Can You Do a PDO Thread Lift on the Abdomen?

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

Polydioxanone (PDO) thread is a type of medical thread commonly used in facial rejuvenation procedures.

When you hear the term “PDO thread lift,” there’s a good chance it refers to facial procedures like brow lifts or cat eye lifts. Both are regarded as effective, minimally invasive alternatives to traditional face lifts.

Can you get a PDO thread lift elsewhere on the body, like on the abdomen? Yes, in fact — and it’s more common than you think. Here’s what you need to know.

PDO Thread Lift on the Abdomen: Can It Be Done?

Polydioxanone thread has been used in facial rejuvenation procedures for years. It can also be used to lift sagging skin elsewhere on the body, with impressive results.

An abdominal PDO thread lift — also known as a body thread lift — is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done in an outpatient setting.

Recovery time is minimal, and unlike alternatives such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) or intense pulsed laser (IPL), there’s no need for multiple treatments in a single course. That said, biodynamic medical threads do dissolve in the body over time, so the procedure needs to be repeated every six to 24 months to maintain results.

What to Expect From a Body Thread Lift Procedure

An abdominal thread lift is a body contouring procedure that tightens the skin of the tummy and stimulates the body’s natural collagen production. These effects combine to produce a sleeker, more youthful appearance with no visible scarring or dimpling — just in time for your next day at the beach!

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

This is an outpatient procedure that’s far less invasive than traditional plastic surgery. It’s performed in a clinical setting under local anesthetic. Expect the appointment to take an hour or less.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Sagging abdominal skin is a telltale sign of aging, but it doesn’t mean you’re a good candidate for a body thread lift. Ideal patients:

Are under age 65
Have minimal sun damage to the skin
Haven’t had body thread lifts in the same area
Don’t have severe sagging or lots of excess skin

If you have any concerns about the procedure, don’t hesitate to ask your provider.

Is PDO Thread Safe?

PDO thread is a biodynamic material that stimulates collagen production but otherwise has minimal impact on surrounding body tissues. It dissolves over a period of months following the procedure, slowly lessening the lift.

Is an Abdominal Thread Lift Expensive?

An abdominal thread lift costs much less than traditional plastic surgery. Your exact cost depends on the extent of the area being treated, how much sagging has occurred, and other factors.

PDO Thread Lift on the Abdomen: Cautions and Possible Side Effects

“Minimally invasive” doesn’t mean risk-free, of course. While an abdominal thread lift promises a quick recovery time and minimal discomfort for most patients, side effects and complications can occur:

Pain or tenderness around the treatment site
General discomfort after the anesthetic wears off
Visible threads under or over the skin
Localized skin infection

To minimize these risks, be sure to work with a board-certified provider who has completed advanced PDO threads training.