PDO Threads

Staying active is one of the best things you can do for how you age, and we’re firm believers in it. Even so, the skin often follows its own timeline. Collagen thins with each passing year, and the cheeks and jawline may start to soften even when the rest of you is thriving.   At Aledo Empowered Wellness, we treat those changes the same way we treat everything else: by working with your body, not against it. A PDO thread lift does exactly that, lifting and firming skin while prompting your own collagen to rebuild from underneath.

What Is a PDO Thread Lift?

A PDO thread lift is a nonsurgical procedure that uses dissolvable polydioxanone (PDO) sutures to lift loose skin and stimulate new collagen growth. A trained provider inserts the threads beneath the skin with a thin cannula, then gently repositions the tissue upward. The threads dissolve over several months, but the collagen they produce keeps working long after. The material used in PDO threads, polydioxanone, is not new or experimental. Surgeons have used PDO sutures for decades in procedures like cardiac surgery, where they’re trusted to dissolve safely inside the body. Aesthetic medicine adapted that same suture into a tool for facial rejuvenation. When Marisa MacKenzie, PA-C, places threads, she’s using a material with a long, well-documented safety record, applied with the anatomical precision she developed across 15 years of experience in family practice, orthopedics, hormone management and aesthetics. 

Benefits of PDO Threads

PDO threads can improve mild to moderate skin laxity while supporting gradual collagen production. Benefits may include:
  • Subtle lifting without surgery: Barbed PDO threads can help reposition sagging tissue in areas like the cheeks, jawline and neck.
  • Improved skin firmness: As the threads dissolve, they stimulate collagen production to support firmer, smoother skin.
  • More defined facial contours: PDO threads can help sharpen areas that have softened over time, including the jawline and lower face.
  • Natural-looking rejuvenation: Results are designed to look refreshed rather than overly tight or dramatically altered.
  • Minimal downtime: Most patients can return to normal daily activities shortly after treatment, though swelling, bruising or tenderness may occur.
  • Gradual improvement over time: Some lift may be visible right away, with collagen-related benefits continuing to develop in the months after treatment.
Whether you’re navigating hormonal changes, dealing with stubborn weight gain, or simply feeling overwhelmed by conflicting diet advice, we are here to guide you. We take a personalized, medically-informed approach that supports your body, lifestyle, and goals so you can lose weight safely and sustainably, while gaining confidence, energy, and a deeper sense of well-being.

Why Is a Healthy Weight Important?

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is important for overall health and can help you prevent and control many diseases and conditions. If you are overweight or obese, you are at higher risk of developing serious health problems, including heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, gallstones, breathing problems, and certain cancers. That is why maintaining a healthy weight is so important: It helps you lower your risk for developing these problems, helps you feel good about yourself, and gives you more energy to enjoy life.

What Is Medical Weight Loss?

Medical weight loss is a personalized, clinically supervised approach to losing weight that goes far beyond traditional dieting. Rather than relying on one-size-fits-all meal plans or unsustainable quick fixes, this method addresses the biological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that affect your ability to lose weight and keep it off. This approach is ideal for individuals who:
  • Have struggled with stubborn weight gain despite efforts with diet and exercise
  • Are experiencing hormonal imbalances or metabolic resistance
  • Need medically supported tools to jumpstart fat loss and improve function
  • Want expert guidance and accountability throughout their journey
With medical weight loss, the goal isn’t short-term results. The goal is to create lasting changes in how your body works, how it responds to food and activity, and how you feel day to day. Every plan is built around safety, science, and long-term sustainability.

The Benefits of a Personalized Medical Weight Loss Plan

At Aledo Empowered Wellness, our approach to weight loss is rooted in personalized care and evidence-based solutions. We focus on helping your body function better by addressing the underlying causes of weight gain, such as metabolic slowdowns, hormonal imbalances, and chronic inflammation. Every plan is designed to support long-term health improvements through sustainable, realistic strategies. Some of the key benefits of starting a customized weight loss program with us include:
  • Nutrition plans aligned with your metabolism, food preferences, and energy needs
  • Improved energy levels and reduced physical fatigue
  • Better sleep quality and more consistent daytime focus
  • Enhanced digestion and reduced bloating
  •  Support for hormonally influenced weight retention (such as during perimenopause or thyroid dysfunction)
  • Fat loss that prioritizes muscle preservation for long-term metabolic health
  • More stable blood sugar levels and fewer cravings
  • Ongoing progress tracking
  • Targeted nutrient support 
  • Improvements in mobility, physical performance, and body composition markers
  • A clear, structured path to long-term wellness and maintenance
Our goal is to support your body’s natural rhythms and restore balance, without shortcuts or one-size-fits-all solutions. This is care designed for sustainability, backed by medical insight and delivered with intention.

How Can We Help?

At Aledo Empowered Wellness, we understand that achieving a “healthy weight,” is much easier said than done. That’s why we offer a variety of weight loss assistance options and customize plans unique to each patient. Some of the tools we use to help patients take control of their weight include: 

Precision Nutrition Diet/Macro Plans

Our precision nutrition and macro-based meal plans are designed to align with your metabolism, body composition goals, and dietary preferences. This approach is ideal for individuals who feel overwhelmed by restrictive diets or aren’t sure how to create balanced meals.  Rather than encouraging deprivation, we help you create a plan based on the right ratios of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. These science-backed meal strategies promote fat loss, support lean muscle maintenance, and provide steady energy throughout the day, all while sustainably fitting into your lifestyle.

Prescription Medications

For those who qualify, we offer prescription medications as part of a comprehensive weight loss plan. These may include medical-grade appetite suppressants or prescriptions that support metabolic function, evaluated and monitored by our licensed providers.  Prescription options are best suited for patients who are struggling with persistent weight gain, emotional eating, or metabolic slowdowns. When paired with nutrition and lifestyle changes, these medications can help regulate hunger cues, reduce cravings, and enhance your body’s ability to respond to your weight loss efforts, especially during the initial phases of your journey.

Vitamin Complex Injections

Our vitamin complex injections deliver targeted blends of essential nutrients, such as B12 and MIC (methionine, inositol, and choline), directly into the muscle for fast absorption and powerful support. These injections are especially helpful for individuals dealing with low energy, slow metabolism, or nutritional imbalances that may hinder weight loss.  When combined with a healthy lifestyle, they can help boost your energy, improve fat metabolism, enhance liver detoxification, and keep your body functioning at its best, making it easier to stay active and feel your best throughout your program.

Workout & Recovery Supplements

Movement is a vital part of overall wellness, and we support your efforts with high-quality workout and recovery supplements. These products are formulated to help you get the most out of your physical activity, whether you’re just beginning to incorporate exercise or you already follow a fitness routine.  Our supplements aid in muscle recovery, prevent fatigue, and help preserve lean muscle mass, which is crucial for long-term fat loss. With the right support, you’ll be able to move consistently and confidently, without burning out or breaking down.

Weekly Weigh-ins for Accountability

Consistency matters when it comes to sustainable results, which is why we offer weekly weigh-ins and continuous accountability throughout your program. These check-ins are designed to track your progress, fine-tune your plan, and keep you motivated with professional guidance every step of the way.  Rather than focusing on perfection, our approach is centered around understanding how your body responds to change and celebrating meaningful wins, no matter how big or small. This ongoing support helps build momentum and ensures that you’re never navigating your health journey alone.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

A One-on-One Consultation

Your first appointment begins with a private consultation where we take the time to understand you—not just your weight goals, but also your health history, current challenges, and lifestyle. This conversation helps us build a foundation of trust and ensures that your care is personalized from the start.

Full Health Evaluation & Optional Lab Testing

Depending on your needs, we may perform a body composition analysis and recommend lab testing to uncover deeper insights. These tests can help identify metabolic issues, hormonal imbalances, or nutrient deficiencies that may be affecting your weight or energy levels.

Personalized Weight Loss Plan

With a complete picture of your health, we’ll design a customized plan that fits your body, goals, and lifestyle. Your plan may include a combination of nutrition guidance, prescription medications, vitamin injections, or supplement recommendations tailored to help you succeed safely and sustainably.

Clear Next Steps & Ongoing Support

You’ll leave your visit with a clear action plan and the full support of our team. From weekly check-ins to progress tracking and plan adjustments, we’re with you every step of the way to ensure you stay motivated, empowered, and on track.

What Results Can You Expect?

Embarking on a medical weight loss journey is a commitment to long-term health and well-being. While individual experiences may vary, the following timeline provides a general overview of what many patients can anticipate when adhering to a personalized, medically supervised program.

Weeks 1–2: Initial Assessment & Early Adjustments

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: Undergo a thorough health assessment, including lab tests and body composition analysis.
  • Personalized Plan Development: Receive a tailored nutrition and lifestyle plan based on your unique needs.
  • Early Physical Changes: Some patients may notice initial weight fluctuations, often due to changes in water retention and glycogen stores.
  • Symptom Monitoring: Begin tracking energy levels, sleep quality, and digestive patterns to inform ongoing adjustments.

Weeks 3–4: Establishing New Habits

  • Weight Loss Progress: Patients may experience a weight reduction of approximately 1–3 pounds per week, depending on adherence and individual factors.
  • Improved Energy and Sleep: Many report enhanced daytime energy and better sleep quality as the body adapts to new routines.
  • Appetite Regulation: The introduction of prescribed medications or supplements may help control hunger and reduce cravings.
  • Routine Check-Ins: Regular consultations help fine-tune the program and address any emerging challenges.

Months 2–3: Consistent Progress

  • Steady Weight Reduction: Continued weight loss is common, with some patients achieving a 5–10% decrease in total body weight.
  • Enhanced Metabolic Health: Improvements in blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure may be observed.
  • Lifestyle Integration: Healthy eating and exercise habits become more ingrained, supporting ongoing success.
  • Body Composition Changes: Noticeable shifts in fat distribution and muscle tone may occur.

Months 4–6: Sustained Results

  • Weight Loss Milestones: Patients often reach significant weight loss goals, with some achieving up to a 15% reduction in body weight.
  • Stabilization Phase: Weight loss may plateau, signaling the body’s adjustment to new set points.
  • Focus on Maintenance: Emphasis shifts to sustaining weight loss through continued healthy habits and regular monitoring.
  • Long-Term Health Benefits: Ongoing improvements in metabolic markers and overall well-being are typically maintained.
Note: Individual results can vary based on factors such as starting weight, metabolic rate, adherence to the program, and underlying health conditions. Regular consultations with healthcare providers ensure that the program remains aligned with your health goals and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Weight Loss Program

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for your weight loss program?

If you’ve struggled to lose weight through traditional diet and exercise, or feel like something deeper may be impacting your progress, you may be a great candidate. Our program is ideal for individuals dealing with hormonal imbalances, metabolic resistance, chronic fatigue, or stubborn weight gain. During your consultation, we’ll review your full health history to determine the best approach for your body and goals.

Are prescription weight loss medications safe?

Weight loss medications are safe when prescribed and monitored by a qualified provider. We only offer FDA-approved weight loss medications that have been proven effective when used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program. We’ll carefully evaluate your health history and ensure the medication is appropriate for you, monitoring your progress closely to adjust dosage or switch medications if needed.

Why Choose Aledo Empowered Wellness?

Personalized Care That Puts You First

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every patient receives a customized plan based on their body’s unique needs, challenges, and goals. Whether you’re dealing with hormonal imbalances, metabolic resistance, or emotional burnout from past diet failures, we design a program that meets you where you are—and supports you every step of the way.

Medically-Guided, Results-Driven Approach

Our programs are developed and overseen by experienced healthcare providers who understand the science of weight loss and wellness. From prescription medications to lab-based diagnostics, we use proven tools—not gimmicks—to help you lose weight safely and keep it off long term.

Real Accountability & Support

We don’t just hand you a plan and send you on your way. Our team is here to guide you through each phase of your journey, offering weekly check-ins, expert advice, and compassionate support. You’ll always know what to expect and never feel like you’re doing this alone.

Whole-Person Wellness, Not Just Weight Loss

We focus on more than just the number on the scale. At Aledo Empowered Wellness, we help you feel better, move better, and live better by addressing energy levels, nutrition, mental clarity, and overall quality of life. Our mission is to help you build health from the inside out.

Take the First Step Toward Sustainable Change with Medical Weight Loss in Aledo, TX

At Aledo Empowered Wellness, we’re here to support you with science-based strategies, real accountability, and medical insight tailored to your needs. Whether you’re navigating hormone-related weight changes, metabolic resistance, or years of frustrating results with conventional diets, our programs are designed to help your body function better, not just shrink the number on the scale. This is about building habits, restoring balance, and making progress that lasts. Your next step is simple—and supported. Call us at (817) 646-8935 or schedule your consultation online and discover what personalized, medically guided weight loss can do for your long-term health.

How Do PDO Threads Work?

PDO threads work in two different ways: some provide a mechanical lift, while others support collagen production over time.  Barbed threads have tiny projections along their length, which grip the underside of the skin. When Marisa repositions these threads and pulls them taut, they provide an immediate lifting effect. Smooth threads don’t reposition the skin but help with firmness and collagen. 

Are There Different Types of PDO Threads?

Yes, there are different types of PDO threads available, each designed to address different concerns. These can be mixed and matched, depending on your goals: 
  • Smooth (mono) threads: Used for superficial lines and wrinkles, smooth threads lack the barbs or cogs that grip the underlying tissues. Instead of lifting, they act as a “skin booster,” promoting new collagen and elastin production for several months. 
  • Barbed (cog) threads: Equipped with tiny barbs, hooks or cones, these threads embed into the skin. When pulled, they visibly lift and reposition sagging tissues, making them ideal for drooping cheeks, jowls and deeper wrinkles.
  • Screw threads: Featuring a coiled design twisted around an insertion device (either a cannula or a needle), screw threads maximize surface area and stimulate a stronger collagen response. They are ideal for volume deficits and deep wrinkles or folds. 
Thread Type Primary Purpose Best For
Thread Type
Primary Purpose
Best For
Smooth threads
Stimulate collagen production without lifting
Superficial lines and wrinkles, overall skin quality
Barbed threads
Grip and reposition sagging tissue
Drooping cheeks, jowls, visible skin laxity
Screw threads
Stronger collagen-stimulating effect
Volume loss, facial folds, deeper wrinkles

What Can a Thread Lift Address?

Because they come in different types, PDO threads are highly versatile. Smooth threads and screw threads focus on collagen stimulation and skin quality, while barbed threads do the heavier lifting. Marisa chooses the combination based on what your face actually needs. 

At Aledo Empowered Wellness, we use PDO threads to:

  • Lift and define a softening jawline
  • Reduce the appearance of jowls
  • Rejuvenate the cheeks and midface
  • Subtly raise a heavy or lowered brow
  • Firm loose skin along the neck
  • Refine the area beneath the chin 
  • Smooth nasolabial folds and other facial wrinkles

Who Is a Good Candidate for PDO Threads?

The best candidates for a PDO thread lift have mild to moderate skin laxity and want a noticeable lift without the cost or downtime of surgery. Most thread lift patients are in their late 30s to early 50s, though candidacy depends on skin quality and concerns more than age. 

While a versatile and effective treatment option, PDO threads are not the right tool for everyone. Those with advanced skin laxity may not achieve their desired results, as the threads aren’t strong enough to hold up heavy, sagging tissue. You may also need to postpone if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or managing an active skin infection.

During your consultation, our team will review your concerns, goals and medical history to determine if a thread lift is right for you. We’ll also explain each step of the procedure in detail and go over the results you can expect to ensure you have realistic expectations.

What Happens During Treatment?

Most thread lifting appointments take 60 to 90 minutes. The procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. Once it takes effect, Marisa will use a blunt-tipped cannula to insert the threads through carefully chosen entry points, typically in the hairline, just in front of the ear or behind the ear, depending on your goals. She will maneuver the threads to achieve your desired lift and trim any excess, leaving no visible sign of treatment. The threads are left beneath the skin to provide support and stimulate collagen production over the next several months. 

Is There Downtime After a PDO Thread Lift?

Most people get back to their normal within a day or two, although some visible bruising and swelling are possible in the first week. You might also feel mild tightness or a pulling sensation when you move your face, which is normal and fades as the threads settle. Tenderness at the insertion points is common and usually resolves shortly after treatment.

Marisa will give you specific aftercare instructions to protect your results while everything settles. These typically involve skipping strenuous exercise for about one week, avoiding facials and saunas, and consciously limiting excessive facial movement for the first few days. 

Results appear immediately from the lift itself, then continue improving over the following eight to 12 weeks as new collagen forms. Depending on factors like your concerns, skin quality and the type of threads used, results can be expected to last for 12 to 18 months, though some collagen-related improvement may last longer.

The Aledo Empowered Wellness Difference

Plenty of med spas offer thread lifts, but not many are backed by the expertise of a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a physician assistant with a passion for holistic aesthetics and preventive care. 

At Aledo Empowered Wellness, Marisa MacKenzie, PA-C and Travis MacKenzie, MD, bring their broad clinical perspective to every aesthetic treatment. We consider the whole picture before recommending any procedure, including the hormonal and nutritional factors that affect how your skin heals and how long your results last. 

If hormonal changes or nutritional gaps are quietly working against your skin, we can address those alongside your aesthetic treatment through our PRP/PRF, hormone optimization and exosome services. Few thread-lift providers can connect those dots under one roof.

Meet Our Team

Schedule Your PDO Thread Lift Consultation in Aledo, TX

Your face deserves the same prevention-first approach we’d give your joints or hormones. A PDO thread lift gives you a real, visible lift today and stronger, better-supported skin over the months that follow, all without surgery or extensive downtime.

If you’re ready to see what a thread lift can do for you, schedule your consultation at Aledo Empowered Wellness today. Call us at 817-646-8935 or book online to get started. 

Frequently Asked questions

PDO thread lift pricing depends on your starting skin quality and which areas you’re treating. A jawline touch-up and a full midface lift will have very different price points. Rather than quote a number that won’t match your plan, we give you an exact figure at your consultation after Marisa MacKenzie, PA-C, evaluates your concerns and goals.

Before any threads are inserted, your provider will administer a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. You will feel some pressure, tugging and pulling during the procedure, but not pain. Soreness afterward is common, but most patients are surprised by how manageable it is.

You may feel some tightness, tenderness or firmness beneath the skin in the first few days after your thread lift, especially when making facial expressions or touching the area. This is temporary and usually improves as swelling settles and the threads begin to integrate with the surrounding tissue. Once healed, the threads should not be noticeably felt under the skin.

PDO threads are made with polydioxanone (PDO), an absorbable, biodegradable polymer used in dissolvable sutures. PDO is a biocompatible and hypoallergenic material that breaks down safely into water and carbon dioxide, which is naturally expelled by the body.

Yes, PDO is an FDA-cleared material that has a long history as a surgical suture, commonly used for internal tissue closures. PDO sutures (PDS) are often favored for delicate cardiothoracic procedures, such as congenital heart repairs in children, due to their strength, flexibility and predictable dissolution time. When used for thread lifting, PDO threads have a similar safety profile and typically dissolve after six to nine months.

PDO thread results typically last 12 to 18 months, but some patients notice improvement that lasts for up to three years. The threads themselves dissolve within about six months, but the collagen your body produces in response continues supporting the skin well after the threads are gone. Maintenance sessions can extend your results.

PDO threads are considered minimally invasive, but like any aesthetic treatment, they do carry some risks. Possible side effects may include:

  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Numbness
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Temporary skin dimpling
  • Asymmetry
  • Infection
  • Visible or palpable threads

These risks can be reduced by choosing an experienced provider who understands where to place the threads and by closely following all aftercare instructions.