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Lift. Tighten. Glow—No Surgery Required.
Ready to rewind time without the scalpel? At Regenerative Aesthetics and Dermatology (RAD) in Laguna Hills, CA, we specialize in cutting-edge non-surgical treatments that actually work. PDO Thread Lifts and Smooth Threads are two of our most powerful tools for lifting sagging skin, refining contours, and bringing back that bounce—all without the downtime or commitment of traditional surgery.
These minimally invasive treatments deliver subtle precision and long-term benefits by activating your body’s own collagen production. That means smoother, firmer, more youthful skin that looks like you—just refreshed.
What Are PDO Threads?
Think of PDO threads as tiny collagen-boosting superheroes. Made from polydioxanone (PDO)—a medical-grade, dissolvable suture material used in surgery for decades—these threads are gently inserted beneath the skin using a fine needle or cannula. Once placed, they lift, contour, and stimulate deep collagen renewal from within.
As the threads dissolve over the course of a few months, the new collagen they’ve stimulated keeps working behind the scenes—improving elasticity, resilience, and skin texture long after the threads are gone.
At RAD, we use two powerhouse types:
- PDO Lifting Threads – For lifting and contouring
- PDO Smooth Threads – For fine lines, skin tone, and texture
Let’s break it down.
PDO Lifting Threads: Structure + Lift, No Scalpel Required
Lifting threads (also known as barbed threads) are designed to reposition sagging tissue and redefine facial contours. With microscopic cogs that anchor into the tissue, these threads elevate areas affected by gravity and collagen loss.
Common Treatment Areas:
- Jawline and jowls
- Midface and cheeks
- Neck and under-chin (submental) region
- Brows and temples
You’ll see some lift immediately, but the magic builds over 2–3 months as collagen wraps around the threads—tightening and supporting the skin naturally. Results typically last 12 to 18 months depending on your skin, age, and lifestyle.
PDO Smooth Threads: Fine-Tune Skin from the Inside Out
Smooth threads skip the barbs and instead form a mesh-like collagen framework beneath the skin. Perfect for improving tone, texture, and crepiness, especially in delicate or hard-to-treat areas.
Smooth Thread MVP Zones:
- Under-eye hollows and crow’s feet
- Lip lines and perioral wrinkles
- Neck and décolletage
- Arms, knees, abdomen
These threads are collagen-stimulators first and foremost, with results peaking around 2–3 months and lasting up to a year or more. Think less sag, more smooth.
Non-Surgical Nose Lift with PDO Threads
Not loving your nasal profile—but not ready for surgery? PDO threads can reshape and refine the nose with zero downtime.
This Thread Rhinoplasty Alternative Is Perfect For:
- Flat or low nasal bridges
- Drooping tips
- Minor asymmetries or contour issues
- Patients wanting lift and definition without invasive surgery
Using specialized threads placed along the bridge and tip, we can sculpt a more balanced, elevated appearance. Results are instant and evolve over time, lasting 12 to 18 months, with collagen-boosting effects lasting even longer.
Custom Treatment Planning at RAD
No two faces are the same, which means no two treatment plans should be either. At RAD, we design tailored, intentional plans to fit your facial structure, skin quality, and aesthetic goals.
During your consultation, we’ll evaluate:
- Skin laxity and tissue quality
- Volume loss patterns
- Ideal thread type(s) and placement zones
Often, the best results come from a combination approach. Example? Use lifting threads to sculpt the cheeks and smooth threads under the eyes for bright, bouncy skin.
Ideal Candidates for PDO Threads
PDO threads are perfect for those looking to stay ahead of the aging curve—with subtle, real-world results.
You’re likely a great fit if you:
- Have mild to moderate sagging or skin laxity
- Want a non-surgical lift or contour refinement
- Prefer minimal downtime
- Are in good overall health
- Aren’t pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have realistic expectations about gradual, natural-looking changes
Looking for a nose tweak, not a transformation? PDO Nose Lift Threads might be your sweet spot—especially if you’re after definition, not reconstruction.
What to Expect Before, During & After
Before Your Treatment:
We’ll provide pre-treatment guidelines (think: pausing blood thinners and anti-inflammatory supplements) to reduce the chance of bruising.
During the Procedure:
After applying a topical or local anesthetic, we’ll insert the threads using a blunt-tipped cannula—minimizing trauma and ensuring a smoother experience. Most treatments take 30–60 minutes.
Aftercare Guidelines:
- Mild swelling, bruising, or soreness is normal for a few days
- Most patients return to normal activity within 24–48 hours
For best results:
- Avoid facial massage or heavy workouts for a week
- Skip dental work for 10 days
- Sleep on your back to avoid pressure
Collagen production ramps up over 2–3 months, delivering firmer, more lifted skin that just keeps getting better.
When Should I Plan for Touch-Ups or Maintenance?
PDO thread results are long-lasting, but not permanent—and that’s a good thing. Because they work by stimulating your own collagen, your results evolve naturally over time and can be maintained with strategic touch-ups.
Here’s a general guide to help you plan:
| Treatment Area | Maintenance Timeline |
|---|---|
| Lifting Threads (jawline, cheeks, etc.) | Every 12–18 months |
| Smooth Threads (eyes, lips, neck, etc.) | Every 9–12 months |
| PDO Nose Lift Threads | Every 12–18 months, with lasting collagen effects |
The beauty of PDO threads is that each treatment builds on the last. Many of our RAD patients find that with regular maintenance, their skin continues to improve in tone, firmness, and resilience—even as the threads dissolve.
We’ll personalize your plan based on:
- The number and type of threads used
- Your age, skin quality, and lifestyle
- Your goals for lift, contour, or skin rejuvenation
Not sure when to book your next round? We’ve got your back. During your consultation and follow-up visits, we’ll help map out the ideal rhythm to keep your glow going strong.
Thread Type Matching Guide
Not sure where to start? Here’s your cheat sheet:
| Concern | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Sagging jawline, jowls, or cheeks | Lifting Threads |
| Fine lines, dull texture, crepey skin | Smooth Threads |
| Flat bridge or droopy nasal tip | PDO Nose Lift Threads |
| Combo of sagging and texture issues | Lifting + Smooth Threads |
Safety and Precision at RAD
PDO threads are safe when placed correctly—and we don’t leave that to chance. At RAD, your safety is a priority from start to finish.
Our protocols include:
- FDA-cleared, medical-grade threads
- Advanced sterile techniques
- Deep anatomical knowledge and experience
- Conservative, thoughtful thread placement
- Minor side effects like puckering or thread visibility are rare and usually temporary. And if you ever need a tweak? We’ve got you.
Elevate Your Features—Without Surgery
Facelifts and surgical rhinoplasty aren’t the only paths to rejuvenation. PDO threads offer a modern, minimally invasive way to lift, sculpt, and glow without disrupting your life—or your budget.
If you’re in Laguna Hills, Mission Viejo, Irvine, or anywhere in Orange County, we invite you to experience the RAD difference. We combine medical precision, artistic vision, and a whole lot of heart.
Book Your Consultation at RAD
Whether you’re aiming to lift your jawline, smooth under-eye lines, or subtly sculpt your nose, PDO thread treatments at RAD are anything but cookie-cutter. We tailor every step to your face, your goals, and your timeline.
Ready to glow without going under the knife? Let’s chat.
Regenerative Aesthetics and Dermatology — Laguna Hills, CA
