Non-Surgical Procedures

Thread Lift (PDO Thread Lift)

US Board Certified15+ Years Experience2200+ Happy Patients
What is Thread Lift (PDO Thread Lift)?
Thread lift (also called PDO thread lift or suture lift) is a minimally invasive procedure that lifts and tightens sagging facial skin using dissolvable sutures (threads) inserted under the skin. It provides a non-surgical alternative to facelift with minimal downtime.

How It Works:
Special medical-grade threads (usually made of PDO - polydioxanone) are inserted under the skin using fine needles or cannulas. The threads have tiny barbs or cones that grip tissue and lift it upward. Over time, the threads dissolve naturally while stimulating collagen production for continued improvement.

Common Treatment Areas:
- Mid-face lift (cheeks, nasolabial folds)
- Jowl lift (jawline definition)
- Brow lift (eyebrow elevation)
- Neck lift (mild neck sagging)
- Marionette lines (corners of mouth)

Types of Threads:
- Barbed threads: Provide immediate lift
- Smooth threads: Stimulate collagen, improve texture
- Cog threads: Strongest lift for more sagging

Dr Maresky selects appropriate thread types and placement based on your specific concerns and facial anatomy.

How Much Does It Cost?

Every patient is unique, and Dr. Maresky believes in creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. During your consultation, he will assess your individual case and provide you with a detailed cost estimate.

The consultation fee is R1,495, which is fully credited toward your scheduled procedure or in-practice treatment. This ensures you receive expert guidance while making progress toward your aesthetic goals.

Book your consultation today to discuss your personalized plan and receive an accurate cost estimate for Thread Lift (PDO Thread Lift).

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The Procedure

Duration: 30-60 minutes depending on areas treated

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with or without mild sedation

Procedure Steps

  1. Consultation: Dr Maresky marks treatment areas and thread placement
  2. Cleansing: Skin is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected
  3. Anesthesia: Local anesthetic injected at entry and exit points
  4. Thread insertion: Fine needles or cannulas are used to insert threads under skin in predetermined pattern
  5. Lifting: Threads are gently pulled to lift tissue, then secured
  6. Trimming: Excess thread is trimmed and entry points closed
  7. Assessment: Dr Maresky evaluates symmetry and lift
  8. Post-treatment care: Ice applied, aftercare instructions provided
Dr Maresky uses advanced thread lift techniques:
- Vector planning for natural lift direction
- Multiple thread layers for enhanced support
- Combination of thread types for optimal results
- Minimal entry points for reduced scarring
Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery Timeline

Immediately after:
Mild swelling, bruising, sensation of tightness
24-48 hours:
Swelling and bruising peak
3 months:
Optimal results as collagen production continues

Post-Operative Restrictions

First 24 Hours

  • Apply ice packs to reduce swelling
  • Sleep elevated (45-degree angle)
  • No touching or massaging treated areas
  • Avoid excessive facial expressions
  • Soft diet (avoid excessive chewing)
  • No makeup

First 2 Weeks

  • No strenuous exercise or heavy lifting
  • Avoid sleeping on side or stomach (sleep on back)
  • No facial massage, facials, or dental work
  • Avoid excessive heat (saunas, hot yoga)
  • No alcohol consumption
  • Gentle skincare only
  • Avoid opening mouth wide (yawning, dental work)

2-4weeks

  • Gradually resume normal activities
  • Avoid aggressive facial treatments
  • Continue sleeping on back if possible

Long Term

  • Maintain results with good skincare
  • Protect skin from sun damage
  • Consider maintenance treatments

Pain Management: Minimal discomfort during procedure (local anesthesia used). Mild soreness, tightness, or pulling sensation for 3-5 days after, managed with over-the-counter pain medication.

Scarring: No visible scarring - entry points are tiny (needle-sized) and heal without marks.

Expected Results

Immediate lift: Visible immediately (though masked by swelling)
Initial results: 1-2 weeks (after swelling resolves)
Optimal results: 2-3 months (as collagen production increases)
Duration: 12-18 months (varies by individual, thread type, and lifestyle)

What Thread Lift CAN do:
- Provide subtle to moderate lift of sagging tissue
- Improve jawline definition
- Reduce appearance of jowls
- Lift sagging cheeks
- Smooth nasolabial folds
- Stimulate collagen production for ongoing improvement
- Provide natural-looking results
- Offer minimal downtime alternative to surgery

What Thread Lift CANNOT do:
- Provide dramatic lift like surgical facelift
- Tighten severely loose or excess skin
- Remove significant fat deposits
- Treat deep wrinkles (may need fillers or Botox)
- Provide permanent results
- Replace surgical facelift for advanced aging

70-85% patient satisfaction rate. Results vary based on:
- Degree of skin laxity (best for mild to moderate)
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Realistic expectations
- Practitioner skill and experience

Most satisfied patients report:
- Subtle, natural-looking improvement
- Minimal downtime
- Gradual collagen-based enhancement
- Good bridge between non-surgical and surgical options


Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Maresky today

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Why Choose Dr. Maresky

Safety First
Proven Results
Personalized Care
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Before & After Results

Real patient transformations by Dr. Maresky

Thread Lift (PDO Thread Lift) before and after
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Thread Lift (PDO Thread Lift) before and after
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Thread Lift (PDO Thread Lift) before and after

Individual results may vary. Photos are unretouched.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do thread lift results last?
Results typically last 12-18 months. The threads dissolve over 6-8 months, but collagen stimulation provides continued improvement. Maintenance treatments can extend results.
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Is thread lift painful?
Minimal discomfort during procedure (local anesthesia used). Most patients describe mild soreness or tightness for 3-5 days after, easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
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How does thread lift compare to facelift?
Thread lift provides subtle lift with minimal downtime but temporary results (12-18 months). Facelift provides dramatic, long-lasting lift (10+ years) but requires surgery and significant downtime (2-4 weeks). Thread lift is best for mild sagging; facelift for moderate to severe.
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Can I combine thread lift with other treatments?
Yes! Thread lift is often combined with Botox, fillers, laser treatments, or skin tightening for comprehensive facial rejuvenation. Dr Maresky discusses safe combinations during consultation.
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When will I see results?
Immediate lift is visible (though masked by swelling). True results appear at 1-2 weeks after swelling resolves. Optimal results at 2-3 months as collagen production increases.
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What happens when threads dissolve?
Threads dissolve naturally over 6-8 months. During this time, they stimulate collagen production which provides structural support. Some lift remains after threads dissolve due to collagen, but gradual relaxation occurs over 12-18 months.
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Can threads break or snap?
Very rare with modern PDO threads. They're designed to be strong yet flexible. If a thread does break, it simply dissolves without harm. Proper aftercare (avoiding excessive facial movements) prevents this.
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Will I look unnatural or pulled?
When performed by an experienced practitioner like Dr Maresky, results are subtle and natural-looking. The goal is gentle lift and rejuvenation, not a "pulled" appearance. Proper thread selection and placement are key.
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Can thread lift be reversed?
Threads cannot be easily removed once placed. However, they dissolve naturally over 6-8 months. If you're unhappy with results, they will gradually relax. This is why realistic expectations and experienced practitioner are crucial.
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Am I too young/old for thread lift?
Best candidates are 30-60 years with mild to moderate sagging. Younger patients may not need it yet; older patients with severe sagging may need surgical facelift. Dr Maresky assesses whether you're a good candidate.
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How soon can I return to work?
Most patients return to work in 3-5 days once swelling and bruising improve. You can wear makeup to cover any residual bruising. Avoid important events for 1-2 weeks.
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What should I avoid after thread lift?
For 2 weeks: No strenuous exercise, facial massage, dental work, sleeping on side/stomach, excessive facial expressions, or opening mouth wide. Follow Dr Maresky's specific aftercare instructions carefully.
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