In recent years, more people have turned to non-surgical facelifts to refresh their appearance. PDO Thread Facelifts are now a popular, minimally invasive way to lift sagging skin. Instead of cuts and surgery, tiny dissolvable sutures are inserted under the skin to physically pull up lax areas. These threads also stimulate collagen for gradual tightening of the skin. As the American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes, thread lifts “fill the gap between noninvasive facial Skin rejuvenation and facelift surgery”.
At Classy Cosmetic Clinic in Markham, Ontario, we offer PDO thread lifts (often called a “lunchtime facelift”) for patients seeking a safe “facelift without surgery.”
PDO Thread Facelifts: What Is It?
A PDO thead lift is a non-surgical facelift that lifts and tightens sagging skin with absorbable sutures. The thin PDO threads are inserted under the skin through tiny needles or cannulas. The doctor then gently pulls each thread taut and cuts off the end, creating a subtle but noticeable “lift.” As the sutures dissolve over 4–6 months, the lifted effect remains because the threads have triggered new collagen. In other words, PDO threads provide two benefits:
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Mechanical lift: Barbed or cogged threads physically pull the skin upward, lifting cheeks, jowls, brows or other sagging areas.
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Collagen boost: The presence of PDO threads provokes the skin’s healing response, causing fibroblasts to produce collagen. This collagen “scaffolding” improves skin elasticity and firmness over time.
Clinics describe different types of PDO threads for specific goals:
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Mono (smooth) threads – Fine sutures that mainly rejuvenate the skin by stimulating collagen (good for overall tightening).
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Cog (barbed) threads – Threads with small hooks that gather and lift tissue, ideal for areas like cheeks or jawline.
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Screw threads – Twisted threads that restore volume, used to plump sunken areas.
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(Newer PLA/PCA threads are thicker and last longer, targeting more significant sagging.)
Because there are no large cuts, recovery is much quicker than with surgery. Healthline explains that PDO thread lifts have a “much lower risk of complications” than facelift surgery, with only mild swelling or bruising common after the procedure. Most people go home the same day and return to normal activities almost immediately.
Who Can Benefit from a PDO Thread Lift?
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Sagging cheeks or jawline: Patients with mild jowls, loose cheeks or a soft jawline can see noticeable improvement. Threads gently reposition these tissues for a lifted contour.
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Early forehead or brow drooping: PDO threads can also be placed to lift the brows slightly (a non-surgical brow lift).
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Neck laxity: Some threads can tighten the upper neck skin for a smoother jawline.
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Men and women of any background: Both genders benefit. As one clinic notes, “PDO thread lifts are now Toronto’s new favourite soft lift solution” for people who aren’t ready for a surgical facelift.
Ideal patients have reasonable expectations and are seeking gradual Skin rejuvenation. PDO threads are often described as a “lunchtime facelift” because the procedure can be done in under an hour with minimal downtime. This makes it a convenient option for busy Markham residents. At Classy Cosmetic Clinic, we evaluate each patient’s skin quality and goals during a personalized consultation, ensuring a thread lift is the right choice for their needs.
PDO Thread Lift vs Dermal Fillers: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between threads and fillers depends on your concerns. Generally:
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Threads = LIFT & tighten. PDO threads are ideal for repositioning and lifting sagging skin. For example, they effectively address jowls, cheeks, jawline and neck laxity. They also boost collagen to improve skin texture over time. Thread lift results develop gradually and can last a year or more.
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Fillers = VOLUME & smooth. Dermal fillers (like hyaluronic acid gels) are best for adding volume and filling wrinkles. Fillers instantly plump hollow cheeks, lips or deep lines, with results lasting about 6–18 months. They do not lift skin but are excellent at correcting specific depressions (e.g. tear troughs or laugh lines).
In many cases, combining threads and fillers yields the most natural, complete Skin rejuvenation. For instance, Classy Cosmetic Clinic may use PDO threads to lift a sagging cheek or jawline, and then inject filler in the same area to restore volume. Healthline notes that thread lifts are often used together with other treatments like fillers to maximize results. Similarly, experienced cosmetic specialists recommend pairing a thread lift near me with Botox or energy devices for a synergistic effect.
Below is a quick comparison of these options:
Feature | Facelift (Surgery) | PDO Thread Lift | Dermal Fillers |
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Invasiveness | Surgical (incisions, general anesthetic) | Minimally invasive (needles, local anesthetic) | Minimally invasive (needle injections) |
Result Effect | Major lift (removes skin) | Moderate lift of sagging skin | Volumizing/fills wrinkles, no lifting |
Recovery Time | ~1–2 weeks off work | Mild (bruising for 1–2 days) | Minimal (1–2 days of swelling) |
Longevity | Many years (permanent tightening) | ~1–3 years (younger pts may see 3–4 yrs) | 6–18 months (depending on filler type) |
Collagen Stimulation | Moderate (healing response) | High (threads trigger new collagen) | Low (some fillers mildly stimulate) |
Ideal Use | Advanced sagging (loose skin removal) | Mild–moderate sagging (jowls, cheeks, neck) | Volume loss areas (cheeks, lips, hollow eyes) |
Pain/Anesthesia | General anesthesia (more discomfort) | Local anesthesia; minimal discomfort | Often, no anesthesia or topical numbing |
Scarring | Yes (scalp/facial incisions) | No visible scars (tiny punctures) | No scars (needle pricks only) |
In summary, PDO threads and fillers address different needs. If you have some sagging you want lifted (like a subtle cheek or jawline lift), threads are the way to go. If you mainly need to restore volume or smooth lines, fillers are ideal. Many patients benefit from doing both. In our clinic, we help you choose the right treatment (or combination) to achieve the balanced, youthful look you want.
What to Expect During and After the Procedure
A PDO thread lift at Classy Cosmetic Clinic is done in-office. After a consultation and numbing the skin, the provider will make tiny entry points (the size of a needle stick) and insert the PDO threads with a cannula. The process is relatively quick – about 30–60 minutes is typical. You will feel gentle pulling as each thread is tightened to lift the tissue, but major pain is uncommon (only minor stinging from injections or pressure). As one specialist notes, thread lifts can often be done under local anesthesia alone, and patients can “drive themselves home and look after themselves immediately after”. In practice, most of our patients go home right away and experience only mild discomfort.
After the lift, downtime is minimal. You may have some swelling, redness or bruising in the treated areas for 1–2 days. It’s wise to apply cold compresses and sleep with your head elevated for the first night. We advise avoiding strenuous exercise, facials or heavy lifting for 1–2 weeks, and taking care not to rub or manipulate the face. Healthline specifically recommends skipping activities like chewing gum, smoking, drinking through a straw, or sleeping on your side for a short period. Following these simple aftercare steps helps the threads integrate smoothly.
Despite the brief recovery, you will notice results immediately. Patients often remark, “I look and feel good already” within hours. Over the next few weeks, swelling settles, and the full lifting effect appears. New collagen forms for up to 3–6 months, further firming the treated areas. Everyone’s skin is different, but clinical reports suggest many patients maintain their lifted look for a year or longer. For example, one study found that initial improvements can last about 6–12 months, while experienced surgeons report results often persisting 3–4 years in younger patients. Some long-term data even show lifts lasting 3–5 years. At Classy Cosmetic Clinic, we offer follow-up consultations to monitor your progress and discuss any touch-ups when needed.
Why Choose Classy Cosmetic Clinic for PDO Thread Facelifts in Markham?
When it comes to facial Skin rejuvenation, it’s essential to trust experienced professionals. Classy Cosmetic Clinic is a top-rated Markham cosmetic clinic known for safe, advanced treatments. Here’s why clients in Markham choose us for thread lift near me:
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Expert Team: Our providers (including our lead aesthetic nurse) have specialized training in PDO thread procedures. They use precise, up-to-date techniques to ensure natural-looking lifts.
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Personalized Consults: We begin each treatment with an in-depth consultation. We assess your facial anatomy, listen to your goals, and design a tailored plan (choosing the right thread types and placement for you).
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Latest Technology: We use only trusted, Health Canada–approved PDO threads. For example, Silhouette InstaLift® – an FDA/Health Canada-approved PDO thread system – uses bi-directional cones and is designed to boost collagen safely. This focus on approved devices means you get high-quality, reliable results.
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Comfort & Care: Our clinic maintains strict hygiene and patient-safety protocols. We provide a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you can feel at ease. Local clients appreciate our attention to detail and the gentle approach of our team.
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Proven Results: We stand behind our treatments. Many satisfied patients report looking natural and rejuvenated, like a rested, firmer version of themselves. In fact, one Toronto specialist says patients often describe the lift results as “subtle but highly satisfying” and lasting up to 2 years. We also encourage you to read our online reviews and testimonials from real clients.
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Locally Convenient: As one of the best thread lift clinics in Markham, we make it easy for you to get treatment close to home. We offer flexible scheduling and free consultations so you can learn about thread lift near me without obligation.
Overall, Classy Cosmetic Clinic combines skill, technology and patient-focused care. We are committed to helping Markham residents achieve beautiful, refreshed results through safe, non-surgical methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is a PDO thread lift painful? No pain is usually minimal. The area is numbed before any insertion, and most patients feel only a brief sting or tugging sensation. Many providers note that “this procedure is not painful” beyond some soreness. Discomfort after the treatment is mild; any ache or swelling can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or ice packs.
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When will I see results? You should notice a lift immediately after the threads are placed. The full effect unfolds over weeks as any swelling subsides and collagen builds. In our experience, clients often say they see a definite improvement in facial contour right away. The final, optimal result is usually visible by 1–3 months post-treatment.
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How long do PDO thread lifts last? Thread lift longevity varies by age and skin quality. On average, results last about 1–3 years. Younger clients with good skin elasticity may enjoy 3–4 years of benefit, while older patients might expect closer to 1–2 years. For example, some studies report fade by 1 year, whereas others say people commonly maintain improvements for 3–5 years. We’ll discuss realistic expectations in your consultation. Many patients choose to repeat or touch up their thread lift near me in a couple of years to maintain youthful contours.
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Are PDO threads safe? Yes, PDO threads are considered very safe for cosmetic use. The material (polydioxanone) has been used in medical sutures for decades and is fully biocompatible. Both the U.S. and Canada approve PDO-based thread systems (e.g. Silhouette InstaLift®). Serious complications are rare when the procedure is done by trained professionals. Minor side effects like temporary bruising, redness or slight dimpling can occur, but they usually resolve quickly. Overall, thread lifts carry far fewer risks than surgical facelifts. We also carefully screen and prepare every patient to ensure maximum safety (for example, advising you to avoid certain supplements or medications before treatment).
Book Your Free Consultation Today
Ready to lift and rejuvenate your look? Classy Cosmetic Clinic in Markham is offering free consultations for PDO thread lifts. You can reach us by phone or online to schedule your personalized appointment. As a leader in Markham beauty services and one of the best cosmetic treatment clinics in the area, we’re here to answer your questions and guide you toward the right options for your goals. Contact us today at our Markham clinic (via phone or through our website) to learn more or book your visit. Don’t wait to discover the non-surgical facelift solution you’ve been looking for!