Traditional PDO Thread Lift vs Liquid PDO Thread Lift: Which Should You Choose?

fundamentalmedical
Oct 17
9 min read

Introduction to PDO Thread Lift

In aesthetic medicine, thread lifts have long been a go-to minimally invasive procedure and minimally invasive option to lift sagging skin without surgery. As a non surgical and low risk procedure, thread lifts offer a safer alternative to traditional facelifts. Over time, however, newer techniques and treatments have emerged—one of them being liquid PDO thread lift (also called “liquid thread lift”), which promises collagen stimulation without the mechanical threading.

This article compares traditional PDO thread lift and liquid PDO thread lift, examines how they work, their pros/cons, and helps you understand which might be more suitable based on skin type, downtime tolerance, and ageing concerns.

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What Is a Traditional PDO Thread Lift?

A traditional PDO thread lift uses absorbable, barbed (or smooth) polydioxanone (PDO) threads—dissolvable threads—that are inserted under the skin to provide mechanical lifting and structural support. A thin needle is used for precise placement of the threads. Over time, the threads dissolve, sutures dissolve, but leave behind a scaffold of collagen.

Studies show that PDO threads, once inserted, stimulate collagen formation, stimulate collagen production, and stimulates collagen production around the thread and improve vascularization in the treated area, supporting the healing process as collagen production increases during recovery.
Because of their barbs, they can pull and anchor tissues, giving an immediate lifting effect, though not as dramatic results as a traditional facelift, plus a longer biostimulatory effect.
But absorption is expected: PDO threads typically dissolve in ~4–6 months; the collagen they provoke may persist beyond that period.

Minimal downtime and minimal recovery time are key advantages compared to surgical options.

Face thread lift procedures are commonly used to address treatment areas with sagging areas and volume loss, such as the cheeks, jawline, and nasolabial folds.

It is important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon, experienced plastic surgeons, or a clinic with a medical director to ensure safety and optimal results. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, often with numbing cream applied for comfort, and can typically be completed during a lunch break.

Recovery time is generally short, but it is important to follow aftercare instructions, such as avoiding to drink alcohol during the initial healing process.

What Is Liquid PDO Thread Lift?

Liquid PDO thread lift (a conceptual/innovative approach) refers to using PDO material in a liquid form—specifically, liquid pdo threads—(injected, not as physical threads), to harness the biostimulatory effects without the mechanical anchoring.

The aim is to achieve collagen stimulation, stimulating collagen production, and as collagen production increases, skin tightening and improved texture, resulting in smoother skin, without the risks of mechanical thread complications (dimpling, visible threads).
Because it’s relatively new, scientific literature is scarce. The technique is more experimental and emerging in aesthetic practice. It is considered suitable for different skin types and can address a variety of skin concerns, making it a versatile option for personalized treatment.
It’s often paired with microinjections or micro-cannulas, distributing dissolved PDO or PDO derivatives. Treatment areas can include specific regions of the face or body, such as the jawline, cheeks, and nasolabial folds, depending on the patient's needs.

The healing process is generally straightforward, with minimal downtime and minimal recovery time, allowing most patients to resume daily activities quickly. Results typically become visible within a few weeks, but outcomes may vary depending on individual factors such as age, skin type, and lifestyle. Unlike traditional thread lifts that use dissolvable threads, the liquid form used here is a non-surgical alternative, offering a less invasive approach. The procedure is quick enough to be performed during a lunch break.

It is important to choose a qualified plastic surgeon, experienced plastic surgeons, or a clinic with a reputable medical director to ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively. While the results are generally subtle and natural-looking, they do not provide the dramatic results of surgical facelifts. This treatment is particularly indicated for addressing volume loss, sagging areas, and various skin concerns. For enhanced rejuvenation, liquid PDO thread lifts can be combined with dermal fillers to restore volume and improve overall facial contours.

How They Work: Mechanism Comparison

Mechanism	Traditional PDO Thread Lift	Liquid PDO Thread Lift
Mechanical Lift	Thread barbs anchor and reposition tissues	No mechanical pulling, purely biostimulatory
Biostimulation	Threads act as scaffold; stimulate collagen production and stimulating collagen production occurs as collagen forms around and along dissolvable threads	Dissolved PDO in liquid form triggers fibroblasts to stimulate collagen production and stimulating collagen production in injection planes
Longevity of support	Anchoring + induced collagen maintains lift for months to a year+	Mostly dependent on collagen remodelling since no structural support remains
Complications risk	Thread migration, dimpling, extrusion, contour irregularity, asymmetry; minimal downtime and minimal recovery time	Possibly fewer mechanical complications, but risk of uneven distribution or localized reactions; minimal downtime and minimal recovery time

One animal-model comparative study shows that PCL, PLLA, and PDO threads differ in their collagen enhancement effect; PCL was more active than PDO and PLLA in boosting dermal collagen in UV-exposed skin models. PubMed This underscores how the material type matters, even in thread or injectable form.

During the healing process, collagen production increases over time, leading to gradual improvement in skin firmness and texture. Results may vary depending on individual factors such as skin types, age, lifestyle, and specific skin concerns. Both traditional and liquid PDO thread lifts are suitable for various treatment areas, especially for addressing volume loss and sagging areas like the jawline, cheeks, and nasolabial folds. While these procedures provide a natural lift, they do not achieve the dramatic results of a traditional facelift, which is more invasive. For enhanced outcomes, thread lifts can be combined with dermal fillers to further restore volume and rejuvenate the face.

Targeted Areas for Treatment

The thread lift procedure is a versatile treatment option designed to address a range of aging concerns across multiple areas of the face and body. By targeting sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles, thread lifts can help restore a more youthful appearance and improve skin texture in specific zones.

The most popular targeted areas for thread lift procedures include the midface, jawline, neck, and even the hands. In the face, thread lifts are commonly used to lift sagging cheeks, define the jawline, and smooth nasolabial folds and marionette lines. The under eye area and brow can also benefit from a subtle lift, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and rejuvenate tired-looking skin.

Beyond the face, the neck is a frequent treatment area, where thread lifts can tighten loose skin and minimize horizontal neck lines. Some practitioners also use thread lift techniques on the body, such as the upper arms or abdomen, to combat signs of skin laxity and improve overall skin firmness.

By focusing on these targeted areas, the thread lift procedure offers a minimally invasive way to lift, tighten, and smooth the skin, making it a popular choice for those seeking natural looking results without the downtime of traditional surgery.

Advantages & Drawbacks

✅ Advantages of Traditional PDO Thread Lift

Immediate visible lift due to mechanical repositioning
Combined lift + collagen stimulation
Good for moderate sagging zones
Many clinicians are experienced with thread lifts
Minimal downtime and minimal recovery time, allowing quick return to daily activities
Non surgical and low risk procedure compared to surgical options
Can deliver more dramatic results in certain treatment areas, especially for addressing volume loss and sagging areas
Should be performed by a qualified plastic surgeon for optimal safety and results

❌ Limitations

As threads dissolve, lifting may regress
Mechanical risks (thread extrusion, dimpling, asymmetry)
Requires precise placement technique; misuse can lead to complications
Some patients find discomfort or tension in days after
Recovery time may include mild bruising, mild swelling, swelling and bruising, or bruising and swelling, which typically last up to five days or a few weeks.
The healing process and results may vary depending on individual factors such as skin types, skin concerns, and medical conditions.

✅ Advantages of Liquid PDO Thread Lift

No physical threads → lower risk of mechanical complications
Potentially more uniform collagen stimulation across planes
Lower downtime and less risk of thread-related side effects
Minimal downtime and minimal recovery time, allowing for a quick return to daily activities
Non surgical and low risk procedure compared to traditional facelifts
Can be performed during a lunch break for added convenience
Suitable for a variety of treatments and treatment areas, effective for all skin types and skin concerns, including addressing volume loss and sagging areas
Can be combined with dermal fillers for enhanced facial rejuvenation results
More flexible for mild sagging or skin quality improvement

❌ Limitations

Lack of strong clinical evidence / published studies
No mechanical lifting capability → may be less effective in moderate sagging
Efficacy dependent entirely on body’s collagen response
Risk of uneven zones or nodules if distribution is not uniform
Visible results may take a few weeks to appear, depending on the healing process
Outcomes may vary depending on individual factors, skin types, and specific skin concerns
Results are generally less dramatic results compared to a traditional facelift

Which One Should You Choose?

For moderate sagging / repositioning needs → Traditional PDO thread lift is likely better since it offers structural lift and support, especially for sagging areas and volume loss in key treatment areas like the jawline, cheeks, and nasolabial folds. This non-surgical, low risk procedure provides a noticeable lift with minimal downtime and minimal recovery time, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types and skin concerns.
For early ageing, skin laxity, or quality improvement → Liquid PDO thread lift may suffice when you don’t need strong mechanical lift. This treatment is ideal for addressing mild skin concerns and can be tailored to different skin types. Results may vary depending on individual factors such as age, skin type, and lifestyle.
Skin type / risk tolerance → If patient is risk-averse (e.g. thin skin, prior complications, sensitive face), liquid PDO may be safer. Both treatments are non-surgical and considered low risk procedures, but the choice should be based on individual skin concerns and risk tolerance.
Maintenance & longevity → Thread lift gives a combined effect (lift + collagen) but needs revisit. Liquid PDO relies entirely on collagen production, so results may fade as collagen remodels. Longevity and outcomes vary depending on individual factors.

While thread lifts and other non-surgical treatments offer natural-looking improvements with minimal downtime, they do not provide the dramatic results of a traditional facelift, which is a more invasive surgical option with longer recovery and higher risk. However, thread lifts are an attractive alternative for those seeking subtle rejuvenation and quick return to daily activities.

Clinics often combine both in a hybrid approach: threads + liquid PDO or other injectables such as dermal fillers to balance lift, address volume loss, and smoothness for optimal results.

Safety, Risks & Considerations

For traditional PDO thread lifts, complications can include mild bruising, mild swelling, swelling and bruising, bruising and swelling, skin dimpling, contour irregularities, infection, thread migration or extrusion. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, often resolving within up to five days, though some swelling or bruising may persist for a few weeks.
Proper technique, correct placement, experience, and patient selection by a qualified plastic surgeon, plastic surgeons, or medical director are crucial. A literature review notes there’s still a big theoretical/methodological gap in standards for PDO insertion.
Because liquid PDO thread lift is newer, long-term safety data is sparse—clinics must monitor for localized reactions, unevenness, or fibrosis. This is considered a low risk procedure with minimal downtime, minimal recovery time, and short recovery time compared to surgical alternatives.
Both require downtime precautions: avoid strenuous activity, facial massages for a window in first days, good sleep positioning, and do not drink alcohol during the healing process to promote optimal recovery.
Suitability and results may vary depending on medical conditions, skin types, skin concerns, and individual factors such as age and lifestyle. Treatment areas are selected based on specific skin concerns, and these are non surgical procedures designed for a range of skin types.

Conclusion

Traditional PDO thread lift is a well-known, time-tested technique that combines mechanical repositioning with collagen stimulation. Liquid PDO thread lift, on the other hand, removes the mechanical component and relies on the collagen-stimulating properties of PDO derivatives alone. As a non-surgical, low-risk procedure with minimal downtime and minimal recovery time, the liquid PDO thread lift allows most patients to resume daily activities quickly.

If your primary concern is lifting sagging skin, traditional thread lift remains strong. But for those who want more subtle skin quality improvement with lower risk, liquid PDO thread lift is an intriguing alternative—with the caveat that its clinical evidence is still emerging. However, it's important to note that a traditional facelift delivers more dramatic results, but involves greater risks, cost, and recovery time compared to thread lifts.

When deciding, a detailed consultation with a qualified clinician is crucial, to assess skin condition, tissue laxity, tension areas, and your tolerance for risk vs downtime. The choice between treatments should consider your skin type, specific skin concerns, and individual factors such as age and lifestyle, as results may vary depending on these elements. Combining thread lifts with dermal fillers can further enhance facial rejuvenation and address volume loss for optimal results.

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