PDO Threads vs. Traditional Facelift: Pros, Cons, and Recovery Time

A bit of sagging around the jawline, tired-looking cheeks, or deeper folds around the mouth can suddenly make you feel older than you are. If you’re beauty-conscious, curious about new treatments, and tired of short-term fixes, the range of options can feel overwhelming. You want something that looks natural, fits your lifestyle, and delivers results you can trust.

That is where PDO threads, traditional facelifts, and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments come in. PDO threads use dissolvable polydioxanone sutures placed under the skin. These threads lift mild to moderate laxity while encouraging new collagen formation. A traditional facelift is a surgical procedure designed to reposition deeper tissues and remove excess skin. 

Sculpted Aesthetics in Columbia offers PDO threads and a traditional facelift, a skin-tightening procedure. If you’re near Columbia and searching for PDO Threads in Columbia, SC, our medical team will help you choose the treatment that best fits your aesthetic goals.

PDO Thread Lift vs. Traditional Facelift?

PDO Threads Pros, Cons, and Recovery Time

When considering the pros and cons of a PDO thread lift, it’s essential to understand how this treatment works, what it delivers, and the typical recovery timeline. At its core, a PDO thread lift uses dissolvable polydioxanone sutures placed beneath the skin to lift and tighten mildly sagging areas while triggering collagen production.

• Pros: One significant advantage is its minimally invasive nature; there are no large incisions, general anesthesia is not required, and recovery is significantly faster than with a surgical facelift. Many patients at Sculpted Aesthetics find they return to work within days and begin seeing improvements as collagen builds over time.
• Cons: On the other hand, some drawbacks include results that tend to last 12 to 18 months and may not be sufficient for severe sagging or excess skin.
• Recovery Time: Most people experience mild swelling or bruising for a few days, resume light activities within 24 to 48 hours, and avoid strenuous exercise for 1 to 2 weeks. Ultimately, this option offers a realistic, lower-risk alternative to traditional surgery for the right candidate.

Traditional Facelift: Pros, Cons, and Recovery Time

When you consider a traditional facelift, you’re looking at a surgical procedure that lifts and tightens deep tissues, removes excess skin, and creates a more defined facial contour.

• Pros: One significant advantage is that this procedure can deliver more dramatic, longer-lasting results than many non-surgical alternatives: it can improve sagging jowls, deep creases, and a loss of definition around the neck and lower face.
• Cons: Drawbacks include increased cost, a more extended recovery period, and risks associated with surgery, such as infection, scarring, or anesthesia complications.
• Recovery Time: As for recovery time, patients usually expect significant swelling and bruising for 1 to 2 weeks, reduced activity for several weeks, and complete visual results that generally settle in over several months.

If you’re researching facelift alternatives and want a balance between effectiveness and a quicker recovery, PDO threads may be the right fit. If you’re focused on a more dramatic transformation and prefer long-lasting structural change, a facelift may be a better option.

About Sculpted Aesthetics

Sculpted Aesthetics supports clients who want results that feel natural, confident, and true to their features. Whether you’re considering a subtle lift with PDO threads or wish to understand how your skin may benefit from different treatments, our medical team focuses on providing clear information and personalized care. Contact Us Today!

Who Is This Best For?

PDO threads work well for adults in their 30s through 50s who notice early to moderate skin laxity. If you have mild jowling, early sagging in the cheeks, or want sharper facial contours without surgery, this non-surgical facelift option may be ideal.

A traditional facelift is often recommended for those beyond the moderate aging stage. If you’re experiencing more significant sagging, deeper lines, or loose skin around the lower face & neck, surgery may offer the most noticeable and long-lasting improvement.

What to Expect

Pre-Treatment Prep

For PDO threads, preparation is minimal. Avoiding alcohol and specific supplements for a few days can help minimize bruising. Most people schedule a consultation first to review goals and determine thread placement. We recommend a simple skincare routine or hydration plan to support healing.

Preparing for a traditional facelift is more involved. You may complete lab work, adjust medications, stop smoking, and plan time off. Because surgery requires anesthesia, you’ll need a friend or loved one to drive you home and help during initial recovery.

Treatment Day

PDO threads typically take 30 to 60 minutes, based on the number of threads and treatment area. A numbing agent keeps the experience comfortable. Threads are inserted just beneath the skin and gently positioned to lift targeted areas. Most people describe the sensation as pressure rather than pain.

A traditional facelift takes several hours. The surgeon makes incisions around the ears or hairline, lifts deeper facial tissues, and removes extra skin. Because this is a surgical procedure, you’ll be under anesthesia, and a postoperative plan will be provided.

When Results Show and How Long They Last

PDO thread results appear immediately, with continued improvement as collagen continues to build. The lift typically lasts between 12 and 24 months. Since threads dissolve naturally, many clients choose maintenance treatments as their skin continues to age. 

Traditional facelift results last several years, often between seven and ten. Because the facelift changes deeper structures, the outcome holds longer before aging becomes visible again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rejuvenate Your Skin

If you’re comparing PDO threads vs a traditional facelift and want guidance tailored to your skin, Sculpted Aesthetics can help you understand the best approach for your goals. When you’re ready to explore options for smoother skin and a refreshed appearance, take the next step. Rejuvenate your look schedule now!