Are PDO Threads Right for You? 7 Questions To Ask Before Booking

You might have heard that polydioxanone threads are one of today’s most popular minimally invasive antiaging treatments — and you’d be right, but that doesn’t mean this procedure is for everyone. Several factors, including age, health, skin condition, and lifestyle habits, play a role in how well PDO threads may work for you. Of course, we also need to set expectations.

If you’re considering having a little work done to refresh your appearance, PDO threads could be the perfect alternative to more extreme or long-lasting procedures. With a faster recovery time and more natural results, there’s a reason so many people are choosing this option, but it’s still a commitment. In this guide, we’ll share seven questions to ask yourself before booking a PDO thread lift so you feel confident when you meet with one of our providers. Grab a journal and a pen to jot down your responses, or simply reflect on your answers to the questions below.

What Look Do I Want To Achieve With PDO Threads?

Before you book your appointment, make sure you have a clear vision of what you want to see in the mirror afterward. PDO threads work best for clients who want to tighten and lift sagging skin, but they won’t replace lost volume the way dermal fillers can. PDO threads excel at enhancing your natural features and giving you a youthful refresh. While the effects are much less dramatic than those of a surgical facelift, they can:

Define your jawline

Reduce jowls

Lift cheeks and brows

Tighten crepey skin

Reduce neck banding

Smooth smile lines

Create a subtle “cat eye” effect

Ask yourself: What bothers me most when I look in the mirror? Am I hoping for a gentle refresh, or do I expect dramatic changes?

If you lean toward the latter, surgical options may be a better fit. But if you want natural definition with minimal downtime, PDO threads are a wonderful choice. If you’re not sure what you’re trying to change to achieve your desired look, our team at Formula Wellness can help. We’ll listen to your goals and concerns during a one-on-one consultation. Then, we’ll design a tailored plan to get you the results you desire.

How Soon Do I Want To See Results?

PDO threads are unique compared to other treatments. You’ll notice an immediate and subtle lift, but the real magic happens gradually. That’s because the threads stimulate your body to produce more collagen as they dissolve. So while you’ll enjoy having a more defined jawline or cheek contour the very same week, you’ll also enjoy improved skin firmness and elasticity over the next several months.

Ask yourself: Am I looking for a subtle lift that continues to improve over time, or do I expect more dramatic results right away?

If you want an instant change, dermal fillers or a more invasive surgical option might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you just want to look refreshed for an upcoming event such as a wedding or class reunion, PDO threads can help you achieve this while providing long-term rejuvenation benefits.

How Long Do I Want the Results To Last?

Before you schedule any aesthetic procedure, reflect on whether you’re comfortable with permanent or semipermanent results. It’s also worth considering how much maintenance you’re willing to keep up with. PDO threads usually provide noticeable improvements for 12-18 months, though the exact timeline depends on your skin quality, lifestyle habits, and the type of thread your provider uses. The sutures themselves dissolve in approximately four to six months through a natural process called hydrolysis, but this stimulates collagen production to keep you looking refreshed longer. If you’d like to maintain your youthful glow, consider scheduling an annual touch-up appointment.

Ask yourself: Am I comfortable with results that last 12-18 months and require occasional maintenance, or am I looking for something more permanent?

While surgery provides the longest-lasting results, we can also combine PDO threads with other aesthetic treatments such as Botox or fillers to develop a broader antiaging plan.

Does the Recovery Time Fit Into My Schedule?

One of the biggest advantages of PDO threads is the short recovery time compared to surgery. While you should expect a little bit of bruising and swelling for the first two to three days, most clients feel photo-ready and confident enough to attend social events by the one-week mark. To make sure you get the best results, we recommend a few temporary lifestyle tweaks. During the first week, avoid strenuous exercise, excessive heat, and steam. Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised, and try to minimize exaggerated facial movements.

Ask yourself: Does my schedule allow for a few days of downtime and small temporary changes after my PDO thread lift?

Our team at Formula Wellness is here to support your recovery with clear aftercare instructions and follow-ups to make sure you heal quickly.

Are PDO Threads Safe for Me?

PDO threads have a long history of safe use in the medical field. The dissolvable sutures we use are FDA-cleared and biocompatible for most healthy patients. That said, we carefully evaluate each of our clients to minimize potential side effects. Our providers may delay treatment for people with active infections, severe acne, or unhealed wounds in the treatment area. We’ll also review your medical history. If you’re managing a chronic condition such as diabetes, a bleeding disorder, or an autoimmune disease, we may suggest an alternative treatment.

Allergic reactions are uncommon, but if you have any sensitivities to lidocaine or numbing agents, please discuss them with your provider during your consultation. Also, let us know if you’ve ever developed keloids in the past. These thick, raised scars can be an indication that PDO threads may not heal well, and we should consider other options for you. Due to limited research, we do not advise PDO threads during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Ask yourself: Do I have any health conditions or sensitivities that could affect my ability to heal properly after treatment?

Our personalized assessment and medical review process ensures we pair you with aesthetic treatments that are safe and effective. If another procedure or service we offer is more appropriate, we’ll guide you toward it for the best results.

Am I a Good Candidate for PDO Threads?

PDO threads work well for people in their 30s to 50s who have mild-to-moderate skin laxity. If this sounds like you and you’re not ready to commit to a more permanent surgical treatment, PDO threads could be the perfect option. However, if your concern is more advanced or you’re looking for more dramatic results, we may steer you toward another procedure to achieve your goals. We’ll also review several lifestyle factors with you during your consultation. Sun damage, smoking, and inconsistent skincare habits can affect your ability to heal and maintain the outcome you desire.

Ask yourself: Am I seeking a small refresh that appears natural, and am I willing to support my results with healthy habits?

Our personalized approach involves a thorough review of your skin health, wellness habits, medical history, and goals so we can recommend the right path forward.

Is a Different Antiaging Treatment Right for Me?

Choosing the right antiaging treatment begins with understanding your options. PDO threads are wonderful for patients who want a subtle lift or collagen stimulation without surgery. Just keep in mind they serve a different purpose than other injectables. Dermal fillers replace lost volume to make your cheeks and lips look fuller or more defined, while Botox softens expression lines. Each of these treatments has its own strengths and benefits.

Often, the best results come from combining them to create a holistic plan. In fact, a recent systematic review found that combining PDO threads with hyaluronic acid fillers improved long-term facial volume and contour outcomes.

Ask yourself: Am I looking for a single treatment, or would I benefit from a layered approach that addresses multiple signs of aging?

Before your consultation, explore our wide range of aesthetic treatments and wellness programs to see how we can weave multiple therapies into your holistic plan.

Find Out if PDO Threads Are Right for You

Interested in giving your face a subtle lift and boosting collagen production? PDO threads offer a quick and safe alternative to traditional plastic surgery for many people. Find out if you’re a candidate for PDO threads by scheduling a consultation at Formula Wellness today. Together, we’ll explore how PDO threads fit into your long-term wellness goals and develop a holistic plan to help you feel your very best.