Skip to content
Close up of a woman receiving a PDO thread lift

PDO thread lifts

PDO thread lifts provide a gentle, effective solution to loose or sagging skin, which is achievable without the higher cost and longer recovery time of a surgical facelift.

Treatment with PDO threads involves the implanting of biodegradable, absorbable and non-allergenic sutures or ‘threads’ into the skin.

PDO threading has a dual purpose – to initially provide an instant tightening of the skin for a lifted, yet natural appearance; and secondly to stimulate the body’s ability to generate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid for longer-term rejuvenation.

Overview of PDO thread lift treatment

Treatment type

Threading

Downtime

Up to one week

Treatment time

60 minutes

Benefit duration

Up to 24 months

Speed of results

Immediately

Treatment area

Face and jawline

Benefits of PDO thread lifts

PDO thread lifts can be used to achieve the following results:

  • Immediate skin tightening and lifting
  • Stimulation of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production
  • Rejuvenated skin
  • Correction of fine lines and wrinkles
  • Improved skin structure
  • Treatment for areas of skin on the neck, jawline, cheeks, eye area and forehead

PDO thread lifts prices

All appointments include a free, no-obligation consultation. Call our team on 0330 024 1300 for more information.

PDO thread lifts

PDO thread rejuvenation – single area From £375
PDO thread rejuvenation – full face £1,100
PDO thread non-surgical facelift – single area From £600
PDO thread non-surgical facelift – full face £1,800
Book your treatment

Find out more or book your consultation

By sending this form you agree to our privacy policy. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Reviews for our PDO thread lifts treatment

I’m thrilled … I’m feeling like a new woman! You’re great at what you do and I hope to manage a visit to you again in the future. ”
ST, Harley Street

What is PDO thread lift treatment like?

A woman receiving a rejuvenating PDO thread lift

Prior to your treatment

You will be asked to stop taking certain medication and supplements, alcohol and smoking for a week prior to treatment, in order to minimise bruising. We will provide you with full pre-treatment information.

At your appointment

Your practitioner will apply a local or topical anaesthetic to minimise any discomfort. They will then use very fine needles to insert each thread. As the needle is withdrawn, the thread hooks into the surrounding tissue, tightening and lifting the skin. Any excess thread is then trimmed off.

Following your appointment

You will be provided with aftercare instructions and will see some results of your treatment straight away. The results will be enhanced over the coming weeks as the PDO threads stimulate your natural rejuvenation processes.

Our PDO thread lift expert

image of Dr Margarita
Dr Margarita Goncarova
Medical Aesthetic Practitioner. DDS, PGDilp Dermatology

PDO thread lifts – your questions answered

What is a PDO thread?

PDO stands for polydioxanone, which is the biodegradable material used to make the implantable threads. Polydioxanone (PDO) has been used in medicine for over 30 years for sutures in both cardiovascular and orthopaedic surgery, due to its safety and reliability.

PDO threads are used for insertion into the skin tissue to lift, tighten and rejuvenate the overall appearance of the skin.

How do PDO threads work?

PDO threads have a dual effect in the skin.

Initially, they provide immediate tightening and lifting of the skin. Secondly, they stimulate your body’s own ability to generate collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

Collagen is a protein responsible for the tension and firmness of skin. Elastin is responsible for skin elasticity. Hyaluronic acid hydrates the skin.

PDO threads are slowly broken down and absorbed naturally in the skin tissue over a four to six month period.

What is the science behind PDO thread lifts?

PDO thread lifts provide an immediate lifting effect while also stimulating collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production (this 2023 study, for example, evidenced the formation of collagen following PDO thread lifts: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37128828/). 

These essential components help improve skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration. Over four to six months, the threads naturally dissolve, leaving behind smoother, tighter, and more youthful-looking skin.

All PDO thread lift treatments at Melior Clinics are carried out in Save Face accredited clinics, so you can feel confident in the safety, hygiene, and training standards we follow. For more on what to expect and how to get the best results, take a look at Save Face’s guide to thread lifts.

Further reading: 

What are the benefits of PDO thread treatment?

PDO thread lifts enhance skin tautness and texture, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and give you more elasticity in your skin.

The treatment is proven to noticeably reduce signs of ageing.

Who would make a good candidate for PDO thread lift?

Women and men who are experiencing the effects of skin laxity would benefit from PDO thread lifts.

Skin laxity can manifest as a drooping brow, lines to the forehead, skin sagging to the mid or lower face, visible jowls and loose skin to the neck and other areas of the body.

What parts of the body can be treated by PDO thread lift?

The most commonly treated areas are the cheeks, brow line, forehead and neck.

Jawline PDO threads are very effective at treating visible jowls and PDO thread lift eyes treatment is very helpful in restoring a youthful profile.

In addition, PDO threads can be used to rejuvenate the skin around your lips and to adjust the profile of your nose.

What can I expect during the treatment?

Your practitioner will have given you full information prior to your treatment regarding any preparation you need to make.

You can expect to experience some mild discomfort at the injection site during your treatment, but most sensation will be numbed using local and/or topical anaesthetic, which will be administered prior to treatment.

PDO threads are inserted through fine needles, which are withdrawn so that skin tissue is gathered over the threads. The excess thread is then trimmed at the end of the treatment.

How much does a PDO thread lift cost?

Treatment prices vary according to the needs of each individual patient and their desired results.

Your practitioner will confirm all details of the proposed treatment and cost at your free, initial consultation.

How quickly will I see results?

You will notice some visible results immediately after treatment. However, results will continue to improve over a period of two to six weeks as the PDO threads stimulate the body’s natural ability to produce new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.

How long do PDO threads last?

The PDO threads will gradually absorb over a four to six month period. Their rejuvenating effects will last on average for 12 to 18 months

After the treatment, how quickly can I return to normal, for example, can you smile after PDO threads?

PDO thread treatment is minimally invasive and requires little recovery time.

We are careful to minimise any bruising. However, it’s possible that some bruising, reddening or swelling might occur following your treatment. This should reduce significantly after a couple of days and be gone completely after ten days.

You can expect to feel some mild discomfort at the injection site after the treatment. Your practitioner will ensure you are aware of any PDO threads aftercare requirements.

Are there any side effects with PDO thread lifts?

PDO threads have an excellent safety profile and are virtually non-allergenic. PDO suture use has over 30 years of medical history supporting it.

Risks and complications are not common, but can include:

Asymmetry, temporarily visible threads shortly after treatment, rippling of the skin, temporary lack of sensitivity in the treated area and even more rarely, infection in the treated area.

Advice and insights

Botox is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for smoothing wrinkles and refreshing your appearance, but the length of time results last can vary widely. This article explores seven practical strategies to help you make your botox injections last longer.

Beauty adviceBotox
Woman wondering if she has hyperhidrosis

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating, often triggered by anxiety, stress, medical conditions, or certain substances. This article explores the various causes and potential treatment options to help manage excessive sweating effectively.

BotoxHyperhidrosis (sweating)
Woman touching her stretch marks on her leg

Stretch marks are a common concern, affecting both men and women at different stages of life. At Melior Clinics, we offer a range of solutions designed to reduce redness, improve texture, and promote collagen production.

Beauty adviceChemical peelsExosome TherapyLaser clinicMicroneedlingVenus Viva
Woman getting skin booster injected into lip

Jalupro and Profhilo are two leading skin boosters that rejuvenate and hydrate the skin. This guide explores the benefits, treatment approach and which option might be right for your skin.

Beauty adviceSkin boosters
The ultimate guide to polynucleotides

Polynucleotides are fast becoming the go-to treatment for natural skin regeneration. In this guide, we answer the most common questions about how they work, how long results last, and what to expect from treatment. Now available at all Melior Clinics locations.

Beauty advicePolynucleotidesSkin boosters

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that causes excessive sweating, often triggered by anxiety, stress, medical conditions, or certain substances. This article explores the various causes and potential treatment options to help manage excessive sweating effectively.

BotoxHyperhidrosis (sweating)

Blushing can feel unpredictable and overwhelming – especially in social situations. In this blog, we explore how to stop blushing through wellbeing techniques, medication options, and professional treatments like botox.

Botox

Laser hair removal offers long-lasting hair reduction by targeting follicles with concentrated laser energy. Using Cynosure’s Elite+ system, Melior Clinics delivers precise, effective, and safe treatments for smoother skin with minimal maintenance.

Beauty adviceLaser clinic

At Melior Clinics, we are proud to offer Exosome Therapy, a cutting-edge treatment designed to rejuvenate and repair your skin and hair. Ideal for signs of aging, scarring and sun damage, this therapy stimulates collagen production for smoother, more youthful-looking skin. Book your consultation today at Melior Clinics to experience the benefits of Exosome Therapy.

Exosome Therapy

Exclusive offers

Hydrafacial and JetPeel special offer July 2025
New Client Offer!
Get 10% off your first appointment at Melior Clinics
New to Melior Clinics? Get 10% off your first appointment with us at any clinic location!
Offer code: n/a
Valid until 31/01/26
Special offer for new patients
Save 10%
To welcome you as a new patient to Melior Clinics, we’re delighted to offer you a 10% discount on any of our skin, aesthetic and wellbeing treatments (terms apply).
Offer code: NEW10
Available now
Laser hair removal with up to 50% off
Save up to 50%
There’s never been a better time to try this gentle and effective approach to permanent reduction in unwanted hair, on any part of the body.
Offer code: LASER50
Available now
Refer a friend and you'll both be rewarded!
£25 treatment credit
When you refer a friend to Melior Clinics, we’ll reward you with a £25 credit for each friend you recommend. Plus, your friend will receive a 10% discount off their first treatment.
Offer code: n/a
Available now
PricesOffers