Have you caught yourself pulling the skin near your jawline back just to see what a lift might look like? Maybe you’ve noticed your cheeks aren’t as firm as they used to be, or that subtle sagging around your neck is becoming harder to ignore. If you’re nodding along, you’re definitely not alone. The good news? There’s a non-surgical facelift available for you.
At Eterna Cosmetic Surgery in San Antonio, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez offers PDO Thread Lifts, a modern solution that’s changing the game for people who want real results without the commitment of traditional surgery. Think of it as your middle ground between doing nothing and going all in with a surgical facelift.
What Are PDO Thread Lifts and How Do They Work?
Let’s break this down in plain terms. A PDO Thread Lift uses ultra-fine medical-grade threads made from polydioxanone, or PDO for short. Before you let that scientific name intimidate you, here’s what matters: this material has been safely used in dissolvable surgical sutures for decades. It’s proven, it’s reliable, and your body knows exactly what to do with it.
Unlike a traditional facelift that requires large incisions and puts you under general anesthesia, a PDO Thread Lift is minimally invasive. We’re talking about tiny entry points created with a fine needle or cannula. No major cutting, no lengthy hospital stays, no dramatic recovery period that keeps you hidden away for weeks.
Once Dr. Hernandez carefully places these threads beneath your skin, they get to work in two powerful ways. First, there’s the immediate mechanical lift. The threads physically lift sagging or lax skin, repositioning your tissue to restore those youthful contours you’ve been missing. You’ll actually see a difference right away.
But here’s where it gets even better. As the PDO threads gradually dissolve over about six months, they trigger your body’s natural healing response. This means your own collagen and elastin production kicks into high gear. The result? Your skin tightens, firmness improves, and those benefits keep getting better long after the threads have done their job.
This dual effect of instant lift plus gradual rejuvenation is why so many of our patients describe their results as a “natural-looking facelift” without any of the surgical downsides.
Could You Be a Perfect Candidate?
PDO Thread Lifts work incredibly well for specific situations. You might be an ideal candidate if you’re seeing early to moderate signs of aging. We’re talking about mild to moderate skin sagging, that frustrating loss of firmness, or those early wrinkles that seem to appear out of nowhere.
This treatment shines when you want subtle, natural-looking rejuvenation rather than dramatic, surgically induced changes. Maybe you’d love a refreshed jawline, lifted cheeks, a tighter neck, or simply smoother skin texture. You want to look like the best version of yourself, not like someone completely different.
If you value your time and prefer minimal downtime compared to a full facelift, you’re going to appreciate this option. Many of our patients aren’t quite ready for surgical intervention, or they simply don’t need it yet, but they absolutely want visible improvement. That’s exactly what PDO Thread Lifts deliver.
Because the entire procedure is done under local numbing instead of general anesthesia, and we’re only creating tiny punctures rather than large incisions, many people affectionately call it a “lunchtime facelift.” You could literally schedule this during your lunch break and return to your day.
Your Experience at Eterna Cosmetic Surgery
When you choose Eterna for your PDO Thread Lift, here’s what your journey looks like. Everything begins with a thorough consultation and assessment. Dr. Hernandez will evaluate your skin condition, discuss your aesthetic goals in detail, and review your medical history to confirm you’re a good candidate.
On the day of your treatment, we prepare the area by cleansing your skin and applying local anesthesia for your comfort. We typically take before photos so you can see your amazing transformation later.
During the thread insertion phase, Dr. Hernandez uses fine needles or cannulas to carefully insert PDO threads beneath your skin along predetermined vectors. Depending on what you need, she might use smooth or barbed threads (also called cog threads). Her experience and artistic eye ensure precise placement for optimal results.
Next comes the lift and adjustment. The threads are gently pulled or anchored to lift that sagging tissue exactly where you need it. After trimming any excess so nothing remains exposed, we clean your skin and you’re free to go home the same day. Yes, really.
Your recovery and collagen stimulation phase is where the magic continues. You’ll notice a subtle lift immediately, but over the following weeks and months, as those threads dissolve, your own collagen builds up naturally. This improves firmness, elasticity, and contour in ways that just keep getting better.
The Benefits That Matter to You
Let’s talk about what makes PDO Thread Lifts such an attractive option compared to traditional facelifts. First and foremost, you’re looking at minimal downtime. Many of our patients resume their normal daily activities within just a day or two. No extended absences from work, no canceling important events.
You also benefit from lower risk and fewer side effects. Without large incisions or general anesthesia, you avoid the complications that can come with major surgery. Your recovery is gentler, and the overall experience is far less intimidating.
The results speak for themselves with their subtle, natural-looking quality. Instead of that overly tight or pulled appearance that sometimes results from surgical facelifts, PDO threads provide gentle lifting and gradual rejuvenation. You’ll look refreshed, not redesigned.
Another beautiful aspect of this treatment is that it stimulates your body’s own rejuvenation. The collagen and elastin your body produces during healing improves overall skin quality, firmness, and elasticity. These benefits extend well beyond just the mechanical lift from the threads themselves.
PDO Thread Lifts are also incredibly flexible and versatile. Dr. Hernandez can target various areas including your cheeks, jowls, jawline, neck, and brows. The treatment gets customized based on exactly what you need.
What to Expect During Recovery
You might experience slight swelling, bruising, or tightness, but these effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days. Most patients are back to their regular routines within 24 to 48 hours.
The initial lift is visible immediately after your procedure, but your full results emerge gradually over weeks to months as collagen production increases. Results generally last between 12 to 18 months, depending on factors like your age, skin quality, lifestyle, and the type of threads used.
Many of our patients choose periodic maintenance or repeat treatments to keep their results looking fresh long-term. Dr. Hernandez can help you develop a personalized plan that works with your goals and budget.
Why Choose Eterna Cosmetic Surgery
At Eterna Cosmetic Surgery in San Antonio, Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez brings together aesthetic artistry, precise technique, and modern technology to offer PDO Thread Lifts tailored specifically to your facial structure, lifestyle, and beauty goals.
With her extensive training and experience performing over 4,000 cosmetic surgical procedures, Dr. Hernandez has the expertise to deliver results that look natural and feel right for you. Her personalized approach means you’re never just another appointment. Every treatment plan reflects your unique needs.
Because Eterna offers a full spectrum of cosmetic treatments ranging from injectables to body contouring, you have the flexibility to combine your PDO Thread Lift with other procedures. Whether that’s fillers, laser skin treatments, or additional skin-tightening options, Dr. Hernandez can create a comprehensive, harmonious rejuvenation plan that addresses all your concerns.Ready to explore whether PDO Thread Lifts are right for you? Contact Eterna Cosmetic Surgery today to schedule your non-surgical facelift consultation with Dr. Hernandez. Your refreshed, more youthful appearance is waiting, and it doesn’t require the commitment of traditional surgery. Let’s talk about what’s possible for you through a thread lift procedure.
