PDO Thread Lift in Bangalore
Medically reviewed by Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MCh (Plastic Surgery)
A thread lift lifts sagging facial skin without surgery, using dissolving PDO (polydioxanone) threads placed under the skin. Tiny barbs on the threads grip and lift the tissue, and the threads also prompt new collagen as they dissolve. At Contura Clinic, Bangalore, the MINT PDO thread lift is done under local anaesthesia. It gives an instant lift that can last up to 2 years.
Thread lift at a glance
| Threads | MINT PDO (polydioxanone), with molded barbs that grip the tissue |
| Areas | Sagging cheeks, deep smile lines (nasolabial folds), jowls and jawline, V-line jaw |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia |
| Procedure time | 30–60 minutes |
| Pain and scarring | Minimal |
| Results | Visible straight away |
| Results last | Up to 2 years |
| Downtime | 2–3 days of mild swelling |
| Cost | Depends on number and type of threads |
How does a thread lift work?
- The skin is numbed with local anaesthesia.
- Threads are passed under the skin through a fine needle or cannula.
- The barbs open and hook into the tissue, so the surgeon can lift it into a higher position.
- Over the following months the threads dissolve, while the body builds new collagen along their path.
Who is a thread lift for?
A thread lift suits people with mild to moderate sagging who want a visible lift without surgery or a long recovery. It is a good choice for early jowls, flat cheeks, deep smile lines or a less defined jawline. If the skin is very loose, a face lift gives a bigger and longer-lasting result.
Thread lift, HIFU or face lift?
| Thread lift | HIFU | Face lift | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Minimally invasive | Non-invasive | Surgery |
| Lift | Instant, moderate | Gradual, mild | Strongest |
| Downtime | A few days | Little or none | About 2 weeks |
| How long it lasts | Up to 2 years | 12–18 months | Many years |
What are the risks of a thread lift?
Common effects are mild swelling, bruising, tenderness and a feeling of tightness for a few days. Less often, there may be small dimples or puckering of the skin, a thread that can be felt or seen, or infection. Most of these settle or can be corrected easily.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a thread lift last?
Results can last up to 2 years. The threads dissolve over months, but the new collagen they prompt keeps supporting the skin.
Is a thread lift painful?
It is done under local anaesthesia, so pain is minimal. You may feel some tightness and tenderness for a few days.
When will I see results from a thread lift?
Most people see a lift straight away. The skin continues to firm up over the following weeks as new collagen forms.
Does a thread lift leave scars?
Scarring is minimal. The threads are inserted through tiny needle entry points that heal quickly.
Related pages: Face lift · HIFU · Fillers · Botox
About the doctor
Dr Sreekar Harinatha, MBBS, MS, MCh (Plastic Surgery, CMC Vellore), DNB (Plastic Surgery). Karnataka Medical Council Reg. No. 68989. Plastic and cosmetic surgeon at Contura Clinic, Kalyan Nagar. Best Paper Award at the IMCAS conference, Taipei, 2016, for his gynecomastia technique. Author of The Male Breast and over 40 papers in indexed journals. Member of IAAPS, IMA and the European College of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for a medical consultation. Results vary from person to person. Every procedure carries risks, which your surgeon will explain at your consultation.