PDO Threads
Lift what's softening — without surgery.
Our PDO Thread Treatments
PDO threads are a family of absorbable thread-based treatments used for lift, support, and collagen stimulation. At Desert Bloom, Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD uses different PDO thread protocols for different anatomical goals — brow position, midface support, jowl softening, neck laxity, nasal contour, or full-face rejuvenation. The right protocol depends on which structure has changed, not on a single technique applied to every patient.
Not every face should be threaded. If your laxity or tissue profile is better served by a facelift, filler, or a different modality, she will say so at the consultation.
PDO threads are one of several non-surgical treatment categories at Desert Bloom, alongside dermal fillers and botulinum toxin.
At a Glance
Treatment family: Absorbable PDO thread-based procedures for lift, support, and collagen stimulation
Used for: Lifting a specific area, full-face rejuvenation, brow position, neck laxity, or zone-specific refinement
Procedure time: Varies by treatment area and number of threads
Recovery: Varies by thread type and placement zone
Results duration: Varies by treatment path — see individual treatment pages for specifics
Best next step: Choose a path below or book a consultation to discuss which approach fits your anatomy
Lift a Specific Area
Each anatomical zone has its own thread protocol. Select the area that matches your concern — the full page for that treatment opens in place.
Full-Face Rejuvenation Goals
For patients who think in outcomes rather than anatomy — the broader goals a PDO thread program can address.
Avoid or Delay Surgery
Goal: The multi-zone non-surgical approach for patients who are not ready for a surgical facelift — or not yet candidates for one
Rejuvenate Without Fillers
Goal: Structural improvement through collagen stimulation — no added volume. Best for patients who want a more lifted, supported look without dermal filler
Open the Eye Area
Goal: Lift the brow, reduce upper-lid heaviness, and refresh the upper face — without touching the eyelid itself
Compare Thread Types
Not all PDO threads do the same job. At the category level:
Smooth Threads
When the concern is texture, support, or mild laxity without visible descent. Smooth threads build collagen but do not lift or reposition tissue. They can be combined with barbed threads when both lift and skin-quality improvement are needed — usually as separate appointments because the techniques and post-treatment care differ.
Barbed Threads
When the concern is visible descent — jowls, jawline softening, brow ptosis — that needs mechanical repositioning. Barbed threads are the primary lifting threads, and they also act as a biostimulating implant — improving skin quality for roughly 12–18 months as the body remodels collagen around each suture.
Dr. Borakowski selects the thread category — or a combination — based on your assessment. Thread-specific technology, placement pattern, and duration detail live on each treatment’s page: PDO Thread Lift, Thread Brow Lift, Neck Thread Lift, PDO Nose Thread Lift, Non-Surgical Facelift.
PDO Threads vs Other Non-Surgical Options
PDO threads sit alongside fillers, neuromodulators, and surgical facelift as distinct tools for different tissue problems. This table compares them on the factors most patients weigh during a consultation.
| Factor | PDO Threads | Dermal Fillers | Botox | Surgical Facelift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary effect | Mechanical lift + collagen | Volume restoration | Muscle relaxation | Structural repositioning |
| Duration | Typically 12–18 months | 6–18 months (HA) | 3–4 months | 5–10+ years |
| Anesthesia | Local | Topical / local | Topical | General |
| Recovery | 1–7 days | Minimal | Minimal | 2–4 weeks |
| Reversibility | Not reversible (dissolves naturally) | HA reversible with hyaluronidase | Wears off | Permanent |
| Best for | Mild-to-moderate laxity, early jowling | Volume loss, contouring | Dynamic wrinkles | Significant laxity, advanced aging |
| Starting cost | from $1,180 | from $500/syringe | from $14/unit | $12,000+ |
For volume loss specifically, see dermal fillers. For dynamic wrinkles around the brow or eyes, see Botox. For surgical consultation, Dr. Borakowski can provide a referral.
Best if you are deciding between lift/support and volume restoration.
Combining PDO Threads With Other Treatments →Best if you may need threads, filler, Botox, or RF microneedling in sequence.
Thread Lift Safety & Complications →Best if you want to understand risks before booking.
Want the Science Behind PDO Threads?
If you want to understand what PDO actually is, how the polymer dissolves, what FDA cleared (vs approved) means in this context, and how PDO compares to PLLA and PCL thread materials — we’ve broken it all down in our complete science guide: What Are PDO Threads? The Complete Guide →
Within the non-surgical facial rejuvenation landscape: threads are for lift and structural support, dermal fillers address volume loss, botulinum toxin (Botox) addresses dynamic movement, and surgery addresses advanced laxity. PDO threads are not a substitute for volume correction or muscle relaxation — they are specifically for lifting and collagen stimulation. If your concern is primarily volume loss, start with dermal fillers. If it’s dynamic wrinkling, see botulinum toxin. If laxity is significant enough that a non-surgical approach won’t produce a satisfying result, Dr. Borakowski will recommend a surgical referral.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PDO Threads?
PDO threads are best for patients with mild-to-moderate skin laxity who still have good skin quality and enough subcutaneous tissue for the threads to anchor. Most patients fall between age 35 and 65, though this varies.
Threads may not be the right choice if:
- You have significant skin redundancy that would be better addressed surgically
- You have an active skin infection, autoimmune condition, or bleeding disorder in the treatment area
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding
- You have permanent fillers in the planned treatment area
- You have unrealistic expectations for a non-surgical procedure
If you’re not sure whether threads are the right approach, that’s exactly what an assessment is for.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if threads are the right choice for me?
PDO threads address different anatomical zones — brow, face, neck, nose, full face — and are not interchangeable. The face map above routes concerns to specific treatments. If your situation spans multiple areas, a consultation clarifies which path or combination applies. If surgery or a different modality would serve you better, Dr. Borakowski says so directly.Does it hurt?
Discomfort varies by treatment path and zone. All thread treatments use local anesthetic before threads are placed. Each zone-specific treatment page describes the sensory experience for that procedure in more detail.How long do PDO thread results last?
Result duration depends on the treatment path, thread type, placement zone, and your individual tissue response. Each zone-specific treatment page explains expected longevity in more detail.What if I don’t like the result?
Adjustment and revision considerations depend on the specific treatment, thread type, and timing. Threads are not reversible the way hyaluronic acid fillers are (which can be dissolved), but because they resorb over several months, any mechanical lift softens naturally over time. Each treatment path has different revision options — discuss expectations and contingencies with Dr. Borakowski at consultation.Are there serious risks?
Risk profile varies by thread type, placement zone, and technique. Common minor effects across all treatment paths include bruising, swelling, and tenderness — these typically resolve within about a week. Uncommon effects include mild asymmetry or palpable thread as tissue settles. Rare but serious complications (infection, nerve irritation, vascular injury) are strongly reduced by experienced placement. For a detailed breakdown of complications, see thread lift safety.Can threads be combined with other treatments?
Yes — threads are often part of a broader plan. Common combinations: Botox for dynamic wrinkles, dermal fillers for volume restoration, RF microneedling for skin quality. Timing and sequencing are chosen to avoid treatment interference; see combining PDO threads with other treatments for full sequencing guidance.Your Provider: Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD
All PDO thread procedures at Desert Bloom are performed by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD. Dr. Borakowski trained with Dr. Murat Tsintsadze — one of the world’s foremost authorities on PDO thread lifting technique — in Tbilisi, and presented her thread lift methods at IMCAS World Congress in Paris in January 2025. She developed Desert Bloom’s five-area thread program to give patients anatomy-matched outcomes rather than a generic lift.
Desert Bloom Skincare is located along the Shea Corridor in North Scottsdale, AZ.
“PDO threads are not one procedure — they are five different tools. The right choice depends on where the tissue has moved, not on a single technique applied to every patient.”
Still Unsure Which Path Fits?
Not sure which option above fits your goals or anatomy? That is exactly what a consultation is for. Dr. Borakowski will evaluate your tissue structure, skin laxity, and concerns — then tell you directly which treatment, combination, or alternative fits your anatomy.
The consultation is complimentary. There is no obligation and no pressure to proceed. It is simply a conversation about what is realistic for your face and your goals.
References
- “Use of Barbed Threads in Facial Rejuvenation.” Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 2008. DOI(PMC2840911)
- “Outcomes of polydioxanone knotless thread lifting for facial rejuvenation.” Dermatologic Surgery. 2015. DOI(PMID 25993611)
- “Vertical Lifting: A New Optimal Thread Lifting Technique for Asians.” Dermatologic Surgery. 2017. DOI(PMID 28430736)
- “Safety and Complications of Absorbable Threads Made of Poly-L-Lactic Acid and Poly Lactide/Glycolide.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018. DOI(PMID 29607627)
PDO thread lifting is performed off-label for aesthetic facial rejuvenation; PDO sutures are FDA-cleared for soft tissue approximation. Results vary by individual anatomy, skin quality, and number of threads placed. Information on this page is educational and is not a substitute for a clinical assessment.
Content medically reviewed by Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD. Last updated: April 2026.
What Our Clients Say
6 months agoI wouldn’t go to anyone else for aesthetic care in the Valley. Dr. Natalya is truly the most trusted, skilled, and humble aesthetic physician I’ve ever met. She delivers results that look natural, refined, and beautiful — not just for me, but for everyone I’ve referred to her. I’ve had multiple services here, including Botox/Dysport, and I absolutely love her conservative, thoughtful approach. You simply tell her what you’re hoping to achieve, and she (and her amazing team) will guide you toward exactly what will create those results. One of the biggest transformations for me was laser scar removal. I had terrible scars from a past accident, and after only two laser treatments, they’re practically gone. I’m excited for my final treatment to completely finish the healing process. I also had a large lipoma removed, which had become painful and uncomfortable. Dr. Natalya removed it entirely — and it has never returned. If you’re looking for the best aesthetic care in the Valley, from injectables to scar treatments to minor procedures, I cannot recommend Dr. Natalya and her team enough. They are truly the gold standard.
2 months agoI received a PDO nose lift with Natalya. She creates incredibly comfortable environment and is thorough throughout the process. She was available to answer questions through my healing process as they came up. Very happy with my results! I especially love that she is honest and does not try to oversell or push treatments if you don’t need them!
2 months agoThere won't be enough space to capture the Goodness that is Dr. Natalya. In 20 years of receiving beauty treatments I have finally found the most competent, knowledgeable, skilled, and kind female practitioner who focuses on what is right and not what is wrong. Plus all of her unique and beautiful surprises, such as her UniquelyYou platform, podcast, etc. to help people love their insides as much as their outsides! The whole office is a retreat and everything they offer is so thoughtful and filled with care. Her husband is so considerate and helpful too, and what a joy to witness such a supportive relationship! What a blessing for us all! Thank you!
6 months agoI had laser treatment done and am very happy with the results! I’d never had any laser treatment done before but Emily and Natalya set me at ease. I hardly felt anything and it was quick and easy. I appreciate the level of care, professionalism, and the calming atmosphere at Desert Bloom!
9 months agoI had such an amazing experience with Dr. Natalya and Desert Bloom Skincare. From the moment I called, her husband answered the phone with such kindness, explaining everything so clearly and making me feel comfortable right away. It’s rare to see a couple work together with such love, support, and professionalism — it was truly a blessing to witness. Dr. Natalya’s care and expertise were outstanding, and to top it all off, she even gave me a discount just to make sure I looked my best. That kind of generosity shows how much they truly care. I can’t recommend them highly enough — they are a beautiful team, both personally and professionally!😍
PDO Threads
- Neck Thread Lift$1800 and up60 and up
- Non surgical rhinoplasty$1250 and up60 and up
- Non-Surgical Facelift$250060 and up
- PDO Thread Lift$160-$118015 minutes and up
- Thread Brow Lift$180060 minutes
Consultation in skin care clinic
Desert Bloom Skincare Center offers personalized skincare consultation to help you achieve a flawless and radiant complexion. Book your appointment today and let our expert team of skincare professionals address your specific concerns and help you reach your skincare goals.
Visit Our Scottsdale Aesthetic Center
Address
10752 N 89th Place, Suite 122B,Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
Phone:(480) 567-8180
E-mail:info@desertbloomskincare.com
Get Directions →Location & Directions
Desert Bloom Skincare is conveniently located in the Shea Corridor of North Scottsdale, within Edwards Professional Park I — minutes from HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center and the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale Campus.
Areas We Serve
We proudly provide expert non-surgical rhinoplasty and PDO thread lifts to patients across the Southwest:
- ScottsdaleNorth Scottsdale · McCormick Ranch · Gainey Ranch
- Paradise Valley
- PhoenixArcadia · Biltmore · North Phoenix
- Fountain Hills
- Cave Creek & Carefree