Step-by-Step Guide: What to Expect During a PDO Thread Procedure

You’re not the only person who has ever observed drooping skin or a loss of firmness around your neck, jawline, or cheekbones when you look in the mirror. The proteins that maintain our skin’s firmness and youth, collagen and elastin, start to deteriorate as we age. The face typically appears worn out or less defined due to laxity and fine wrinkles.

For many people, the idea of surgery feels too invasive or intimidating. That’s where PDO threads come in a minimally invasive, non-surgical way to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin with minimal downtime.

At Posh Aesthetics in Murrells Inlet, SC, PDO thread treatments have become a sought-after solution for individuals who want natural-looking rejuvenation without the need for scalpels or extensive recovery. This treatment stimulates your skin’s own collagen, gradually improving tone and firmness over time.

If you’ve been wondering what actually happens during a PDO thread lift how it feels, how long it takes, and what results you can expect this step-by-step guide will walk you through every stage of the process with realistic insight and clarity.

Understanding PDO Threads and How They Work

Polydioxanone threads, or PDO threads for short, are medical-grade sutures composed of a biocompatible substance that gradually dissolves in the body without posing any risks. Although these threads have been utilized for decades in medical treatments, their primary function in aesthetic medicine is to stimulate collagen, tighten, and contour the skin.

There are two primary types of PDO threads:

• Thread Lifts: These procedures utilize barbed or cogged threads to lift gently and reposition sagging skin, particularly in areas such as the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
  
• Smooth Threads: These are smaller and used to refine skin texture, soften fine lines, and stimulate collagen in delicate areas such as around the eyes, forehead, or mouth.
  

When inserted beneath the skin, PDO threads do two essential things:

1. Provide immediate lift: The threads physically support the skin, creating an instant tightening effect.
   
2. Stimulate collagen production: Over time, your body naturally produces more collagen around the threads, resulting in firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin even after the threads dissolve.
   

This dual effect makes PDO threads a powerful non-surgical facelift alternative, delivering gradual yet noticeable rejuvenation.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect During a PDO Thread Procedure

While every treatment is tailored to individual goals, most PDO thread procedures at Posh Aesthetics in Murrells Inlet, SC, follow a similar process. Here’s what to expect from consultation to recovery.

1. Consultation and Personalized Assessment

Your PDO thread journey begins with a consultation at Posh Aesthetics. During this session, your provider will discuss your aesthetic goals, skin concerns, and medical history.

They’ll examine the structure of your face, skin elasticity, and the areas where volume loss or sagging is most visible. Based on these findings, a customized treatment plan is designed, selecting the optimal type, placement, and number of threads tailored to your specific needs.

This consultation ensures that expectations are realistic and that you understand what PDO threads can achieve: natural enhancement, not an overdone look.

2. Preparing for the Procedure

On the day of your treatment, you’ll arrive at the clinic with a clean face free from makeup, lotions, or sunscreen. Your provider will then:

• Cleanse the treatment area with an antiseptic solution.
  
• Apply a topical numbing cream or local anesthetic to ensure comfort.
  
• Mark the insertion points where threads will be strategically placed to achieve your desired lift.
  

This step is crucial for precision. The markings guide the practitioner to follow your natural facial contours, ensuring results that complement your unique features.

3. The Insertion Process

Your skin will be completely numbed before the PDO thread lift starts. The threads are inserted beneath the skin’s surface by the practitioner using a tiny needle or cannula. A few to several threads may be positioned in particular locations, such as the following, depending on your treatment plan:

• The jawline, for improved definition and jowl reduction
  
• The cheeks, for restored mid-face volume
  
• The neck, for tighter, smoother skin
  
• Around the brows, for a subtle lifting effect
  

Instead of describing the experience as pain, the majority of patients describe it as mild pressure or slight pulling. Depending on the number of places treated, the whole procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.

Once the threads are in place, the provider may make minor adjustments to ensure a balanced, lifted appearance. The threads immediately anchor into the tissue, producing a subtle yet noticeable tightening effect.

4. Post-Procedure Finishing Touches

After all threads are in place, your provider will gently clean the area again and review the aftercare instructions with you. There’s no need for sutures or bandages.

You’ll likely see some instant improvement right after the procedure the skin appears firmer and lifted. However, the best results develop gradually over the following weeks and months as collagen production increases and your skin strengthens naturally.

5. Recovery and Aftercare

One of the primary reasons people opt for PDO threads over surgical options is the minimal downtime. Most patients can return to their normal activities within one to two days.

However, it’s normal to experience mild side effects such as:

• Slight swelling or bruising
  
• Tenderness at insertion sites
  
• Temporary tightness or asymmetry (which resolves as threads settle)
  

Your provider at Posh Aesthetics will recommend aftercare tips such as:

• Avoid touching or massaging the treated area for a few days
  
• Sleep on your back to prevent thread displacement.
  
• Skip intense exercise, saunas, or facials for about a week.k
  

Following these guidelines helps your skin heal smoothly and ensures that the threads integrate effectively for long-lasting results.

Your Next Step Toward a Lifted, Rejuvenated Look

Aging is natural but how you respond to it is your choice. If sagging skin, loss of contour, or early jowling has left you feeling less confident, PDO threads offer a gentle yet effective path toward renewal.

At Posh Aesthetics, every PDO thread treatment is personalized to your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals. Their expert team focuses on safety, balance, and natural results so you can look rejuvenated without losing your authentic appearance.

Ready to discover how PDO threads can boost your confidence and refresh your appearance? Get a Personalized PDO Thread Treatment Plan at Posh Aesthetics in Murrells Inlet, SC, and experience a smoother, tighter, and naturally lifted version of yourself.