PDO Thread Lift in London
A non-surgical lift using premium MINT PDO threads, placed by a MINT trainer.
A PDO thread lift uses fine, dissolvable threads to lift and support sagging skin on the lower face, jawline and neck, with no surgery. It gives an immediate lift and then stimulates your own collagen. At Hampstead Aesthetics the treatment is performed by Dr Chiké Emeagi using premium, CE-marked MINT threads. It takes 30 to 90 minutes under local anaesthetic, downtime is usually 3 to 7 days, and results typically last 12 to 18 months. It suits mild to moderate laxity, not heavy sagging.
A PDO thread lift can lift early jowls, support the jawline and ease mid-face heaviness without surgery. The result depends far more on patient selection and planning than on the threads themselves, which is why at Hampstead Aesthetics every treatment is assessed and performed by Dr Chiké Emeagi, a doctor and recognised MINT thread trainer, using anatomical vector planning for a subtle, natural lift.
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202 Google reviews
3-7 Days
Typical Downtime
12-18 Months
Typical Longevity
Planned to your anatomy
ABOUT PDO THREAD LIFTS
What is a PDO thread lift and how does it work?
A PDO thread lift places fine, dissolvable polydioxanone threads under the skin. Barbed threads grip the soft tissue and reposition it upward, giving an immediate mechanical lift. Over the months that follow, the threads dissolve and the body lays down new type 1 collagen along their path, so the skin becomes firmer and better supported even after the threads have gone. You get an instant lift and a slower, longer-lasting strengthening of the tissue.
The biggest fear patients have is looking pulled or unnatural. That happens when skin is dragged sideways without respecting the natural fat pads and facial vectors. A safe thread lift is planned like engineering: the anchor points, the direction of pull and the depth of placement are chosen to move tissue back towards where it sat when you were younger, not sideways.
ABOUT PDO THREADS
The different types of thread
Not all threads do the same job, and this is where a lot of disappointment comes from. There are three broad types:
Smooth or mono threads
These have no barbs and float in the skin. They create a fine collagen mesh that improves texture, but they have almost no lifting power. They are sometimes sold as a cheap facelift, which they are not.
Barbed PDO threads
These are the lifting workhorse. The barbs anchor the tissue and reposition it, while the PDO stimulates collagen. I use premium, press-moulded PDO threads, where the barbs are moulded onto the thread rather than cut into it, so they hold their strength and stay flexible.
Cone threads (PLLA or PCL)
These hold volume well, but the material is stiffer than PDO and the cones can sometimes be felt under the skin, which can give a more fixed look.
ABOUT MINT PDO THREADS
Why we use MINT PDO threads
MINT stands for Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Thread. On many threads the barbs are cut into the core, which can weaken it. On MINT, the barbs are press-moulded onto the surface in a 360-degree helical pattern, so the core stays intact and the thread holds its strength while staying flexible. In practice that means a secure, even lift that moves naturally with your expressions. MINT threads are CE-marked for use in the UK.
| Feature | MINT (moulded barb) | Standard cut barb PDO |
|---|---|---|
|
Barb design |
Press-moulded, 360-degree pattern |
Cut into the core, which can weaken it |
|
Lifting strength |
Strong, secure anchoring |
Moderate; can slip under high tension |
|
Longevity |
Thicker structure dissolves more slowly |
Thinner core can dissolve faster |
|
Regulatory status |
CE-marked |
Varies by product |
DR CHIKE EMEAGI - MINT KOL
A MINT trainer placing your threads
Dr Chiké Emeagi is Medical Director of Hampstead Aesthetics, a doctor on the GMC register (number 4418489) and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He is also a recognised Key Opinion Leader and trainer for MINT threads, appointed by the manufacturer HansBiomed, which means he teaches other doctors the technique as well as performing it. A thread lift is technically demanding, and the result depends on anatomy and precise placement.
“In my experience, the threads are only half the job. The lift comes from where the anchor points are placed and the direction tissue is moved, which is exactly what I teach other doctors.”
Dr Chiké Emeagi, MRCS, GMC 4418489
Silhouette Soft & Definisse Threads in London
PDO threads aren’t the only option. As a specialist thread lift clinic in Hampstead, I also offer Silhouette Soft and Definisse threads — two premium absorbable thread systems for patients who want a different lifting profile or a longer-lasting result from a single treatment.
Silhouette Soft threads are made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), the same collagen-stimulating material used in PLLA dermal fillers, combined with a bidirectional cone structure that grips and repositions tissue. They suit patients looking for a more substantial, longer-lasting lift than standard PDO threads provide. Silhouette Soft starts from £2,500.
Definisse threads are made from a different absorbable polymer, poly-L-lactide-co-caprolactone (PLCL), which breaks down more gradually than PDO while still triggering a strong collagen response. They’re a good middle-ground option for patients who want more longevity than PDO but a lower cost than Silhouette Soft. Definisse threads start from £1,400.
Which system is right for you depends on the area being treated, how much lift you need, and your budget. As a PDO thread lift specialist, I’ll talk you through PDO, MINT, Silhouette Soft and Definisse options and recommend the right one for your goals at your consultation.
RESULTS
PDO Thread Lift results from our London clinic
You see an immediate lift on the day, which you can check in the mirror before you leave. Over the next one to three days mild swelling and tightness settle, and any skin puckering smooths out. The collagen response then builds, with peak improvement at around 8 to 12 weeks. Results typically last 12 to 18 months, depending on your laxity, anatomy and lifestyle. As the threads dissolve, the collagen they have laid down continues to support the tissue.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Brow Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Brow Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Nose Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
PDO Thread Lift Results
Instant results. Photographed immediately after treatment.
TREATABLE AREAS
What a PDO thread lift treats
Threads are used to lift and support several areas of the face and neck. Each area has its own page with the detail:
Jawline & Jowls
Define the jaw and lift early jowls.
Fox Eye & Brow
Lift the lateral brow for an open, refreshed look.
Brow Lift
Raise heavy brows that make the eyes look tired.
Nose Lift
Straighten the bridge and lift the tip.
Chin
Project and balance the chin profile.
Neck
Tighten loose skin in carefully selected cases.
Threads also soften nasolabial folds by lifting the mid-face.
HONEST COMPARISON
How a thread lift compares to a facelift
A thread lift is not a surgical facelift, and it is honest to be clear about that. It is a different tool for a different stage. For mild to moderate laxity it offers most of what people want with a fraction of the downtime and cost. For heavy sagging or significant excess skin, surgery is the better answer, and I will tell you so.
| Feature | PDO Threadlift | Surgical Threadlift |
|---|---|---|
|
Downtime |
3 to 7 days |
2 to 4 weeks |
|
Anaesthetic |
Local only |
General anaesthetic |
|
Scarring |
None visible |
Permanent scars |
|
Result |
Natural, moderate lift |
Stronger, longer lift |
|
Lasts |
12 to 18 months |
Many years |
|
From |
From £800 |
£15,000 and above |
Where the issue is volume loss rather than sagging, dermal fillers or a collagen stimulator such as Sculptra may suit you better, and I often combine threads with these for a more complete result.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Recovery, downtime and aftercare
Before your Appointment
- Avoid alcohol, aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication for about 24 hours beforehand to reduce bruising.
- Arrive with clean skin, stay hydrated, and mention any cold sores or recent dental work.
Days 1-3
Post treatment journey
Expect tightness. Eat soft foods, avoid hard or chewy food, and sleep on your back to keep things even.
Days 4-7
Post treatment journey
Swelling subsides and any dimpling smooths out. Light makeup can cover residual bruising.
Week 2
Post treatment journey
Avoid dental appointments, facial massage and extreme expressions so the anchors integrate.
IS THIS FOR ME?
Am I a suitable candidate for a PDO Thread Lift?
A thread lift suits healthy adults with mild to moderate laxity: early jowls, a softening jawline, or mid-face heaviness. It works best as support and definition rather than a dramatic change. It is not right for significant skin excess or heavy laxity, where skin tightening or surgery is more appropriate, and Dr Chiké will tell you honestly. Certain medical conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding also caution against treatment. A consultation is essential, as threads are not suitable for every face.
COMBINATION TREATMENTS
Combining a thread lift with other treatments
Threads usually work best as part of a plan rather than in isolation. Where skin quality is also a concern, I may suggest a skin booster such as Profhilo or polynucleotides to improve the canvas first. Where there is volume loss as well as sagging, a filler or a collagen stimulator restores the foundation that the threads then lift. And for milder laxity, energy-based skin tightening can firm the skin before threads are placed. At your consultation I will recommend only what genuinely improves your result, and nothing you do not need.
PRICING
PDO Thread Lift Cost in London
In London a PDO thread lift typically ranges from around £800 to £2,700. Threads are planned anatomically rather than sold as a fixed package, so the cost depends on how many threads are needed, which areas are treated, and the degree of laxity. I confirm the full plan and price at your consultation before anything is carried out.
| MINT Treatment | price |
|---|---|
|
Mono Threads (skin tightening) |
£600 |
|
Fox Eye / Lateral Browlift |
£800 |
|
Nose Thread Lift |
£800 |
|
Cheek Lift (4 threads) |
£1000 |
|
Lower Face Lift (8 threads) |
£1800 |
|
Full Face & Jawline (10–14 threads) |
£2200 |
|
Full Face, Jawline & Neck (complete non surgical face lift) |
£2700 |
WHY US
Why choose Hampstead Aesthetics
I am Dr Chiké Emeagi, Medical Director of Hampstead Aesthetics, a doctor on the GMC register (number 4418489) and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. I am also a Key Opinion Leader and trainer for MINT threads, which means I teach other doctors thread technique as well as performing it. The thread lift is a technically demanding procedure, and the difference between a natural result and a pulled one comes down to anatomy and planning. I perform every treatment myself, from the assessment to the two-week review. The clinic is in West Hampstead, NW6, a short walk from Finchley Road and easy to reach from Hampstead, St John’s Wood and across London. For mild laxity that does not yet need threads, Sofwave focused ultrasound is a needle-free option I can discuss with you.
PATIENT REVIEWS
What patients say
Google 4.8 ★★★★★
WHO IS YOUR PRACTITIONER
Medical Governance & Practitioner Verification
Dr Chike Emeagi - GMC Registration No. 4418489
At Hampstead Aesthetics, every PDO thread lift is performed exclusively by Dr Chike Emeagi — a fully registered medical doctor whose qualifications and licence to practise are publicly verifiable, and a trainer in the technique he is performing on you
MRCS - Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
MRCGP - Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners
MSc Aesthetic Medicine - Postgraduate master's degree in aesthetic clinical practice
GMC Licensed - Full licence to practise, verifiable on the public medical register
MINT Key Opinion Leader & trainer — appointed by the manufacturer, HansBiomed, to teach thread technique to other doctors
You are encouraged to verify Dr Chike’s registration directly on the https://www.gmc-uk.org/
DOCTOR LED
Why Doctor Led Matters
PDO threads are CE-marked medical devices, not prescription-only medicines. Under UK law as it stands, that means there is no legal requirement for the person placing threads under your skin to hold any medical qualification at all. The government has committed to closing that gap through a licensing scheme for non-surgical cosmetic procedures, but it is not yet in force. For a procedure of this kind, we think that is a serious gap.
A thread lift is more than an injection. Barbed threads are implanted beneath the skin, tunnelled along planned vectors, and anchored in tissue — in a region containing branches of the facial nerve, the salivary duct and significant vessels. Two things follow. First, sterility matters more here than in almost any other non-surgical treatment, because anything implanted can become a focus for infection. Second, threads cannot be dissolved. There is no hyaluronidase equivalent: a thread placed along the wrong vector, at the wrong depth, or in a face that was never suitable will either be left to absorb over months or need to be removed as a procedure in itself.
That is why the assessment matters more than the threads. Choosing the right candidate, planning the vectors against the patient’s own anatomy, and knowing when to say no are what separate a natural lift from a pulled one — and from a complication. Dr Chike’s surgical training is directly relevant, and as a MINT-appointed trainer he teaches this technique to other doctors.
SAFETY PRACTICES
Safety & Sterility
- Sterile procedure technique throughout — threads are an implant, and are placed under strict aseptic conditions with single-use, individually packaged, CE-marked devices
- Genuine MINT threads only — sourced from authorised UK channels and fully traceable. Counterfeit and unregulated threads circulate in this market; we do not use them
- Vector planning before any thread is placed — anchor points, direction of pull and depth mapped to your anatomy, not a fixed pattern
- Anaphylaxis kit, emergency medications and 999 escalation protocol — with ACE complication-management certification and written procedures for hospital transfer
- Direct access to the doctor who treated you — if something feels wrong in the days afterwards, you speak to Dr Chike, not a receptionist
TREATMENT RISKS
Risks we will discuss with you
- Common and temporary — swelling, bruising, tightness, tenderness, and puckering or dimpling of the skin that usually settles within days
- Less common — asymmetry, a thread that can be felt under the skin, visible puckering that persists, or an underwhelming lift where laxity was greater than threads can address
- Uncommon but important — infection at a thread site, a thread working its way toward the surface, or a thread needing removal. These are the reasons sterility, technique and candidate selection matter, and the reasons you are told about them before you consent rather than after
- Aftercare is part of the treatment — sleeping on your back, soft foods, and avoiding facial massage, dental work and extreme expressions for the first fortnight genuinely affect how the anchors integrate
THOROUGH ASSESSMENT
Assessment & Suitability
- Mild to moderate laxity only — where there is significant skin excess or heavy sagging, threads will disappoint. We will say so and discuss surgical referral rather than treat
- Contraindication screening — including pregnancy or breastfeeding, active skin or dental infection, a history of keloid scarring, autoimmune conditions, bleeding disorders or anticoagulant medication, and recent or planned dental work
- An honest alternative where one fits better — volume loss is better treated with filler or a collagen stimulator; mild laxity may be better suited to energy-based tightening
- 2-week review with the same doctor — to assess settling, symmetry and integration
We carry full professional indemnity insurance covering all treatments performed at this clinic.
YOUR SAFETY
Consent, Privacy & Your Rights
Before any treatment you will receive a full written consultation covering your medical history, contraindications, realistic outcomes, downtime, and all associated risks — including, in plain terms, that threads cannot be dissolved once placed. Treatment will not proceed without your informed, documented consent.
If you have a concern about your treatment, you are entitled to raise it directly with Dr Chike and, if it remains unresolved, to escalate to the General Medical Council.
Your consultation, treatment, and 2-week review are all conducted by the same doctor. There are no hand-offs.
Reviewed July 2026. Dr Chike Emeagi — GMC No. 4418489. Regulatory position correct at the date of review; the licensing of non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England is subject to change.
FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a PDO thread lift cost in London?
In London a PDO thread lift typically costs between £800 and £2,700. The exact price depends on how many threads are needed, which areas are treated, and the degree of skin laxity. I confirm the full plan and cost at your consultation before any treatment.
How long does a PDO thread lift last?
Results usually last 12 to 18 months. The threads dissolve over time, but they stimulate collagen that helps maintain firmness beyond the initial lift. Longevity varies with your anatomy, the degree of laxity and your lifestyle.
Do PDO threads really work for jowls?
Yes, for the right candidate. PDO threads can improve early jowls by mechanically lifting and supporting sagging tissue. They work best for mild to moderate laxity. If there is significant skin excess, surgery is more appropriate, and I will say so honestly.
Is a PDO thread lift painful?
Most people find it very tolerable. I use local anaesthetic or a dental block, so discomfort during the procedure is minimal. You may feel pressure or a pulling sensation, and mild tenderness afterwards is normal.
What is the downtime after a thread lift?
Downtime is usually 3 to 7 days. Mild swelling, bruising or tightness is normal and settles gradually. Most people are socially back to normal within a week, while the anchors continue to integrate over the following fortnight
When will I see results?
Some lift is visible immediately, on the day of treatment. The final result continues to improve over 8 to 12 weeks as collagen develops around the threads, then holds for the months that follow.
Do thread lifts look natural?
When planned anatomically and placed along the correct vectors, a thread lift gives a subtle, natural lift rather than a pulled look. The pulled appearance comes from dragging skin sideways. Careful vector planning is what keeps the result looking like you.
Can PDO threads snap or move?
Placed correctly, PDO threads do not snap or migrate. Excessive early facial movement or pressure can affect how they settle, which is exactly why the aftercare guidance matters in the first couple of weeks.
What are the risks of PDO threads?
Temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness or minor skin puckering can occur and usually settle within days. Serious complications are rare when threads are placed by an experienced medical practitioner in a sterile setting, which is why this should be a doctor-led treatment.
Who is not a good candidate for PDO threads?
Threads are not suitable for everyone. Significant skin excess, very heavy laxity, or certain medical conditions may need an alternative treatment or a surgical referral. Pregnancy and breastfeeding also rule it out. A consultation lets me assess this honestly.
How much do Silhouette Soft threads cost in London?
Silhouette Soft threads start from £2,500 in London, reflecting the PLLA material and bidirectional cone structure that gives a more substantial, longer-lasting lift than standard PDO threads. The exact cost depends on how many threads and areas are treated. I confirm your personalised plan and price at consultation.
How much do Definisse threads cost?
Definisse threads start from £1,400 in London, a middle-cost option between standard PDO threads and Silhouette Soft. They use PLCL, an absorbable polymer that breaks down more gradually than PDO for extended collagen stimulation. Final pricing depends on your treatment plan, which I set out clearly at consultation.
What's the difference between PDO, Silhouette Soft and Definisse threads?
All three lift and reposition skin using fine absorbable threads, but they differ in material and cost. PDO threads (from £800) are the most affordable and suit mild-to-moderate laxity with a shorter lifespan. Definisse threads (from £1,400) use PLCL for a longer-lasting result at a mid-range price. Silhouette Soft threads (from £2,500) use PLLA with a cone structure for the most substantial, longest-lasting lift. I’ll recommend the right system for your goals and budget at your consultation.
Who provides PDO thread lifts in London at Hampstead Aesthetics?
PDO thread lifts here are performed personally by Dr Chiké Emeagi (GMC No. 4418489, MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS), a GMC-registered doctor and a recognised Key Opinion Leader for MINT threads, appointed by manufacturer HansBiomed to train other doctors in the technique. Rated 4.8/5 from 183+ Google reviews. Book your consultation directly with the doctor who will treat you.
Where's the best PDO thread lift clinic near me in London?
Our West Hampstead clinic treats patients from across North West London, including Swiss Cottage, Camden, Primrose Hill, Belsize Park, St John’s Wood, Queen’s Park and Finchley Road. Every thread lift is doctor-led and GMC-registered, not delegated to a non-medical injector. Check availability at your nearest slot and book online.
Is a PDO thread lift performed by a doctor, or a non-medical practitioner?
At Hampstead Aesthetics every PDO thread lift is performed by Dr Chiké Emeagi himself, a GMC-registered doctor (No. 4418489), not a nurse, therapist or non-medical injector. He is also a Key Opinion Leader and trainer for MINT threads. This matters for a treatment placed close to nerves and blood vessels. Book your consultation to be assessed by the doctor directly.
How do I book a PDO thread lift consultation in London?
Book online in under a minute using the calendar on this page, or call 02031967222. We’re open Monday–Friday 10am–7pm and Saturday 9am–6pm. Your consultation confirms suitability, thread type and exact pricing before you commit to treatment.
Can I get a PDO thread lift appointment this week in London?
Often yes, we run consultations six days a week (Mon–Fri 10am–7pm, Sat 9am–6pm). Check live availability and book your slot directly through the calendar on this page, or call 02031967222 to ask about same-week appointments.
What happens at a PDO thread lift consultation?
Dr Chiké Emeagi examines your skin laxity in person, discusses whether PDO, Definisse or Silhouette Soft threads suit your goals, and confirms the exact number of threads, treatment areas and total price before anything is booked. There’s no obligation to proceed on the day.
How much does a PDO thread lift cost compared to a surgical facelift?
PDO thread lifts start from £800, a fraction of the cost of a surgical facelift, with no general anaesthetic, no incisions and no weeks of downtime. They suit mild-to-moderate laxity rather than replacing surgery for more advanced sagging; Dr Emeagi will advise honestly at consultation if surgery would serve you better.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Silhouette Soft or Definisse threads?
Yes, standard PDO threads start from £800, well below Definisse (from £1,400) and Silhouette Soft (from £2,500). They deliver a shorter-lasting lift but are the most accessible entry point if budget is the main factor. We’ll help you weigh cost against longevity at your consultation.
How do I know which thread lift (PDO, Definisse or Silhouette Soft) is right for me?
It depends on the lift you need, how long you want it to last, and your budget. Book a consultation and Dr Emeagi will examine your skin in person and recommend the specific system (PDO, Definisse or Silhouette Soft) that fits your goals, rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Arrange your consultation
If your jawline is softening or early jowls are starting to show, a consultation is the place to start. I will assess your laxity, tell you honestly whether threads are right for you, and plan the lift around your anatomy. You can arrange a consultation online or call the clinic on 0203 196 7222.
VISIT US
Our London Clinic
- Hampstead Aesthetics West Hampstead, London NW6
- Call us 020 3196 7222
- WhatsApp 07869 730 159
- Email: info@hampsteadaesthetics.com
- Opening hours: Mon–Fri 9am–7pm, Sat 10am–5pm, Sunday closed
Reviewed by Dr Chiké Emeagi, MBBS, MRCGP, MRCS, GMC No. 4418489. Last reviewed June 2026.
Thread lift outcomes vary by anatomy, skin quality and aftercare. This page is general information and does not replace a medical consultation. PDO threads are CE-marked medical devices. All treatments carry potential risks, which will be discussed in full beforehand. Hampstead Aesthetics, 269 West End Lane, West Hampstead, London NW6 1QS.