration of potential risks including rare complications. A consultation with a dermatologist or aesthetic practitioner at KDAA is required to assess your suitability and discuss expected outcomes.