Sagging jowls are one of the most common signs of facial aging — and one of the most frustrating. As skin loses elasticity and gravity takes over, the once-smooth jawline begins to soften, creating loose skin around the lower cheeks and chin. While surgery was once the only option to correct this, today’s non-surgical innovations make it possible to lift, tighten, and contour the jowls naturally.
One of the most effective modern treatments for non-surgical facial rejuvenation is the PDO Thread Lift, also known as the NovaThreads Face Lift. This treatment uses absorbable sutures to lift sagging skin, stimulate collagen, and redefine your facial contours — all without scalpels, stitches, or lengthy recovery.
If you’ve noticed your lower face starting to sag and want a rejuvenated, youthful appearance without surgery, PDO threads may be the perfect solution. Here’s everything you need to know.
Understanding Why Jowls Form
Jowls form when the supporting structures of the skin begin to weaken. Over time, collagen and elastin — two key proteins that give skin its firmness and bounce — decline naturally. This loss, combined with gravity, facial movement, and thinning skin, causes the tissue around the jawline to droop.
Common factors contributing to jowls include:
- Aging: Natural collagen loss accelerates after your 30s.
- Sun exposure: UV damage breaks down collagen fibers faster.
- Weight fluctuations: Stretching and loosening of facial skin over time.
- Genetics: Some people are more prone to early skin sagging.
- Lifestyle habits: Smoking, dehydration, and a poor diet can reduce skin elasticity.
While these changes are inevitable, non-surgical procedures like PDO thread lifts offer an advanced way to reverse visible sagging without invasive measures.
What Is a PDO Thread Lift?
A PDO (Polydioxanone) Thread Lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that lifts and tightens sagging skin using absorbable sutures made from biodegradable material. These fine threads are inserted beneath the skin to create subtle tension that instantly lifts the jowls, cheeks, and lower face.
But the magic of PDO threads doesn’t stop there — they also trigger your body’s natural healing response. As the threads dissolve over several months, they stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin over time.
This combination of immediate lifting and long-term tightening makes PDO threads an excellent choice for those looking to refine their jawline and reduce jowls without going under the knife.
How PDO Threads Work
PDO threads are made of the same medical-grade material used safely in surgical sutures for decades. Once placed under the skin using a fine cannula, the threads act as a support structure for sagging tissue.
Here’s how they work in two phases:
- Instant Lift: The threads anchor the skin upward, physically lifting areas like the jawline, cheeks, and neck.
- Collagen Stimulation: The body responds by producing new collagen around the threads. As the threads dissolve (over about four to six months), the newly formed collagen maintains the lift and strengthens the skin.
This process is known as controlled healing — encouraging the skin to repair and rebuild itself naturally from within.
Benefits of a PDO Thread Face Lift
A PDO thread lift offers impressive results with minimal downtime, making it a favorite among those seeking a refreshed look without surgery.
Key benefits include:
- Instant lifting effect: Noticeable improvement immediately after treatment.
- Natural collagen regeneration: Long-term tightening and rejuvenation as collagen production increases.
- No incisions or scars: Threads are inserted with tiny entry points that heal quickly.
- Minimal downtime: Resume daily activities within a day or two.
- Safe and biocompatible: PDO material dissolves naturally without residue.
- Versatile treatment areas: Perfect for jowls, jawline, cheeks, neck, and brows.
Most patients experience a visible improvement right away, followed by progressive firming and contouring over several months as collagen continues to build.
PDO Thread Types and Their Uses
PDO threads come in several varieties, each designed for a specific purpose and level of support:
- Smooth Threads: Stimulate collagen to improve skin texture and elasticity.
- Twist Threads: Add volume to hollow areas such as cheeks or temples.
- Barbed Threads: Contain tiny hooks that grip and lift sagging skin, ideal for lifting jowls and tightening the lower face.
Your practitioner will determine the right combination of threads for your facial structure and goals to achieve natural, balanced results.
The PDO Thread Lift Procedure
The treatment process is straightforward, quick, and performed under local anesthesia to ensure comfort. Here’s what you can expect:
- Consultation: Your provider evaluates your skin, discusses your goals, and designs a customized treatment plan.
- Preparation: The area is cleansed and numbed with a topical or local anesthetic.
- Thread Placement: Using a fine cannula, the practitioner inserts PDO threads beneath the skin. The threads are positioned strategically to lift and tighten targeted areas like the jowls or neck.
- Completion: The threads are trimmed, leaving them securely under the skin.
- Recovery: You may notice mild swelling or tenderness, which usually subsides within 48 hours.
The entire procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the treatment area.
What Results Can You Expect?
You’ll notice an immediate lift and smoother skin right after treatment. Over the following weeks, collagen production increases, tightening and improving skin texture naturally.
Typical results timeline:
- Immediate: Lifted, firmer appearance in the jowl and jawline area.
- 1–2 months: Collagen remodeling enhances firmness and elasticity.
- 4–6 months: Threads dissolve, leaving newly formed collagen that maintains your results.
- 12+ months: Long-lasting improvement that fades gradually as collagen production slows again.
Results typically last 9 to 12 months, though some patients enjoy benefits for up to two years with proper skincare and maintenance.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery is minimal compared to surgical options, but following aftercare instructions ensures the best possible outcome.
Post-Treatment Tips:
- Avoid touching or rubbing your face for at least a week.
- Sleep on your back with your head elevated to prevent pressure.
- Refrain from strenuous exercise, facial massages, or saunas for two weeks.
- Avoid wide-mouth movements (e.g., large bites or excessive facial expressions) for several days.
- Apply cold compresses if mild swelling or bruising occurs.
These simple precautions help the threads settle properly and reduce the risk of displacement.
Why Choose a PDO Thread Lift Over Surgery?
A traditional facelift can deliver dramatic results, but it comes with risks, scars, anesthesia, and significant downtime. PDO thread lifts bridge the gap between non-invasive and surgical procedures — offering a natural, youthful look without the complications.
Comparing PDO Threads vs. Surgical Facelift:
| PDO Thread Lift |
Surgical Facelift |
| Invasiveness |
Non-surgical |
Requires incisions |
| Anesthesia |
Local |
General |
| Downtime |
1–3 days |
2–4 weeks |
| Scarring |
None |
Possible |
| Cost |
More affordable |
Higher |
| Results Duration |
1–2 years |
5–10 years |
For those seeking refined, natural results rather than dramatic changes, PDO threads are the perfect middle ground.
Ideal Candidates for PDO Threads
You may be a good candidate for a PDO thread lift if you:
- Have mild to moderate skin laxity around the jowls, jawline, or neck
- Want to lift and firm your face without surgery
- Have realistic expectations and a commitment to proper aftercare
- Are in good overall health and not pregnant or breastfeeding
This treatment is best suited for individuals noticing early signs of sagging but not yet ready for a surgical facelift.
Final Thoughts
Sagging jowls and loss of definition in the lower face can make you look older and more tired than you feel. But with PDO threads, you can restore your natural contours and rejuvenate your appearance without surgery, scars, or lengthy recovery.
By gently lifting and firming sagging skin while stimulating collagen production, PDO thread lifts provide both immediate and long-term benefits — helping you regain that youthful V-shape and renewed confidence.
If you’re ready to experience a tighter, smoother, and more sculpted jawline, it’s time to explore what PDO thread lifts can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can PDO threads be combined with other treatments?
Yes. PDO threads pair well with treatments like dermal fillers, microneedling, or skin tightening for enhanced rejuvenation.
What areas can PDO threads treat?
Threads can lift jowls, cheeks, neck, brows, nasolabial folds, and jawline, as well as tighten body areas such as the arms or abdomen.
Do the threads need to be removed later?
No. PDO threads naturally dissolve over time and are safely absorbed by the body.
Can I return to work after treatment?
Yes. Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days.
Is the treatment safe for all skin types?
Yes. PDO threads are safe and effective for all skin tones and types when performed by a qualified provider.
