A PDO lift is a non-surgical procedure that uses dissolvable threads placed under the skin to lift sagging areas on the face or body. It works by giving an instant lift and encouraging collagen production over time, helping improve skin firmness and texture.
This treatment has become popular because it offers natural-looking results with little recovery time compared to surgery. People choose it to look refreshed without the risks or downtime of a facelift.
But here’s the key question: Do you need maintenance treatments to keep those results? The short answer is yes because while the threads dissolve, the skin keeps aging. Let’s break down why maintenance matters and how you can make the most of your PDO lift.
What Is a PDO Lift?
What Is a PDO Lift?
A PDO lift is a non-surgical treatment that uses fine, dissolvable threads under the skin to lift and firm sagging areas. It’s a quick procedure done in-office, usually under local numbing, and doesn’t require cutting or stitches.
How PDO Threads Work
The threads are made from polydioxanone (PDO), a material safely used in medical sutures for years. Once placed under the skin, the threads gently lift loose tissue and stimulate natural collagen production. You see some lifting right away, but the real benefit comes over the next few months as collagen builds up, improving skin texture and firmness.
Areas Commonly Treated
PDO lifts are used most often on the face—especially the jawline, cheeks, brows, and under-eye area—to restore definition and fight sagging. They’re also used on the neck and body, such as around the knees, arms, or abdomen, where skin has become looser with age.
How Long Do PDO Lift Results Last?
On average, PDO lift results last between 6 and 18 months. Some people notice the lift fading closer to 6 months, while others enjoy benefits for over a year. It depends on how your skin responds and how you care for it afterward.
Factors That Affect Duration
- Skin type and thickness: Thicker or firmer skin usually holds results longer, while thinner skin may need touch-ups sooner.
- Age and collagen production: Younger people or those with good collagen levels often get longer-lasting improvements. As we age, natural collagen slows down, shortening the effect.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, too much sun, or a poor diet can break down collagen faster, reducing how long the lift lasts. On the other hand, healthy habits and sunscreen can help maintain results.
Benefits of PDO Lift
A PDO lift offers several key advantages for anyone seeking a non-surgical skin rejuvenation option:
- Immediate results — You can see a visible lift right after the procedure.
- Minimal downtime — Most people return to normal activities within a day or two.
- Non-surgical — No cutting, stitches, or hospital stay required.
- Natural collagen production — The threads stimulate your body to make more collagen, improving skin firmness over time.
- Customizable treatment — Areas like the jawline, cheeks, neck, or even body can be treated based on your needs.
- Long-lasting effects — Even after threads dissolve, the collagen boost can last up to two years.
- Low risk of complications — Compared to surgery, the risks are minimal.
- Versatility — Can be combined with Botox, fillers, or other treatments for enhanced results.
- No general anesthesia required — Done under local anesthesia, making recovery smoother.
To protect these benefits and ensure a smooth healing process, proper aftercare is key.
PDO Lift Recovery and Aftercare
Good aftercare helps you heal well and make the most of your PDO lift:
- Keep the area clean and avoid touching — This lowers the risk of infection and lets threads settle properly.
- Apply ice packs for swelling — Helps reduce mild swelling or discomfort in the first couple of days.
- Avoid heavy exercise for about a week — Prevents thread movement before they anchor into place.
- Sleep with your head elevated — Reduces swelling during the first few nights.
- Use gentle skincare and avoid rubbing — Cleanse carefully and skip facial massages or scrubs.
- Apply SPF daily — Protects the skin, which will be more sensitive to sun exposure.
- Attend follow-up visits at one week and one month — Allows your provider to check healing and ensure results are on track.
Once recovery is complete, it’s worth knowing how to maintain your lift results over time.
Do PDO Lifts Require Maintenance Treatments?
Short Answer: Yes, For Optimal Results
PDO lifts are not permanent because the threads naturally dissolve in the skin over several months. While they trigger collagen growth, that extra collagen won’t stop the natural aging process. Over time, skin will continue to lose firmness and elasticity, which can reduce the visible lift.
Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Most providers suggest a touch-up about 9 to 12 months after the first treatment. This helps refresh the lift before the results fade.
You may need maintenance if you notice early signs like sagging skin, less defined contours, or a drop in skin tightness. Keeping up with small maintenance sessions can help you avoid bigger corrections later.
What Maintenance Treatments Help Prolong PDO Lift Results?
To make your PDO lift results last longer, maintenance is key. This can mean adding new threads or combining treatments like Botox, fillers, or skincare to support and extend your results. Let’s break down how each helps.
Repeat PDO Thread Sessions
To keep the lift effect, many patients schedule follow-up PDO thread sessions. These are often smaller treatments focused on areas where the skin has relaxed. Some providers combine lifting threads (for firmness) with smooth threads (to boost collagen and improve skin texture), giving better overall results.
Complementary Treatments
Other treatments can help extend and support the PDO lift:
- Botox or Dysport: These injections relax facial muscles that pull skin downward, helping the lift last longer.
- Dermal fillers: If volume loss is part of the issue, fillers can restore shape and balance, especially in the cheeks or under the eyes.
- Microneedling or RF treatments: These stimulate deeper collagen production, which strengthens skin and supports the lift effect.
- Good skincare and SPF: Daily sunscreen and quality skincare protect the skin from sun damage and keep the skin healthier, helping results last.
Risks of Skipping Maintenance
Skipping maintenance after a PDO lift can undo your progress over time. Here’s what can happen if you don’t keep up with touch-ups and care.
- Faster loss of results
Without maintenance, the lift effect fades as threads dissolve and collagen levels drop. - Return of sagging skin
Skin may go back to its pre-treatment state, with looseness or drooping reappearing. - Need for full treatments later.
Skipping small touch-ups can lead to needing full PDO lift sessions again, which may cost more. - More visible aging over time
Without upkeep, natural aging continues, making future correction harder or less effective.
Staying on top of maintenance helps you hold onto smoother, firmer skin and avoid bigger treatments down the line.
Who Should Consider Maintenance PDO Treatments?
Maintenance treatments aren’t for everyone, but some people benefit more from regular touch-ups. Here’s who should consider them:
- Adults over 35
Skin starts losing collagen faster with age, so people in this group often need maintenance to keep their lift. - Those with moderate to severe skin laxity
If you have more pronounced sagging, maintaining regular treatments helps maintain the results longer. - People with expressive faces
Frequent facial movement can wear down lift effects, making maintenance more useful. - Active individuals or outdoor enthusiasts
Sun exposure and active lifestyles can speed up skin aging, requiring extra care to maintain results.
By knowing if you fall into one of these groups, you can work with your provider to plan the right maintenance routine. Let’s wrap up with why having a plan matters.
Conclusion
A PDO lift offers a smart, non-surgical way to lift and firm the skin, but its real value comes when combined with a long-term plan. Maintenance treatments aren’t just about keeping up appearances — they help you protect the collagen gains, slow visible aging, and avoid the need for more aggressive procedures later.
Working with an experienced provider to personalize your maintenance routine ensures your results look natural and evolve with you over time. Instead of chasing quick fixes, think of PDO maintenance as part of your overall skin health strategy — helping you age confidently and gracefully.
