PDO Thread Lift in Los Angeles

Written by: Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgeons Editorial Team

Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Saurabh Jain, MD, FAACS · Last Updated: August 2026

PDO thread lift is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that uses dissolvable polydioxanone threads to lift and reposition sagging skin on the face, neck, brows, and jowls. The threads also stimulate collagen production in the treated area, improving skin texture and firmness over the following months. Dr. Saurabh Jain, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon and member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, performs PDO thread lift treatments at his Canoga Park practice, serving patients from Woodland Hills, Encino, Calabasas, Chatsworth, and across greater Los Angeles. No surgery, no general anesthesia, and most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Before and After Photos

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How Does The Procedure Work?

A PDO Thread Lift is a quick recovery procedure with minimal complications. Instead of using a scalpel to remove the patient's loose skin surgically, the PDO Thread is introduced in the skin to pull the loose skin back slightly and lift it. These threads trigger the increase of collagen in the particular area, and over a few months, the threads get absorbed by the body, and collagen stimulation in the skin provides firm and lifted skin.

PDO threads are one of the three types of sutures generally used in the PDO Thread Lift procedure at Aesthetic & Cosmetic Surgeons Los Angeles. Dr. Jain selects the most appropriate type of thread for the procedure to tighten the sagging skin.

Risks and Considerations

PDO thread lift is a well-tolerated, minimally invasive procedure with a strong safety profile when performed by a trained practitioner. However, all medical procedures carry risks that patients should understand before proceeding.

Common expected effects: Mild bruising, swelling, and tenderness at the insertion points. These typically resolve within 3 to 5 days. Minor asymmetry during early healing is normal as swelling affects both sides differently.

Dimpling or skin irregularities: Temporary surface irregularities can appear at the insertion points. These almost always resolve within 1 to 2 weeks as the tissue settles around the threads.

Thread visibility or puckering: In some cases, threads may become partially visible under the skin or cause temporary puckering. If this occurs, the thread can be adjusted or removed at a follow-up appointment.

Infection: Infection at the insertion sites is uncommon. Proper sterile technique during the procedure and following wound care instructions afterward reduces this risk significantly.

These risks are discussed during your personal consultation with Dr. Jain. Patients with a history of keloid scarring, autoimmune conditions, or blood-thinning medications require individual assessment before proceeding.

Risks and Considerations

Types of PDO Threads

1. Barbed Threads - These are PDO threads with tiny barbs to lift sagging skin tissues better. The unique nature of these threads allows them to letch into loosened tissues during the procedure. This results in a dramatic physical fit.

2. Smooth Threads - These are PDO threads without barbs used as the Nu-Mesh technique. Smoother PDO threads are famous for stimulating collagen production to restore skin's firmness and texture, thereby removing visible signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. In a few months of insertion, the body's healing process starts to repair the tissue surrounding the dissolvable threads. Know more!

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Before and After Videos

PDO Thread Lift by Dr. Jain
PDO Thread Lift by Dr. Jain
PDO Thread Lift by Dr. Jain
PDO Thread Lift by Dr. Jain

Who Is a Good Candidate for PDO Thread Lift?

PDO thread lift works best for patients who are beginning to notice skin laxity and descent in the face or neck but whose degree of sagging is not yet at the level that would require surgical correction. It is not a substitute for a surgical facelift in patients with significant skin redundancy, pronounced jowling, or neck banding. Dr. Jain will give you an honest assessment during consultation of which approach is genuinely appropriate for your anatomy.

Good candidates typically: Are between 35 and 65 years old with mild to moderate skin laxity. Have realistic expectations about the degree of lift achievable non-surgically.

PDO thread lift may not be appropriate for: Patients with significant loose skin or jowling that requires structural surgical correction. Those with a history of keloid or hypertrophic scarring.

The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. PDO thread lift carries risks including bruising, swelling, infection, thread migration, dimpling, and in rare cases asymmetry or nerve sensitivity. Individual results vary based on skin quality, age, lifestyle, and the extent of treatment. Before and after photographs are shared with patient consent and illustrate the range of possible outcomes, not guaranteed results. Please schedule a personal consultation with Dr. Jain to determine whether PDO thread lift is appropriate for your individual situation.

FAQ

PDO thread lift results typically last 12 to 24 months. The threads dissolve within 4 to 6 months, but the collagen they stimulate continues to support the skin beyond that period. Individual results vary based on skin quality, lifestyle, and the area treated.

PDO thread lift produces a real but modest lift compared to surgical alternatives. It is most effective for patients with early to moderate skin laxity. Patients with significant sagging are better served by surgical lifting procedures. Dr. Jain provides an honest assessment during consultation of whether thread lift will achieve what you are hoping for.

The cost of PDO thread lift in Los Angeles varies depending on the number of threads used, the areas treated, and whether the procedure is combined with other treatments. Dr. Jain provides a personalised quote during your consultation. Financing is available through Affirm.

The treatment area is numbed with local anesthesia before the procedure. Most patients report feeling mild pressure during thread insertion rather than significant pain. Tenderness and soreness in the days after the procedure are common and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Most patients return to light activities within 24 to 48 hours. Bruising and swelling peak in the first 3 to 5 days and typically resolve within 1 to 2 weeks. Strenuous exercise, facial massage, and pressure on the treated areas should be avoided for 2 weeks.

Yes. Thread lift is commonly combined with dermal fillers, Neurotox or Daxxify, and Renuva for a more complete result. Dr. Jain will recommend which combination makes sense for your specific anatomy and goals.

A surgical facelift physically repositions the underlying muscle and connective tissue of the face under anesthesia, producing more significant and longer-lasting results with a recovery of 2 to 3 weeks. PDO thread lift is performed in-office under local anesthesia in about an hour, with minimal downtime, but produces a more modest degree of lift. It suits patients who want improvement without surgery, or who are not yet at the stage where surgery is warranted.

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