NON-SURGICAL FACIAL LIFTING & CONTOURING
Lift, define and refresh your appearance—without surgery
PDO Thread Lift is a minimally invasive treatment designed to gently lift and reposition areas of loose or sagging skin while improving facial contours and definition.
Using strategically placed absorbable PDO threads beneath the skin, your provider can create an immediate lifting and supporting effect in areas such as the cheeks, lower face, jawline and neck. As the threads gradually dissolve, they also stimulate a natural healing response that supports new collagen formation around the treated area.
The result is a more lifted, defined and refreshed appearance without the incisions or recovery associated with facial surgery.
At Epi Center MedSpa in San Francisco, PDO Thread Lifts are customized to your facial anatomy, degree of laxity and aesthetic goals. They can be performed alone or combined with treatments such as Sofwave, Ultherapy, fillers or other collagen-supporting treatments as part of a personalized facial rejuvenation and healthy-aging plan.
WHAT DOES PDO NOVA THREAD LIFT DO AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
PDO Nova Threads are strategically placed beneath the skin to gently lift, reposition and support areas of facial tissue that have begun to sag or lose definition.
Once placed, the threads create an immediate supportive effect that can help lift the cheeks, improve the appearance of jowls, define the jawline and address laxity in the lower face and neck. Your provider carefully determines the placement and direction of each thread based on your facial anatomy and the areas you want to improve.
PDO threads also stimulate the body’s natural healing response, encouraging collagen formation around the treated area. Over time, the threads are gradually absorbed by the body while the collagen response continues to support improvements in skin firmness and structure.
Results are both immediate and progressive: you may notice lifting and improved definition following treatment, with additional improvement developing as your skin responds over the following weeks and months.
At Epi Center MedSpa, your treatment plan is customized to you. Follow-up visits allow us to evaluate your progress and determine whether additional threads or complementary treatments would help you achieve and maintain your desired result.
WHY TRUST EPI CENTER MEDSPA FOR PDO THREAD LIFTS IN SAN FRANCISCO?
When it comes to PDO Thread Lifts, experience, technique and an understanding of facial anatomy matter.
Founded in 1998, Epi Center MedSpa was the first medical spa in the nation and has been at the forefront of medical aesthetics for more than 28 years. Co-founded by world-renowned cosmetic dermatologist Patrick H. Bitter, Sr., MD, Epi Center has been voted Best MedSpa in the Bay Area for 2026 and eight other years.
Our experienced medical providers take a customized approach to PDO Threads. We evaluate your facial structure, skin quality, degree of laxity and natural contours to determine where threads should be placed—and whether a thread lift is actually the best treatment for you.
Because we offer multiple approaches to facial rejuvenation, including PDO Threads, Sofwave, Ultherapy, Forma, fillers and biostimulatory treatments, we can recommend the treatment—or combination of treatments—that best matches your goals.
Our philosophy is simple: you should still look like
WHAT CAN PDO THREAD LIFT TREAT?
PDO Thread Lifts are designed to address mild to moderate facial laxity, loss of definition and early signs of sagging. Treatment can be customized to lift and support specific areas of the face and neck.
- Jowls and lower-face sagging
- Loss of jawline definition
- Sagging or lax cheeks
- Nasolabial folds
- Marionette area and downturn around the mouth
- Lowered or drooping brows
- Mild neck laxity
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of facial firmness and elasticity
- Early signs of facial sagging
PDO Threads are especially popular for the lower face, cheeks, jawline and neck, where strategic thread placement can create a more lifted, defined and naturally refreshed appearance.
BENEFITS OF PDO NOVA THREAD LIFT
- Immediate lifting and improved facial definition may be visible
- Helps lift and support mild to moderately lax skin
- Improves the appearance of jowls and jawline definition
- Stimulates the skin’s natural collagen response
- Minimally invasive alternative for patients not ready for surgery
- No large incisions or general anesthesia
- Typically performed in approximately 1–2 hours
- Minimal social downtime for many patients
- Results continue to evolve as swelling subsides and collagen dev
IS PDO NOVA THREAD LIFT RIGHT FOR ME?
PDO Thread Lift may be a good option if you’re beginning to notice sagging, jowls or loss of facial definition and want a more noticeable lifting effect without surgery.
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have mild to moderate facial or neck laxity
- Are noticing early jowling or a less defined jawline
- Want to lift and reposition sagging cheeks or lower-face tissue
- Prefer a minimally invasive treatment rather than surgery
- Want natural-looking improvement without dramatically changing your appearance
- Are interested in both immediate lifting an
FAQs About PDO Nova Thread Lift
How much does it cost?
The cost varies depending on factors such as the specific areas being treated and the number of threads required. The cost typically ranges between $1100 and $4500. For a personal estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our experienced professionals.
How many sessions are required?
The PDO Thread Lift treatment consists of 3 sessions, with follow-up sessions recommended at 4 weeks and at 8 weeks. Additional sessions may be needed based on individual needs. For optimal results, the treatment may need to be repeated every 18 to 24 months. Our experienced professionals will assess your progress and recommend the appropriate number of sessions.
How long does the process take?
PDO Nova Thread lifts typically take 45-90 minutes.
How quickly do I see the results?
Results from a PDO Thread Lift treatment can vary from person to person. While some individuals may notice immediate improvements such as lifted and rejuvenated skin, the best results are seen within 1 to 2 weeks after the procedure. It’s important to keep in mind that the full effects of the treatment may continue to improve over time as collagen production is stimulated. Our experienced professionals will provide you with personalized guidance on what to expect and how to optimize your results.
How long do the results last?
The results of a PDO Thread Lift treatment last between 18 to 24 months. While individual results may vary, many patients enjoy the benefits of lifted and rejuvenated skin for an extended period after the procedure. To maintain the desired results, follow-up treatments may be recommended based on your skin’s response and personal goals. Our team of experts can provide you with recommendations to help you achieve long-lasting results.
What is the downtime?
Patients having a PDO Thread Lift can expect minimal downtime following the procedure. In most cases, individuals are able to resume their daily activities the day after treatment. While some temporary mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness may occur, these effects typically subside quickly, allowing patients to quickly return to their normal routines.
Is it safe?
PDO Nova Threads are considered safe for use in cosmetic procedures. These threads are made from a biocompatible material called PDO (polydioxanone), which is designed to be safely reabsorbed by the body over time. The Nova Threads remain in place for approximately four months, providing support and lifting effects, before gradually dissolving. This process is well-tolerated by the body, making PDO Nova Threads a safe and effective option for rejuvenating the skin and enhancing facial contours. Our skilled professionals ensure that the procedure is performed with precision and attention to safety protocols to achieve optimal results for our patients.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects associated with a PDO Thread Lift may include temporary soreness, swelling, bruising, and minor puckering of the skin in the treated areas. These effects are typically mild and temporary, resolving on their own within a few days to a week. Our experienced professionals take care to minimize the risk of side effects and provide personalized post-treatment care instructions to help manage any discomfort or visible effects. It’s important to communicate any concerns to our team for proper guidance and support throughout your process.
Is the treatment painful?
While pain levels can vary from person to person, some individuals may experience mild discomfort during and shortly after treatment. However, to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment, we provide various pain management solutions. These options will be discussed with you during your consultation. Our goal is your comfort and well-being while achieving the desired aesthetic results effectively and safely.
Who performs the treatment?
Our PDO Nova Thread Lift treatments are performed by our team of highly qualified professionals, including registered nurses and nurse practitioners. With their expertise and experience in cosmetic procedures, our skilled providers ensure that you receive safe, effective, and personalized care throughout your treatment journey. Rest assured that you are in capable hands. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with confidence and satisfaction.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
To ensure the best possible outcome and personalized treatment plan, a consultation is needed before scheduling an appointment for a PDO Thread Lift. During this consultation, our medical professionals will assess your needs, discuss your goals, and recommend the best treatment approach for your individual concerns. Following the consultation, we will work with you to arrange an appointment time that fits your schedule. Your safety, satisfaction, and optimal results are our top priorities, and we are committed to providing you with exceptional care every step of the way.
What other treatments are recommended in support of PDO Nova Thread Lift?
In addition to PDO Thread Lift, we offer a range of complementary procedures that can enhance and optimize your overall results. Procedures such as Ultherapy®, BOTOX®, Dysport®, and Cosmetic Dermal Fillers are excellent combination therapies that can address different aspects of facial rejuvenation and enhancement. These treatments can work well with PDO Nova Thread Lift to achieve a comprehensive and customized approach to your goals. During your consultation, our experienced professionals will discuss these options with you and develop a treatment plan to help you achieve the results you want.
