If 2024 was the year of subtle “tweakments,” 2025 is the year those tweakments went mainstream—especially among celebrities who need red-carpet results without a weeks-long recovery. One treatment leading the pack: the PDO thread lift. Beauty presses and surgeons alike point to a shift toward minimally invasive, natural-looking rejuvenation—and thread lifts slot in perfectly. Here’s what it is, how long it lasts, and who it’s for.
Quick refresher: What is a PDO thread lift?
A PDO thread lift uses ultra-thin, dissolvable sutures made of polydioxanone (PDO), placed just under the skin to gently reposition tissue and stimulate collagen. Results are visible right away (think crisper jawline and elevated midface) and continue to improve over several months as your skin builds new collagen around the threads. Medical centers describe it as a minimally invasive procedure with local anesthesia and little downtime compared with surgery.
How long does it last?
Authoritative medical guidance puts typical longevity at 1–3 years, depending on thread type, technique, and personal biology.
Why celebrities love it in 2025
- Camera-ready fast. A thread lift produces an immediate, visible lift—ideal when you’re shooting a campaign next week or stepping onto a red carpet tomorrow. That “lift now, refine later” cadence is why it’s increasingly favored in the era of natural-looking tweakments.
- Subtle over “done.” Media coverage shows more stars openly discussing understated treatments and moving away from overfilled looks. Threads can refine the jawline, cheeks, and brows without adding bulk, aligning with the softer-glam aesthetic dominating celeb beauty in 2024–2025.
- It stacks well with other treatments. New studies in 2025 examine combination approaches (e.g., threads with neuromodulators or other modalities) to amplify and maintain results—another reason pros favor them for public-facing clients.
- There’s growing, real research—not just hype. A 2025 randomized comparative study analyzed how the number of PDO threads affects tissue movement and satisfaction, reflecting more rigorous evaluation of outcomes. A 2024 randomized trial also documented dermal thickening after PDO placement via ultrasound. Translation: we’re getting better data on how and why it works.
Is a PDO thread lift “FDA-approved”?
This is where terminology matters. Threads themselves are FDA-cleared sutures (via the 510(k) pathway) for soft-tissue approximation—meaning the material/device is cleared as a suture. Some branded systems (e.g., Silhouette InstaLift, made of PLLA/PLGA with micro-cones) are FDA-cleared for facial suspension in the mid-face. Many PDO threads are cleared as sutures, and their aesthetic lifting use can be off-label, depending on the product and indication. Always ask your provider which system they use and its clearance.
Benefits celebs (and non-celebs) notice
- Instant lift + progressive collagen: Immediate contour with ongoing collagen remodeling for months.
- Minimal downtime: Most patients return to normal activity quickly versus surgical lifts.
- Customizable: Vectoring, thread type (barbed vs. smooth), and quantity can be tailored to goals; current research is exploring how thread number influences outcomes.
- Bridges the gap: For those not ready for surgery (or spacing out bigger procedures), threads offer a meaningful refresh that aligns with the “natural, undetectable” trend.
Risks & reality check (what your publicist would want you to know)
No treatment is perfect. Documented complications include bruising, swelling, dimpling, asymmetry, palpable/visible threads, and, rarely, infection or thread exposure—with rates varying by technique and thread type.
Systematic reviews and 2025 updates continue to track these events and emphasize experienced, anatomically precise hands. If you plan a future facelift, disclose your thread history—some surgeons report that certain nonsurgical treatments, including threads, can complicate later surgery.
How PDO threads compare with fillers and surgery
- Versus fillers: Fillers add volume; threads lift and reposition soft tissue and may tighten the look of skin via collagen stimulation. Many patients use both strategically.
- Versus facelift: A surgical facelift offers the most durable and dramatic result but requires anesthesia, incisions, and downtime. Threads deliver a lighter, shorter-term lift—think 1–3 years, not a decade.
Who’s the ideal candidate?
Health systems note the best candidates typically have mild to moderate laxity (often in their mid-30s to 50s), good skin quality, and realistic expectations. If you want a refined jawline, early jowl correction, or a subtle midface “perk-up,” you’re likely in the sweet spot.
Choosing the right provider (and why it matters for results)
Outcomes hinge on skillful vector design, depth, and anchoring—not just the brand of thread. Look for a board-certified expert who performs thread lifts regularly; ask to see before-and-afters and discuss which device they’ll use (PDO vs. PLLA/PLGA systems) and why. Reputable clinics often combine a PDO thread lift with skin-quality treatments for a polished, natural finish.
Final Thoughts
The PDO thread lift has rightfully earned its place as the celebrity beauty secret of 2025. With immediate results, minimal downtime, and the added benefit of collagen stimulation, it bridges the gap between injectables and surgery. Celebrities—and increasingly everyday people—are embracing it for its ability to deliver natural, youthful contours without looking “overdone.”
That said, results depend heavily on the expertise of the provider and the specific thread system used. By choosing a trusted, experienced clinic—such as Eye Candy Med Spa—patients can enjoy the full benefits of a PDO thread lift while minimizing risks.
