Pondering PDO Threads? Costs & Other Considerations

Author

Dr. Stephen Cosentino

PDO threads are an increasingly popular and minimally invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery. Though its effects are less durable than a facelift, a PDO thread lift procedure can temporarily address noticeable signs of aging, such as sagging skin.

It’s also significantly cheaper.

How much are we talking? Here’s what you need to know about PDO thread lift costs and other considerations around the procedure.

PDO Threads Cost — What to Expect

PDO thread is a type of medical-grade barbed thread that gently lifts loose skin while stimulating collagen production in the treatment area.

More collagen means more volume, lending a younger, tighter appearance. Over time, the thread dissolves, lessening the effect and returning the area to “normal.”

How Much Does PDO Threading Cost?

PDO threading costs bundle an in-person consultation, one or more in-office threading procedures, and follow-up consultations as needed.

As a patient, your actual expense depends on factors like:

The specific area being treated
The amount of thread needed to achieve the desired results
The type of PDO threads being used
Whether other minimally invasive treatments are indicated, such as dermal fillers
The type and geographic location of the practice performing the procedure

A typical PDO thread brow lift costs $2,000 to $3,000, on average. But patients report paying as little as $1,000 or as much as $4,000. The more complex the procedure, the more it’s likely to cost.

PDO Thread Lift Financing Options

If you don’t want to pay the full cost of a PDO thread lift procedure out of pocket, good news: You might not have to.

Some providers offer thread lift financing options that greatly reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Terms vary, but 6-month and 12-month no-interest loans aren’t unheard-of. If you pay off the balance in full by the end of the no-interest term, you won’t owe anything more than the original cost of the procedure.

PDO Thread Lift Treatment vs. Plastic Surgery Cost

Whatever the final price, your PDO thread lift will cost a fraction of a traditional facelift with the same objectives.

Plastic surgeon’s fees run $10,000 or more, and that’s just the start. Factoring in anesthesia medication, the anesthesiologist’s fee, operating suite and prep fees, and possibly overnight hospital stay expenses, you’re looking at $20,000 to $30,000 or more.

Does a PDO Thread Lift Cost Less If a Plastic Surgeon Isn’t Involved?

Maybe. But even minimally invasive procedures like PDO thread lifts are best performed under the supervision of a plastic surgeon or other board-certified medical professional with extensive PDO threads training.

What Does a PDO Thread Lift Cost With Dermal Filler Treatment?

Depending on the circumstances, your provider may recommend complementing your thread lift with hyaluronic acid filler injections.

Adding dermal fillers to the procedure could increase your average cost by a few hundred dollars — perhaps bumping the expected range to $2,500 to $3,500. But again, costs can vary widely due to patient- and provider-specific factors.

PDO Thread Lift Side Effects — What Are They?

PDO thread lift side effects tend to be mild and temporary. They can include:

Light bruising
Minor swelling
Temporary redness and itching
Visible threads under the skin

Consult your provider right away if you experience signs of more serious side effects, such as bleeding, infection, or major swelling.