Non-Surgical Thread Lifts in Pennsauken, NJ
A PDO thread lift uses fine dissolvable threads to lift sagging skin right away, then keeps working underneath as your body builds new collagen around them. At AZ Dental Spa, that means an experienced provider, a plan mapped out for your face, and the same calm setting as every other visit.
A lift that starts working the moment it's placed
A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical treatment that uses fine dissolvable threads, made of polydioxanone, to lift sagging skin and stimulate your body's own collagen production. The threads go in with a thin needle or cannula, no incisions or general anesthesia involved.
PDO is the same material that's been used in dissolvable surgical sutures for decades, so it has a long track record of being absorbed safely by the body. Once placed, the threads do two things at once: they mechanically reposition sagging tissue right away, and they trigger a mild healing response that builds new collagen around them over the following months.
Not a dermal filler. A filler adds volume in one spot. A thread lift repositions and lifts tissue that's already there, and it keeps working as collagen builds, long after the threads themselves have dissolved.
What is a thread lift actually doing under the skin?
It works in two stages, one immediate and one gradual. The moment the threads are placed and gently pulled taut, sagging tissue lifts and tightens, so you can see a difference the same day. Over the next few months, your body treats the threads as a mild irritant and responds by building new collagen fibers around them, which is what firms and refines the area further. The threads themselves are fully absorbed by the body, usually within about six months, but the collagen framework they leave behind is what keeps the lift going after that.
Is a thread lift right for you?
Thread lifts tend to suit people with early-to-moderate sagging who aren't ready for a surgical facelift, or who want to address it before it progresses further. We'll be honest if your case calls for something else.
Where PDO threads are used
Most thread lifts focus on the lower face, since that's where sagging tends to show up first and most visibly.
Face & jawline
Threads placed along the cheeks and jawline lift jowls and redefine the lower face. This is the most common thread face lift application we perform.
Neck
A softer, sagging neckline can also be treated with threads placed to tighten and smooth the area, often alongside facial threads for a more balanced result.
Brow & mid-face
Threads can also lift a heavy brow or a drooping mid-face, though most people see the biggest change lower on the face.
What about nose thread lifts? Nose thread lifts are a real, separate application some providers use to subtly refine the bridge or tip, but it's a narrower use case with different technique and risk considerations than a facial thread lift. Ask us during your consultation whether it's something we'd recommend for your goals.
Two ways to address sagging skin
Neither one is universally better. Which makes sense for you depends on how much sagging you have, how much downtime you can take, and the kind of result you're after.
PDO Thread Lift
- Non-surgical, done in the office in under an hour
- Local anesthesia only, no general anesthesia
- Minimal downtime, most people are back to normal activities within a day or two
- Results build gradually over months as collagen forms
- Typically lasts 12 to 18 months before a repeat treatment
- Best for early-to-moderate sagging, not excess skin
Surgical Facelift
- Surgical procedure, usually performed under sedation or general anesthesia
- Removes excess skin directly rather than just repositioning tissue
- Recovery typically runs several weeks
- Results are generally more dramatic and last longer, often 7 to 10+ years
- Better suited to significant sagging or loose skin
- Higher upfront cost and more downtime
Not sure which fits your situation? That's exactly what a consultation is for. We'll give you an honest read on what a thread lift can and can't do for your face, and point you toward a surgical referral if that's the better fit.
What happens at your appointment
Here's what an actual PDO thread lift session looks like.
Consultation — we assess your skin laxity and goals, map out which threads and vectors fit your face, and confirm you're a good candidate.
Numbing — a topical or local anesthetic numbs the treatment area before we begin.
Thread placement — fine PDO threads are inserted beneath the skin along the mapped vectors using a thin cannula or needle.
Lifting — the threads are gently pulled to reposition and lift the sagging tissue.
Trimming & securing — excess thread is trimmed and the ends are tucked beneath the skin, out of sight.
Aftercare guidance — we walk you through what to expect over the following days and months.
Most sessions run 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many threads are placed and how many areas you're treating.
What thread lift results actually look like
Results happen in two phases: an immediate lift from the threads themselves, then a gradual improvement as collagen builds around them.
Right after
You'll see a visible lift the same day, though some swelling, bruising, or a pulling sensation is normal and can mask the full effect for the first week.
2 to 6 weeks
Swelling settles and the lift becomes clearer. This is when most people start noticing the change others comment on.
3 to 6 months
Collagen has built up around the threads, giving the fullest, most refined version of your result. Skin generally looks firmer and more lifted than it did right after treatment.
How long do results last? Most people see effects for 12 to 18 months before sagging gradually returns toward its pre-treatment state and a repeat treatment is worth considering. That timeline varies with your skin, age, and how many threads were placed.
Can a thread lift go wrong? Here's an honest answer
Like any cosmetic procedure, thread lifts carry real risks, and it's worth understanding them rather than pretending they don't exist. Most side effects are mild and temporary. The more serious ones are rare and usually tied to technique.
What's normal afterward
- Mild bruising or swelling for a few days
- Slight puckering or dimpling at entry points that smooths out within one to two weeks
- A tight or pulling sensation as the skin adjusts
- Minor asymmetry in the first few days while swelling settles
What's rare, and why technique matters
- A thread becoming visible or poking through the skin, more likely when threads are placed too close to the surface
- Infection at an insertion point, uncommon with proper sterile technique
- Under- or over-correction from misjudged thread tension
- Persistent asymmetry that needs a follow-up visit to address
This is exactly why provider experience matters as much as the threads themselves. Dr. Khan holds Level 1 and 2 certification in aesthetic medicine specifically because thread placement, tension, and depth take real training to get right, not just the right product.
What to do (and skip) afterward
Most people are back to normal activities within a day or two. The first week matters most for how your results settle in.
Do
- Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated for the first few nights
- Apply a cold compress for swelling during the first 24 to 48 hours
- Keep any scheduled follow-up appointment
- Be gentle when applying skincare or makeup over the treated area
Don't
- Rub, massage, or apply heavy pressure to the treated area
- Open your mouth unusually wide or make exaggerated expressions for the first week
- Expose the area to direct heat, like a sauna or sunbathing, for two weeks
- Ignore a thread that feels like it's poking through the skin — call us right away
What a PDO thread lift costs
Cost depends on how many threads are placed, which areas you're treating, and the type of thread used. A thread face lift cost is generally lower than a surgical facelift, but it's not a one-time expense either, since most people repeat treatment every 12 to 18 months to maintain results. A thread lift is a cosmetic med spa treatment, so it's typically not covered by insurance — we'll be upfront about that from the start. We do offer payment plans to help spread out the cost.
Ask us for a real number, based on your face and your goals, before you commit to anything.
Dr. Aurangzaib Khan, DMD
Founder & Lead Provider, AZ Dental Spa Med SpaDr. Khan has been treating patients in Pennsauken Township since 2005. Beyond his dental training, he's pursued additional certification in injectables and skin treatments, including Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling, laser treatments, chemical peels, and PRP therapy, through the National Laser Institute of North America. He also holds Level 1 and Level 2 certification from the American Association of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery and a Pro-Level certification from Medical Spa MD. Thread placement takes a steady hand and real knowledge of facial anatomy, which is why he oversees thread lift treatment personally.
Thread lift care in Pennsauken Township
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What our patients say
“I have been receiving treatments from Dr. Khan and Nazeela for over a year now and I cannot express how confident and comfortable I feel. They are truly a dream team!”
“I had the most beautiful results after my treatment at AZ Dental Spa! I could not be happier and I highly recommend them. Perfection!”
“It was my first time and they were professional and gentle, and explained everything before and during. I will definitely be coming back!”
“There are not enough accolades to do it justice. THE BEST experience ever. I came home and even my family said I was glowing.”
“For the past five years I've been going to Nazeela. Her skill, attention to detail, and demeanor create a relaxing and rejuvenating environment. I highly recommend AZ Dental Spa and Nazeela's spa services.”
“It was done with such care and attention to detail. Nazeela was wonderful, so gentle and informative. I actually felt like I was getting pampered!”
Questions about thread lifts
What is a PDO thread lift?
A PDO thread lift is a non-surgical treatment that uses fine dissolvable threads, made of polydioxanone, to lift sagging skin and stimulate your body's own collagen production. It's placed with a thin needle or cannula, no incisions involved.
How does a thread lift work?
It works in two stages. The threads mechanically lift and reposition sagging tissue the moment they're placed, then your body responds to them by building new collagen around them over the following months, which is what firms the area further.
What's the difference between a thread lift and a surgical facelift?
A thread lift is non-surgical, uses local anesthesia, and has minimal downtime, but results are more subtle and last 12 to 18 months. A surgical facelift removes excess skin directly, involves more downtime, and typically lasts years longer. Which one fits depends on how much sagging you have.
Where can PDO threads be used?
Most commonly the face and jawline, to lift jowls and redefine the lower face, and the neck. Threads can also address the brow or mid-face. Nose thread lifts exist as a separate, narrower application with different technique considerations.
What does thread lift before and after typically look like?
You'll see a visible lift the same day, though swelling can mask some of that initially. Results become clearer over the next two to six weeks, with the fullest, most refined result appearing around three to six months as collagen builds around the threads.
How long do thread lift results last?
Most people see effects for 12 to 18 months before sagging gradually returns and a repeat treatment is worth considering. That timeline depends on your skin, age, and how many threads were placed.
Does a thread lift hurt?
Most people feel pressure and pulling rather than sharp pain, since the area is numbed with local anesthesia first. Mild soreness, swelling, or bruising for a few days afterward is normal.
Can a thread lift go wrong?
Like any cosmetic procedure, it carries real risks. Mild bruising, swelling, and temporary puckering at entry points are common and resolve within one to two weeks. Rare but more serious issues, like a thread becoming visible under the skin or infection, are usually tied to technique and are why provider experience matters so much.
What's the recovery like?
Most people return to normal activities within a day or two. You'll want to avoid rubbing the area, wide mouth movements, and direct heat for about a week or two while the threads settle in.
How much does a PDO thread lift cost?
Cost depends on how many threads are placed and which areas you're treating. It's generally less than a surgical facelift per treatment, though most people repeat it every 12 to 18 months. It's a cosmetic treatment, so it's typically not covered by insurance, but we offer payment plans through CareCredit and Lending Club.
Is a PDO thread lift safe?
For most healthy adults, yes, when placed by an experienced provider. It's not recommended during pregnancy or nursing, or if you have an active skin infection or a bleeding disorder. We'll review your health history during a consultation.
How many threads are used, and how long does a session take?
That depends on the area and how much lift you need, from a handful of threads to a couple dozen for a fuller treatment. Most sessions run 30 to 60 minutes.
Ready for a Lift Without the Surgery?
A PDO thread lift is quick, and the results keep building for months. Book your visit and we'll map out a plan together.