If you've noticed sagging skin along your jawline, deepening folds around your mouth, or a loss of definition in your neck, PDO thread lifting may be the solution you've been searching for. At Beautologie Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Aesthetics in Bakersfield, our team uses polydioxanone (PDO) threads to restore facial contours without the downtime of traditional surgery.

Here's everything you need to know about PDO full face and neck lifting, from how it works to what kind of results you can expect.

What Are PDO Threads?

PDO stands for polydioxanone — the same absorbable suture material used in cardiac and orthopedic surgery for decades. When placed under the skin in a strategic pattern, PDO threads mechanically lift sagging tissue and stimulate your body's natural collagen production.

The threads dissolve completely over 4–6 months. Even after they're gone, the collagen matrix they triggered continues to support and firm the skin, producing results that can last 12–18 months or longer.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

PDO full face and neck lifting works best for patients who are experiencing:

• Mild to moderate skin laxity along the cheeks, jowls, or neck
• Loss of jawline definition due to descending soft tissue
• Neck banding or sagging below the chin
• Nasolabial folds (smile lines) that have deepened over time
• A desire for visible rejuvenation without general anesthesia or a lengthy recovery

This treatment is particularly popular with patients in their 30s through 60s who are not yet ready for a surgical facelift but want results beyond what injectables alone can deliver. If you have significant skin excess, a surgical procedure may provide a more dramatic outcome — our providers will give you an honest assessment during your consultation.

The PDO Thread Lift Procedure

At Beautologie, PDO thread lifts are performed in our Bakersfield office under local anesthesia. The procedure typically takes 45 to 90 minutes depending on the treatment area and the number of threads used.

Here's what to expect:

1. Consultation and marking — Your provider maps the lift vectors and entry points on your face and neck
2. Topical and local anesthesia — The treatment area is numbed for your comfort
3. Thread placement — Using a fine cannula or needle, threads are inserted under the skin and positioned to lift the targeted tissue
4. Anchoring and trimming — Threads are secured, excess trimmed, and entry points dressed

You can return home the same day. Most patients resume light activities within 24–48 hours, though we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for 1–2 weeks.

Results: What You'll See and When

Many patients notice an immediate lift after the procedure. Over the following 4–8 weeks, as swelling resolves and collagen synthesis increases, results continue to improve. Final results are typically visible at the 3-month mark.

Common outcomes include:

• A more defined jawline and reduced jowling
• Smoother, firmer skin along the cheeks and mid-face
• Better neck contour and reduced banding
• An overall refreshed, rested appearance

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, thread lifting has become one of the most requested minimally invasive procedures in the country, with high patient satisfaction rates among appropriate candidates.¹

Recovery and Aftercare

PDO thread lifts require significantly less downtime than surgical facelifts. You may experience:

• Swelling and mild bruising for 3–7 days
• Soreness or tightness at entry points for 1–2 weeks
• Temporary dimpling or puckering that resolves as threads settle

Your Beautologie provider will give you detailed post-care instructions, including guidance on sleeping positions (elevated), activities to avoid, and what to watch for in terms of normal vs. concerning symptoms.

PDO Threads vs. Surgical Facelift

A traditional facelift provides the most comprehensive correction for significant skin laxity and deep structural changes. PDO threads offer a compelling alternative when:

• Laxity is mild to moderate
• Anesthesia risk or recovery time is a concern
• You want to preview the aesthetic of a lifted face before committing to surgery
• You're maintaining results between surgical procedures

The two approaches can also be combined. Some patients use PDO threads as an interim treatment and later choose surgery when they're ready for a more permanent result.

Why Choose Beautologie in Bakersfield?

Beautologie has served the Kern County region for years, building a reputation for natural-looking results and attentive patient care. Our providers are trained in the latest thread lifting techniques and take time during every consultation to understand your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle before recommending a treatment plan.

We serve patients throughout Bakersfield, Delano, Tehachapi, Ridgecrest, and the surrounding Central Valley.

Schedule Your PDO Thread Lift Consultation

Curious whether PDO full face and neck lifting is right for you? Book a consultation with the Beautologie team to discuss your goals, review your anatomy, and explore all your options — from threads to injectables to surgical rejuvenation.

Book Your Consultation at Beautologie →

References:

1. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Minimally Invasive Procedures Statistics and Trends. https://www.plasticsurgery.org
2. American Academy of Dermatology. Thread Lifts: What to Know. https://www.aad.org