PDO Thread Lift (Mid Face)

Mariposa Transformation Wellness Center & Med Spa, nestled in the heart of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is a sanctuary for those seeking to rejuvenate their appearance and rediscover their youthful allure. We offer PDO Thread Lift treatments … a minimally invasive non-surgical facelift procedure.

🔹Here’s a Breakdown:

Material: They are made of polydioxanone, a biodegradable polymer that has been used safely for many years in absorbable surgical sutures
❓ How they Work:
- Threads are inserted into the skin using fine needles or cannulas
- They provide an immediate lifting effect (by physically tightening loose skin) and a longer-term rejuvenation effect (by stimulating collagen production as the threads dissolve over 6 – 12 months)
Types of PDO Threads:
- Smooth (Mono) Threads → Mainly for Skin Rejuvenation and Tightening
- Screw / Twisted Threads → Add Volume and Improve Skin Elasticity
- Barbed / Cog Threads → Have Tiny Hooks that Anchor into Tissue Creating a Stronger Lifting Effect
Treatment Areas:
- Face: Brows, Under Eyes, Cheeks, Jawline
- Neck
- Body Areas: Arms, Thighs and Abdomen
Benefits: Minimally invasive, short recovery time, stimulates natural collagen and gradual, natural-looking improvement and they work best for mild to moderate skin laxity

✨ General Indications

Mild to Moderate Skin Sagging
Early Signs of Aging (Before Facelift Surgery is Needed)
Desire for Natural, Subtle Lift Rather than Dramatic Change
Patients who Want Non-Surgical, Minimally Invasive Alternatives
Patients Who Can’t or Don’t Want General Anesthesia or Long Recovery Times

✨ Facial Indications

Eyebrow Lift (Non-Surgical Brow Lift)
Sagging Cheeks (“Midface Lift”)
Nasolabial Folds (Smile Lines)
Marionette Lines (Lines from Corners of Mouth Down)
Jowls / Jawline Definition
Neck Laxity (“Turkey Neck”)

🚩 Contraindications

Severe Skin Laxity or Very Heavy Tissue (these cases usually need Surgical Facelift
Patients with Unrealistic Expectations of “Surgical” Results

⚠️ Common Side Effects of a PDO Thread Lift:

⚠️Typical Side Effects (usually short-term)

Swelling – Most noticeable in the first few days
Bruising – Small bruises around the entry points are common
Soreness or Tenderness – Especially when talking, chewing or making facial expressions
Redness at Insertion Sites – Generally mild and fades within days
Tight or Pulling Sensation – Threads create tension, which relaxes as they settle
Dimpling of the Skin – Caused by the thread pulling and usually resolves
Itching – As the skin heals

⚠️Less Common but Possible Side Effects

Visible or Palpable Threads - More likely if you have thin skin
Asymmetry - Usually temporary as swelling settles and / or threads dissolve
Small Lumps or Nodules - Usually dissolve as threads integrate

⚠️RISKS: Generally considered safe, but like any medical or cosmetic procedure, it does carry risks and side effects

⚠️Common / Usually Mild Risks

Bruising and Swelling – Often resolve within a week or two
Pain or Tenderness – Typically mild and temporary
Skin Dimpling or Irregularities – Caused by the thread pulling ; usually improve as the skin settles
Mild Bleeding – At the insertion points
Temporary Tightness or Pulling Sensation – As the threads anchor into place

⚠️Moderate Risks

Infection – At the insertion site if not kept sterile
Prolonged Swelling or Bruising – Lasting more than 2 – 3 weeks
Migration or Extrusion of Threads – Threads moving from their original position or poking out of the skin

⚠️Rare but Serious Risks

Nerve Injury – leading to numbness or movement changes
Scarring or Skin Damage
Allergic Reaction – Rare, since PDO is usually well tolerated

What is the expected healing process of a PDO Thread Procedure?

🩹 1) Immediately After the Procedure (Day 0 – 1)

Mild swelling, redness, and tenderness at insertion points
Some tightness or pulling sensation is normal
Small bruises or dimpling may appear
You’ll be advised to avoid touching, massaging, or applying pressure to your face
Cold compresses may help reduce swelling

🌤️ 2) Early Healing Phase (Days 2 – 7)

Swelling and bruising peak in the first 48 hours, then gradually improve
You may feel slight discomfort when moving facial muscles (smiling, chewing)
Minor asymmetry or skin irregularities can appear but typically resolve
Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive facial movement, or sleeping on your side

🌿 3) Settling Phase (Weeks 2 – 4)

Threads start to integrate with tissue, anchoring in place
The tightness sensation begins to lessen
Most visible side effects fade, and the face looks more natural
You can resume normal activities and gentle skincare routines

💪 4) Collagen Stimulation Phase (Months 1 – 6)

The PDO material gradually dissolves, stimulating new collagen and elastin around the threads
Skin becomes firmer, smoother, and more lifted over time
Optimal results are often seen around 3 – 4 months post-procedure

🌸 5) Maintenance Phase (6 – 12+ months)

PDO threads are completely absorbed by about 6 – 9 months, but the collagen network they created can last 12 – 24 months
Results fade gradually, so maintenance treatments every 12–18 months are common