Everyone wants to stay looking young and youthful for as long as possible. However, many patients are not willing to endure an invasive surgery, or have to deal with substantial recovery time. Luckily, with recent advances and innovations in the medical and cosmetic industry, there are newer alternative treatments to renew your look without surgery.
Dr. Charles Lively and Lively Wellness and Aesthetics in Odessa, TX are proud to offer our patients the latest and most innovative treatments. That is why we offer the PDO (Polydiaoxinone) Facelift for achieving a vibrant and younger-looking appearance.
PDO Facelift is a cutting-edge remedy that utilizes threads called Polydiaoxinone, which are gently injected into the underlying layers of skin tissue. The threads are effective at instantly lifting skin that has begun to sag and droop.
Collagen production is also stimulated, which enhances skin hydration and rejuvenation. The specialized thread effectively tightens the skin, and improves midfacial volume loss, for a more youthful appearance, without the need for surgery. The Polydiaoxinone thread is also safe because it dissolves into the surrounding tissue over time.
Because this is a minimally invasive procedure and not a surgical one, you avoid general anesthesia, incisions and extended recovery. You get a smoother, more defined facial contour with considerably less disruption to your daily routine.
PDO threads can be strategically placed in multiple areas of the face and neck to restore definition and improve mild-to-moderate laxity. Your treatment is customized based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Common treatment areas include:
During your consultation, your provider will determine which placement strategies to use to achieve balanced, natural-looking support.
You can see results before you leave the office. By physically repositioning tissue that has descended over time, PDO threads restore definition to areas like the cheeks, jawline and lower face. Most patients notice a more sculpted contour right away, and the improvement only continues from there.
Beyond the initial lift, the threads trigger your body’s healing response. Your skin responds to the presence of the threads by generating fresh collagen, a process that gradually improves firmness and elasticity over the weeks and months ahead. So even as the threads dissolve, their benefits linger.
A PDO facelift gives you facial rejuvenation without surgical incisions. The procedure uses fine needles or cannulas to place threads beneath the skin, so there is no skin removal and no structural alteration of the face. It is a physical lift, just achieved through a less invasive route.
Most patients return to normal activities shortly after treatment. You might notice some mild swelling, bruising or tenderness, but these effects typically fade within several days. If you have a full schedule and can’t afford to disappear for weeks while you recover, you may prefer threads over facelift surgery.
Your body builds its own collagen around the threads, so the outcome looks natural. You maintain your natural facial expressions and movement, and the improvement is subtle enough that people notice you look great without necessarily knowing why.
Dermal fillers restore lost volume by adding hyaluronic acid beneath the skin. This approach is effective for contour enhancement, but it does not physically lift tissue that has descended. A PDO facelift repositions and supports the skin and underlying tissues. There is an actual lifting effect, not just added volume. Often, fillers and threads work well together because they address different aspects of facial aging.
Neuromodulators like Botox® relax facial muscles to soften dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions. However, they do nothing to address skin laxity or tissue descent. If your concern is less about wrinkles and more about sinking tissues or contours losing definition, PDO threads target the structural component that neuromodulators cannot.
Radiofrequency and ultrasound treatments stimulate collagen production using heat. This natural bodily process takes time, so these technologies do not provide an immediate lift. A PDO facelift gives you both instant repositioning and ongoing collagen stimulation. If you want visible contour improvement from day one, threads deliver faster results.
A surgical facelift is the most comprehensive solution for advanced skin laxity. But it requires anesthesia, incisions and a recovery period. A PDO facelift is best suited for patients who want moderate lifting and improved definition without visible scarring or prolonged downtime. Depending on the degree of laxity, threads may delay the eventual need for surgery.
PDO facelift treatments are considered minimally invasive and generally well tolerated. However, as with any aesthetic procedure, there are potential risks and temporary side effects.
Common and temporary effects may include:
Less common complications can include:
At Lively Wellness and Aesthetics, Dr. Lively and his team prioritize sterile protocols and personalized treatment planning during every PDO thread procedure. We are also transparent about what to expect, because we believe informed patients are the most satisfied patients.
Preparation is straightforward. During your consultation at Lively Wellness and Aesthetics, your provider evaluates your facial structure, skin quality and aesthetic goals to determine the best approach for your needs. Your provider also reviews your medical history to confirm you are a good candidate and may advise you to avoid blood-thinning medications or supplements before treatment to minimize the chance of bruising.
This is also a good time to ask questions. We want you to feel fully informed and comfortable before moving forward.
Local anesthesia is administered prior to treatment to ensure optimal patient comfort. The entire procedure typically lasts 15 to 30 minutes, and causes minimal- discomfort. As the PDO threads are applied, the tissue is lifted and repositioned, while smoothing away aging concerns on the surface. Collagen production is activated for continued rejuvenation of skin. You can instantly notice improvements in your skin and facial contour following treatment.
There is no required downtime, and the threads will completely dissolve in about six to 18 months. Some patients notice slight tightness or subtle puckering that typically resolves as the threads settle. Once dissolved, you can continue to notice results for younger-looking skin for three to six months due to cellular rejuvenation.
During the first several days, mild swelling, bruising or tenderness may be present. Some patients notice slight tightness or minor irregularities as the threads settle into position. These effects typically improve within one to two weeks. Most individuals return to routine activities quickly, while avoiding strenuous movement and excessive facial manipulation during early healing.
As swelling resolves, the contours of the lift become more refined and natural-looking. The tissue adapts to its new position, and early collagen formation begins to build beneath the surface, adding subtle support that you can feel in the firmness of your skin.
Collagen production ramps up during this period. The mechanical lift from the threads is still in place, and now the biological benefits are catching up, with improved firmness and smoother texture becoming more apparent.
The threads gradually dissolve, but the collagen framework they helped create remains. Many patients continue to see improved contour and skin support well past the point when the threads have fully absorbed. How long those results last depends on factors like your age, skin quality, lifestyle and sun exposure habits.
A PDO Facelift does not stop the natural aging process, but it can delay the progression of skin laxity by reinforcing underlying tissue and stimulating collagen production where you need it most. Periodic maintenance treatments can help you preserve your contour and extend your results.
Between treatments, you can support your results by protecting your skin from UV exposure with daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, which is one of the single most effective things you can do to prevent collagen breakdown. A consistent skincare routine including medical-grade products, antioxidants and retinoids can further support skin firmness and health.
Lifestyle choices also play a role in your skin function and appearance. Staying hydrated, eating well, sleeping consistently and avoiding tobacco all contribute to stronger collagen and healthier skin.
Both men and women who are unhappy with the effects of aging skin, and do not want to undergo invasive surgery, could qualify as a candidate. It is commonly chosen by patients who are beginning to notice sagging in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, neck or lower face but are not ready for a traditional facelift. Individuals with good overall health, adequate skin quality and realistic expectations typically experience the most satisfying outcomes.
If you are looking for a reliable remedy for lifting and smoothing the appearance of your skin, you could also benefit from a PDO Facelift. Those with significant excess skin or advanced laxity may achieve better results with surgical intervention. Additionally, patients with active skin infections, certain autoimmune conditions or healing disorders may not be ideal candidates. Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding are generally advised to postpone treatment.
A comprehensive consultation at Lively Wellness and Aesthetics allows us to assess your facial structure, skin condition and aesthetic goals to determine whether a PDO facelift is the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
The cost of a PDO facelift at Lively Wellness and Aesthetics depends on your individualized treatment plan. Pricing is influenced by factors such as the number of threads required and the number of areas being treated. Because each patient’s anatomy and goals differ, the total investment varies.
Some patients choose to combine PDO threads with complementary treatments to enhance their results, which also affects pricing. The most accurate way to get pricing information is through a personalized consultation. During your visit, our team will outline a customized treatment plan and provide transparent pricing so you can make an informed decision about your care.
While the threads themselves dissolve over several months, the collagen they stimulate can help maintain improvement beyond that timeframe. Many patients notice results lasting 9 to 18 months, depending on age, skin thickness, metabolic rate and lifestyle factors such as sun exposure and smoking. Maintenance treatments can help extend results and preserve contour as natural aging continues.
The number of threads required depends on the treatment area, degree of laxity and desired lift. Some patients benefit from a small number of strategically placed barbed threads, while others may require a more comprehensive pattern for balanced structural support. Your treatment plan is customized after a detailed facial assessment.
PDO threads are placed beneath the skin’s surface and are not visible when properly positioned. In rare cases, temporary rippling, puckering or slight palpability may occur during early healing. These effects typically resolve as swelling decreases and the tissue adjusts around the threads.
Yes. PDO threads are often combined with dermal fillers to restore volume, neuromodulators to soften dynamic wrinkles or energy-based treatments to improve overall skin quality. Combining therapies can create a more comprehensive rejuvenation plan by addressing multiple layers of aging.
Most patients can resume wearing makeup within 24 to 48 hours, provided there is no significant irritation or bruising. It is important to apply products gently and avoid excessive pressure on treated areas during the first several days. Personalized aftercare instructions will be provided to support proper healing.
There is no specific age requirement. Patients in their 30s through 50s commonly seek PDO threads when early skin laxity becomes noticeable, though candidacy is based more on tissue quality and degree of sagging than chronological age. Some individuals choose threads proactively to support facial structure before more significant laxity develops.
If you choose not to maintain your results, your skin will gradually continue its natural aging process. The treatment does not stretch the skin, create dependency or accelerate aging. Over time, collagen stimulation diminishes and tissue support softens, returning to baseline in a gradual and predictable manner.
Selecting an experienced provider for your PDO Facelift is essential . At Lively Wellness and Aesthetics, Dr. Charles A. Lively and his team apply advanced clinical training and artistic sensibility to ensure threads are placed safely and strategically. Proper placement requires a detailed understanding of facial anatomy, tissue-support structures and aesthetic proportions.
Your treatment plan is carefully customized based on your facial structure, degree of laxity and long-term aesthetic goals. Dr. Lively evaluates each patient as an individual, considering how lifting certain areas will affect the balance and harmony of the whole face. He does not take a cookie-cutter approach because cookie-cutter techniques produce cookie-cutter results.
If you notice sagging in your cheeks, jawline or neck but are not ready for surgery, a PDO facelift at Lively Wellness and Aesthetics offers a minimally invasive solution. Dr. Charles Lively and his experienced team provide personalized PDO thread lift treatments designed to reposition tissue, stimulate collagen and restore natural facial contours.
Discover the refreshing skin benefits that the PDO Facelift can offer you by reaching out to Dr. Charles Lively and Lively Wellness and Aesthetics to learn more. Contact us today and schedule your consultation towards a younger-looking you!