Lip Threads: The Subtle Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed

Thanks to unskilled injectors, when most people think of lip enhancement, they (most likely) picture overly plumped lips that could double as flotation devices. But what if there was a way to enhance your lips without looking like you’ve had work done? Enter: lip threading.

Real patient photo of lip threading before and after .

At Flawless Aesthetics, we’re obsessed with treatments that bring out your natural beauty—no duck lips, no regrets. Lip threads (aka PDO threads) offer a subtle, collagen-boosting lift that can refine your lip shape and improve the skin around your mouth for a softer, more youthful appearance.

What is Lip Threading?

Also known as a PDO thread lip lift, lip threading is a non-surgical procedure that uses tiny, dissolvable threads made of polydioxanone (PDO) to lift, define, and stimulate collagen in the lips and surrounding area.

Unlike fillers that add volume, lip threads work by subtly reshaping and lifting (think contouring, not inflating). The threads are inserted using a fine needle and placed strategically to enhance the Cupid’s bow, define the vermillion border, or support the corners of the mouth.

The result? Lips that look subtly lifted, naturally defined, and nothing like overstuffed sausages (we promise).

What to Expect (Before, After and During):

Because PDO threads are still such a new technology, many patients are a bit nervous- having no idea what to truly expect. Let's break it all down...

• Before the procedure: To ensure you’re as comfortable as possible, we start by applying a topical numbing cream. It takes about 20 minutes to fully kick in, and once you're numb, the actual threading process only takes around 30 minutes to complete. Most patients describe the experience as more weird than painful—think pressure and mild tugging, but nothing too intense.

• Immediately after treatment: A bit of swelling and tenderness is totally normal. You may see some subtle lifting right away.

• 1–2 weeks post-treatment: As swelling goes down, the threads begin stimulating your body’s natural collagen response.

• 4–6 weeks post-treatment: This is when the magic really kicks in. You’ll notice more definition, firmer skin around the lips, and an overall smoother appearance.

• 9-12 months post-treatment: The PDO threads are naturally broken down and absorbed by the body. While the threads themselves dissolve, the collagen they stimulated can continue to support the skin and enhance the results for months beyond.

If you’ve been curious about enhancing your lips but hesitant about that overfilled, unnatural look, I completely understand. That’s exactly why I love offering lip threading to my patients—it’s subtle, collagen-boosting, and refreshingly natural-looking.

As a double board-certified nurse practitioner here at Flawless Aesthetics in Chattanooga, TN, my goal is always to enhance your features—not botch them. If you’re wondering whether this treatment is right for you, I’d love to meet with you for a personalized consultation. Let’s create a lip look that feels like you—just a little more defined, a little more lifted, and entirely natural.

To schedule your FREE consultation, give us a call at 423-206-9500!