Should you consider a non-surgical face lift?

New year, new you? If you’re after a fresher and more lifted look for 2026 but don’t like the idea of going under the knife, this may be the year to finally consider a non-surgical face lift. In particular, liquid PDO thread face lifts have become quite the popular choice for those seeking subtle facial rejuvenation, but how exactly do they work? DR RAY LOH HONG YUH, co-founder of Fundamental Aesthetic Medical Clinic, gives us the lowdown on this procedure.

I’ve heard about liquid PDO thread face lifts before. What are they exactly?

This non-surgical face lift uses PDO (polydioxanone) that’s been micronised into a gel-like injectable form. I inject these PDO “threads” into the dermis or subdermal layers of your skin using a cannula technique. It’s a different approach from traditional thread lifts that use physical sutures.

How do the PDO threads work once they’re in my skin?

Once I inject the PDO microparticles, they trigger your body’s fibroblasts to start producing new collagen and elastin. Over the next four to six weeks, you’ll notice your skin gradually becoming tighter, firmer and more lifted. The PDO naturally dissolves over about six to nine months, but the collagen it stimulates can last up to 12 to 18 months.

Which areas does this non-surgical face lift work on?

The liquid PDO thread face lift works on multiple areas, including:

• Undereyes and the area around your eyes
• Midface and cheeks for lift and contour
• Jawline and jowls
• Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Marionette lines
• Neck and décolletage
• Forehead and temples for tightening and texture improvement

What are the main benefits?

This liquid PDO thread face lift is non-surgical with minimal downtime. It improves your skin’s elasticity and firmness whilst stimulating natural collagen production. You’ll see enhanced facial contour, though it’s more subtle than physical thread lifts. At Fundamental Aesthetic Medical Clinic, I can also combine it with other treatments like fillers, lasers or skin boosters for enhanced results.

Are there any downsides about this non-surgical face lift or things I should know about?

Don’t expect a very dramatic lift. This treatment provides a subtle lift, compared to conventional thread lifts. Results build gradually over weeks, so you need to have a bit of patience. You may need two to three sessions for optimal effect. Mild swelling or bruising can occur for one to two days after treatment.

What are the key conditions or issues this non-surgical face lift can help with?

I use liquid PDO thread face lifts on my patients to address several concerns:

• For skin laxity and sagging: It helps with mild to moderate skin looseness on your face, jawline and neck, including early jowls or drooping around the mouth and loss of firmness in the cheeks and lower face.
• For fine lines and wrinkles: It smooths smile lines, marionette lines, forehead lines, crow’s feet and neck creases through collagen remodelling.
• For dull or thinning skin: It revitalises skin that’s lost its glow, has uneven texture or appears crepey under the eyes or on the neck.
• For uneven facial contours: It provides subtle lifting and contouring for flattened or sagging midface and soft jawline definition.
• For early signs of ageing: It’s perfect for preventive anti-ageing in your late 20s through 30s, helping delay the need for fillers or surgical lifts.
• For enlarged pores and rough texture: It reduces pore size and surface roughness whilst improving overall smoothness and radiance.

I’m a bit squeamish – how uncomfortable is a session and how long does it take?

The entire session takes about one to one and a half hour, including my consultation with you, applying topical numbing cream and the procedure itself. I apply topical numbing cream and administer local anaesthesia before the procedure to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the treatment.

How many sessions will I need and how often?

I recommend starting with just two to three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. After that, you’ll need maintenance sessions every six to 12 months to sustain your results.

Your results typically last 12 to 18 months, with visible improvement for up to a year. I recommend maintenance every nine to 12 months to help sustain the collagen stimulation and lifting effects.

About the aesthetic doctor

Dr Ray Loh Hong Yuh is a COC certified aesthetic physician with a passion for enhancing natural beauty and empowering individuals to feel their best. His interests include dermatology and anti-ageing procedures. He, alongside Dr Sy Li Lin, co-founded Fundamental Aesthetic Medical Clinic, offering a range of treatments from dermal fillers to chemical peels and even hair growth treatments.

Fundamental Aesthetic Medical Clinic
• #05-29 Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road | 8368 5739
• #01-56 The Midtown Residences, 1187 Upper Serangoon Road | 8057 5998
fundamentalaestheticclinic.com.sg | fundamentalmedical23@gmail.com