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They say age is just a number. But what if that number starts showing up all over your face in the form of deeper lines, looser skin, loss of volume? And what if you want to do something about it to look as youthful as you feel, but don’t want to go under the knife? The good news is that there are many minimally invasive options that can make a big impact…. Let’s start with PDO threads.
You may have heard the term “thread lift” or seen social media photos referencing PDO threads, which have grown in popularity in recent years for their ability to offer great results with little to no downtime. But here are a few reasons we at W love them and use them regularly in our practice.
In case you’re unfamiliar, PDO (polydioxanone) threads are fully dissolvable threads inserted under the skin using a small cannula (blunt edge tool that causes less bleeding/bruising) and are used to address loose or sagging skin and loss of elasticity and volume. These threads not only offer an immediate lifting effect by contracting tissue for skin tightening, but they also stimulate collagen production for a longer lasting youthful effect. Over time, these threads add up to better skin texture, fewer lines and greater skin elasticity. They’re FDA-approved and the whole treatment takes only about an hour (30 minutes for numbing and another 15-30 min for the threads to be inserted and tightened.) PDOs have been used safely for decades and, at W Aesthetics, this treatment is only performed by trained, highly skilled nurse professionals so you’re in the very best hands.
At W, we specifically love NovaThreads, which are US-made and the first FDA approved absorbable PDO sutures. NovaThreads are extremely precise, come in multiple options including Smooth, Lift and Volumize and, most importantly, we and our patients have seen beautiful results from them. As far as which thread is right for you, we will consult with you to hear your aesthetic concerns and goals and will recommend the type of thread we feel will give you optimal results. But as a quick overview, Smooth threads are generally used to treat superficial lines, while Lift barbed or molded threads are used for just that…to lift looser skin and address areas that show signs of sagging or drooping. Finally, Volumize threads are often used for smile lines or helping to define the lip border, marionette lines and nasolabial folds.
But no matter which thread we use, the process is the same. As mentioned, we insert the thread under the skin using a cannula, gently pull the exposed end taut to tighten loose skin. The threads begin to dissolve over time and should be fully absorbed within 4-6 months. They also stimulate the body to produce its own collagen and result in added skin structure which can last on average 6-18 months, depending on the size of thread and where they are placed. Needless to say, we love this treatment for both its instant and long-term results.
Although PDO threads aren’t new, they’ve become even more of a go-to recently for those wanting a little lift and youthful skin restoration, but who want to look like themselves and appreciate a very natural result. So we thought it would be helpful to answer a few questions we often hear when it comes to PDO threads.
That’s the great part…. they can be used virtually anywhere on the body, including the neck, cheeks, jowls, brows, jawline, nasolabial folds, crows feet, under eye and marionette lines. But while the upper neck, brows, cheeks and jowl areas tend to be the most popular, PDO threads can even be used on the upper arms, knees, stomach and thighs to offer lifting and skin tightening in those areas as well.
In general, anyone with minimal or beginning signs of aging, such as looser or somewhat drooping skin, loss of skin elasticity or those wanting an overall subtle lift without surgery. However, to make certain you are a good candidate for this treatment, first we will consult with you individually to make sure it’s safe and in your best interest to perform a PDO thread procedure.
It varies based on the areas treated and number of threads used. Once we consult with you and decide what will give you your best result, we can give you a more specific idea of cost.
Like filler and many other aesthetic procedures, we recommend that you avoid alcohol and blood thinners like ibuprofen (Advil, aspirin etc) for at least a few days before your PDO thread treatment and may also want to limit high-intensity workouts, steam rooms or saunas and natural supplements such as Vitamin E, Ginko and fish oils. Anything that thins your blood or increases your heart rate could lead to greater risk of bruising and swelling, so best to avoid them for a few days before. Also, if you are prone to bruising, taking an Arnica supplement for 5-7 days before treatment may also be a good idea.
After your PDO treatment, it’s important to avoid workouts and an elevated heart rate for the first 7-14 days, however, you can take leisurely walks. We also recommend sleeping on your back for 2 weeks to avoid putting pressure on the treated areas and avoiding dental treatments for 2 weeks as well. You can read more about what we recommend before and after treatment on our site under “Nonsurgical Thread Lift.”
Common side effects that can happen after a PDO thread lift are some discomfort, soreness in the treated areas, bruising, bleeding and minimal swelling. These should not be cause for concern, but if you are feeling intense pain or side effects that seem abnormal, please do not hesitate to contact us. However, anything outside of those listed is rare and most of our patients experience minimal pain and virtually no downtime.
Yes, neuromodulators such as Botox or Dysport and dermal fillers can be used in conjunction with PDO threads to relax lines or add extra volume to the lifted areas.
If you have any other questions related to PDO threads, we encourage you to call our office and schedule an in-person consultation. We would love to see you and let you know if PDO threads might be a good option for you.
With a strong background in hospitality and customer service, Gerardo brings warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism to every patient interaction at W Aesthetics & Wellness. Having spent years in the fast-paced restaurant industry, he honed the art of anticipating needs, creating welcoming experiences, and building genuine connections with people from all walks of life.
At W, Gerardo channels that same dedication into guiding patients through their aesthetics and wellness journey, from their first phone call, to their follow up care. Known for his approachable nature and ability to make others feel at ease, he ensures every detail is handled with care so patients feel valued, supported, and confident in their treatment choices.
When he’s not assisting patients, Gerardo enjoys exploring Bend’s vibrant food scene and spending time with family and friends.
Emma grew up in the Portland area and spent every summer vacationing in Sunriver, which sparked her love for Central Oregon and ultimately inspired her move to Bend. She studied Public Health and Psychology at San Diego State University, where she discovered her passion for helping people and developed strong leadership skills early on, managing teams and completing an internship in a hospital setting.
Emma began her professional career in recruiting and sales before transitioning into the medical space as a surgical medical device representative. It was during this time that she was introduced to the world of aesthetics and wellness, eventually representing devices within the industry and growing her passion for this field. Now, as Practice Manager of W Aesthetics & Wellness’ new West Side location, she is excited to represent the brand and inspire the local community to feel confident both inside and out. She is especially passionate about the practice’s wellness offerings and the way they support overall health and balance.
Outside of work, Emma enjoys spending time with her boyfriend and their golden retriever, exploring Central Oregon’s outdoors, and discovering new local food spots.
Zoey brings a warm and welcoming presence to W Aesthetics & Wellness as our dedicated intern. With a strong background in customer service and a passion for helping others, she’s currently working toward her goal of attending nursing school in Louisiana. At W, Zoey supports our team in a variety of essential roles, from checking in patients and scheduling appointments to assisting with the day-to-day flow of the office. Her commitment to creating a seamless and positive experience for every patient makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Born and raised in Bend, Oregon, Zoey is deeply connected to the local community and brings that same sense of care and authenticity into every interaction. Her interest in the medical field, paired with her compassionate nature, fuels her drive to one day become a nurse and continue making a difference in people’s lives.
Outside of the office, you can find Zoey spending time with friends and family, boating on the lake, or floating the river during Bend’s sunny summer days.
Bri’s career began as a surgical dental assistant, where she developed a strong foundation in patient care and precision. Her passion for making others feel confident and beautiful led her to the field of aesthetics, where she now thrives at W Aesthetics & Wellness. Bri is dedicated to helping patients feel rejuvenated, empowered, and confident through advanced skincare and aesthetic treatments.
Bri assists during a variety of treatments, including injectables, laser therapies, skin rejuvenation procedures, and more. Known for her calming presence and attention to detail, she ensures that every patient feels comfortable, informed, and truly cared for throughout their treatment experience.
When she’s not assisting during treatments, Bri enjoys spending time by the lake, nurturing her garden, and spoiling her two hound dogs. Her down-to-earth energy and genuine passion for her work shine through in every patient interaction, making her a trusted partner in your aesthetic journey.
Bre is a compassionate and dedicated Aesthetic Nurse. She has been a registered nurse since 2012, with a background in obstetrics and gynecology. Her passion for the beauty industry, combined with her love of women’s health care, led her to pursue a fulfilling career in aesthetics. First certified in injectables in 2014, Bre was able to dedicate her focus to full time aesthetics in 2018. She was proud to start her career at W Aesthetics and Wellness, helping it grow into the respected practice it’s become over the years. She taught for Pacific Northwest Aesthetics Academy in Portland, Oregon, sharing her skills and excitement for the aesthetics industry with fellow medical professionals.
“I was drawn to aesthetic nursing because I love being able to help people feel confident and beautiful. To me, it’s all about enhancing natural beauty and aging gracefully. I pride myself in individualized care with a conservative approach to help my patients achieve their aesthetic goals.”
Bre values patient safety and education and understands the importance of staying up to date in an ever-changing industry. She prioritizes growing her knowledge and expertise by attending advanced trainings and conferences yearly. Her patients can feel comfortable and confident in her care, knowing that she takes the time to stay educated on the latest products, techniques and technologies.
Bre’s personal life led her to Kalispell, Montana, where she founded Minted Aesthetics in 2022. “My vision for Minted Aesthetics was to create a welcoming and approachable space where patients can experience professional aesthetic treatments and feel truly cared for. I am not in sales; I am a nurse. My hope for every patient is that they feel comfortable walking through the doors and inspired with confidence and knowledge walking out. I only carry products I truly believe in, and only provide treatments tailored to the individual needs of my patients.” Bre sold her successful business in 2025 and was able to move back home to Bend, Oregon to be with family and raise her daughter. She is thrilled to return to W Aesthetics and Wellness, continuing her patient focused career in a collaborative, compassionate environment.
Outside of work, you can find Bre wake surfing, paddle boarding, hiking, traveling, and spending time with her husband, daughter, and doodle.
“Whether the goal is to enhance, maintain, or help slow the aging process in every phase of life, I’m here to help. Building strong rapport with my clients is a top priority. Taking the time to truly listen and work together as a team will yield the best results.”
You can book with Bre at the newest Westside location of W!
With a strong background in customer service and a genuine passion for helping people achieve their best skin, Brittany brings warmth and expertise to every patient interaction. As a Certified Advanced Esthetician and former esthetic business owner, she has a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for skincare solutions.
In her free time, she loves hanging out with her daughter and her husband and exploring new restaurants around Bend, Oregon.
With her extensive background in customer service and a genuine passion for helping people, Katie is here to make every step of your journey with us seamless and enjoyable. You’ll see her shining face at the front desk, ready to assist with scheduling and ensuring your aesthetic goals come to life!
When she’s not busy making magic happen at W Aesthetics & Wellness, Katie loves spending time with her dog and boyfriend.