PDO Thread Lifts for the Abdomen

The best candidates for abdominal thread lifts are individuals who feel insecure about the appearance of their tummy due to sagging skin. If you also want to improve skin texture and clarity, a thread lift can be a great option.

At Liposuction and Cosmetic Surgery Institute, we commonly use PDO (polydioxanone) or PLLA (poly‐L‐lactic acid) threads. These threads are dissolvable and consist of natural materials that are slowly absorbed by the body over time (usually several months). Studies show that these threads stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which helps firm the surrounding skin.

Yes, the threads we use for abdominal PDO thread lifts are commonly used in surgical procedures and have been for decades. This long history of use has established their viability and safety in the medical community.

The first step of the abdominal thread lift procedure is sterilizing the treatment area. Then, a local anesthetic is used to numb the area. Then, multiple threads are inserted using tiny needles to create a more lifted, tighter appearance. 

Both the upper and lower abdominal areas are usually treated, with the intention of providing support and balance between them. The exact placement and number of threads used will vary from patient to patient. These things depend on the severity of skin sagging and each patient’s cosmetic goals.

In the weeks following the procedure, the body’s natural response to the threads will include the stimulation of new collagen and elastin production. This helps promote tightening and firming, while also supporting the newly elevated position of treated tissues.

Usually, we use a topical numbing cream or local lidocaine during a PDO thread lift. Most patients report no discomfort during the procedure.

There is no downtime following an abdominal thread lift. Patients can generally return to normal everyday activities right away. Please note that the treated area should not be submerged in water until the entry sites have fully healed. Patients should also avoid touching the treated area excessively.

Since there are no incisions or stitches, the healing process is relatively quick following a thread lift. Patients may experience minor tenderness, bruising, numbness, and swelling in the treated area. Most of these side effects subside within a few days.

Rare side effects include thread extrusion, infection, and/or hematoma. Patients who follow post-procedure care instructions are able to avoid such problems.

We often combine PDO threads with other advanced technologies that target different layers of the skin and fat. This multi-modal approach ensures that while the threads provide the lift, these additional treatments refine the surface texture and volume.

Common complementary procedures we perform at LCSI include:

• Radiofrequency (Thermi or VelaSmooth) to tighten the skin’s surface.
• RF Microneedling (Genius or SecretRF) to resurface the skin, improving its elasticity and thickness.
• Ultherapy to lift the foundational tissue layers beneath the threads.
• SculpSure to permanently destroy stubborn fat cells for a leaner contour.

By integrating these specialized modalities, we can customize a treatment plan that addresses both skin laxity and localized fat for a flatter, more toned appearance. During your consultation, we will determine which combination of technologies will best amplify your thread lift results.