PDO Thread Lift in Santa Barbara

A PDO (polydioxanone) thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that lifts and tightens sagging skin using dissolvable medical-grade threads. It’s often called a “lunchtime facelift” because of its quick treatment time and minimal downtime.

During the procedure, thin threads are inserted beneath the skin using fine needles. These threads have tiny barbs or cones that grip the tissue, allowing us to lift and reposition sagging skin to a more youthful position.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. As the threads dissolve over 6-8 months, they stimulate your body’s natural collagen production around the thread insertion sites. This means your results actually improve over time as new collagen forms.

PDO thread lifts are ideal for those who want noticeable lifting without the cost, downtime, or risks of surgical facelifts. Results typically last 12-18 months. A barbed PDO thread lift for the midface is $2,400, with total pricing depending on the areas treated and the number and type of threads recommended.

PDO thread lift appointments at MiraMed typically take 60-90 minutes, including consultation, facial assessment, local anesthetic, thread placement, and aftercare instructions. Downtime is mild to moderate: swelling and bruising can last approximately 1-2 weeks, and patients should avoid strenuous exercise, facial massage, and pressure on the treated area for about 2-3 weeks. Results are visible immediately from the mechanical lift of the barbed threads, continue to improve over the following weeks to months as collagen production increases, and typically last around 12 months. We use MINT Fine+ barbed PDO threads for lifting and NOVA smooth and twist threads for collagen stimulation and skin quality. Typically one treatment session is performed, with maintenance considered around 12 months later.

Good candidates for a PDO thread lift are adults with mild to moderate facial laxity who want a subtle, non-surgical lift without the downtime of traditional surgery. PDO threads may not be appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active infection in the treatment area, bleeding or clotting disorders, certain blood-thinning medications, a history of poor wound healing or keloid scarring, or certain autoimmune conditions; patients with more significant laxity may be better candidates for other treatments or surgical options.