By now, you’ve probably heard of a PDO thread lift and all the various benefits that it provides. In a short amount of time, this cosmetic medicine procedure has gained significant popularity, thanks to the fact that it produces amazing results, doesn’t take a lot of time to complete, has minimal downtime and recovery time, and is pain-free.
There is no need for general anesthesia for a PDO thread lift, since no surgery is involved. Instead, local numbing agents are used to ensure that all patients are completely comfortable while the procedure is going on.
While this provides a lot of comfort for some people, others may still be a little apprehensive about getting a PDO thread lift for fear that it will be painful. That’s a natural fear to have, but you can rest assured that it will not be painful at all.
For those who have never had a PDO thread lift before, we will outline what a PDO thread feels like below.
Many patients report that they do feel a slight tugging or pulling sensation as well as some pressure. Overall, though, the feeling is best described as mild discomfort rather than outright pain.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 5/6/2025
How Does a PDO Thread Lift Work?
PDO threads are thin threads that are inserted into your skin using a preloaded cannula, which is very similar to how an IV line is inserted. For a thread lift, the PDO threads will have barbs on the end of them, which will grab onto parts of your skin and lift it up to mimic the results of a traditional facelift.
After your provider ensures that there is symmetry in what they’ve done, they will snip off the ends of the threads to ensure nothing is protruding out of your skin. Then, you will be on your way!
From start to finish, a PDO thread lift should take less than an hour, which is why it’s often referred to as the lunchtime facelift. You’ll be able to resume most of your day-to-day activities immediately, though you will be advised to avoid certain things for a few weeks.
Over time, your body will produce extra collagen in the treatment area to break down the threads. This collagen ensures the results of the procedure are amazing, and makes your skin look more glowing and elastic, which gives you a natural, youthful look.
What Does a PDO Thread Lift Feel Like?
Before the threads are inserted into your skin, your provider will use local numbing agents to ensure you are comfortable. The most commonly-used local anesthetic is lidocaine, and this is usually injected into the insertion site — though numbing creams can also be used.
This local anesthesia should take away any pain you might experience from your PDO thread lift procedure. In fact, you shouldn’t feel any pain at all while the procedure is going on.
Many patients report that they do feel a slight tugging or pulling sensation as well as some pressure. Overall, though, the feeling is best described as mild discomfort rather than outright pain.
Of course, what you feel can vary significantly from what another person feels. That’s why it’s so important for you to be honest with your provider about your general tolerance for pain, and they should be able to adjust the levels of local anesthesia that they use, if need be.
| Sensation | Cause | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tugging or pulling | Threads with barbs grip and lift skin tissue. | Only during the procedure. |
| Pressure | Insertion of the cannula and adjustment of threads. | Short-term, resolves by end of procedure. |
| Swelling | Tissue response to thread insertion and local trauma. | Typically 3–7 days. |
| Bruising | Minor blood vessel irritation during cannula entry. | Fades within 5–10 days. |
| Soreness | Natural healing response post-procedure. | Usually resolves within a few days to a week. |
What Does It Feel Like After a PDO Thread Lift?
As mentioned, there is very little downtime or recovery time associated with a PDO thread lift, which is a major advantage of this procedure. You will be able to go right back to work and do most things immediately afterward, though you should avoid strenuous activities, deep facial massages or cleansing, and taking certain medications for a few weeks.
You may experience some slight swelling or bruising in the treatment area. In most cases, this will resolve itself in about a week’s time, and you can use ice to help speed along that process.
This might cause some slight discomfort or even soreness, but again, this should be very temporary. Most patients report that this dissipates rather quickly after their PDO thread lift.
| Stage | What to Expect | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| Before | Local anesthesia (e.g., lidocaine) is applied to numb the treatment area. | No pain; mild anticipation or nervousness is common. |
| During | PDO threads are inserted using a cannula; symmetry is checked and ends trimmed. | No pain; patients report mild tugging, pulling, or pressure. |
| After | Minor swelling or bruising may occur; most normal activities can resume. | Mild soreness possible; usually subsides within a week. |
Get a PDO Thread Lift with V Soft Lift’s High-Quality Threads
PDO thread lifts are becoming increasingly popular for the amazing results that they produce and the limited downtime and recovery time associated with them.
If you’ve never had this treatment before, you do not need to worry about pain. Your provider will use local numbing agents to ensure you are completely comfortable, and all you may feel is some slight tugging or pressure while the threads are being inserted.
When you get a PDO thread lift, it’s important to choose a provider who knows what they’re doing and is reputable. You should also choose one who uses PDO threads produced by V Soft Lift.
We have created the highest-quality PDO threads on the market. Our long line of PDO threads allow providers to choose the ones that are best for each individual patient, treatment and skin type — ensuring that you get the best results possible.
For more information, contact us today.
