PDO threads are being used in a wide variety of ways today. In cosmetic treatments, they are used to treat many of the most common issues of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles, sagging or drooping skin, and lack of definition.
From a patient perspective, PDO threads provide many advantages, including the fact that it’s a minimally-invasive procedure, has little to no downtime and recovery time, and is accessible and affordable compared to other options.
Offering PDO threads treatments can be a big boon to cosmetic clinics as well, since they are in such high demand today.
Whether you’re a patient looking to get a PDO threads treatment, or a clinic that wants to offer them, it’s important to choose high-quality products that are FDA cleared, such as the ones produced by V Soft Lift.
In this article, we’ll discuss one very important aspect of high-quality PDO threads — sterilization standards in manufacturing.
The most common sterilization method for PDO threads is EO gas, and it’s the process that V Soft Lift uses to sterilize its products. During the process, the PDO threads will be put through sterilization and aeration steps to ensure they are fully medically sterile and that any residual EO is removed from them.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 7/22/2025
Are PDO Threads FDA Approved?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is the federal agency responsible for overseeing the marketing and sales of PDO threads in the country.
The FDA has classified PDO threads as Class II medical devices. As such, they can be FDA cleared for usage, but they aren’t eligible to be fully approved — a process reserved only for Class III medical devices.
Still, making sure that the PDO threads you use are FDA cleared is important because it ensures that you are using the highest quality product possible.
What Are Sterilization Standards in PDO Thread Manufacturing?
PDO threads that are FDA cleared must adhere to the highest standards of manufacturing production, and this includes ensuring they are adequately and properly sterilized before they are packaged for use.
There are a number of different ways that medical devices can be sterilized. This includes dry heat, steam, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, chlorine dioxide gas, radiation and ethylene oxide (EO) gas.
The most common sterilization method for PDO threads is EO gas, and it’s the process that V Soft Lift uses to sterilize its products. During the process, the PDO threads will be put through sterilization and aeration steps to ensure they are fully medically sterile and that any residual EO is removed from them.
The biggest advantage that EO gas provides is that it doesn’t damage the medical device as it’s being put through sterilization. This is especially important for medical devices that are made from some polymers.
According to the FDA, about half of all medical devices that are sterilized in America are done so with EO gas. This includes everything from PDO threads to stents that are used for clogged arteries and even wound dressings.
Before medical devices are allowed to go onto the market for sale, the FDA does a full review of submissions to ensure that the information about sterilization is up to standards. This ensures that they are fully safe for marketing, sale and usage as they are intended.
| Sterilization Method | How It Works | Common Uses | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethylene Oxide (EO) Gas | Gas sterilization that penetrates packaging and device materials | PDO threads, surgical kits, wound dressings | Does not damage polymers; highly effective; widely used | Requires aeration time; potential EO residue if not cleared properly |
| Steam Sterilization (Autoclave) | Uses pressurized steam at high temperatures | Surgical instruments, reusable tools | Fast, cost-effective, widely available | Not suitable for heat-sensitive or moisture-sensitive items |
| Dry Heat | High temperatures without moisture | Glassware, metal instruments | Non-corrosive, effective on dry items | Takes longer and requires high temps; unsuitable for many polymers |
| Radiation | Uses gamma rays or electron beams to destroy microbes | Single-use devices, syringes, implants | Highly effective, penetrates packaging | Can degrade some polymers; expensive setup |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor | Low-temp sterilization with vaporized H₂O₂ | Endoscopes, delicate instruments | Low-temp; no residue; short cycles | Not suitable for materials that absorb vapor; limited penetration |
What Advantages Do V Soft Lift’s PDO Threads Provide?
One very unique aspect to V Soft Lift’s PDO threads is that they are FDA cleared for the thread inserted in the cannula as one unit. This makes it much easier for practitioners to use and simplifies the process overall.
From a safety perspective, this removes a possible contamination step that could occur with PDO threads from other companies.
V Soft Lift uses EO gas to sterilize the threads inserted into the cannula, and then blister-packs and packages them in aluminum pouches. This eliminates air exposure, which prevents potential degradation of the thread integrity.
Other companies that sell and package PDO threads separately force practitioners to insert them into a cannula. This provides an opportunity for contamination, as they have to open two packages and manipulate two products before they’re ever used on a patient.
Get the Best Results with V Soft Lift’s PDO Threads
Sterilization is an important aspect of all PDO threads, as it ensures they retain their integrity and also are safe to use.
At V Soft Lift, we produce the highest-quality PDO threads on the market. They’re FDA cleared as the thread inserted into a cannula as one unit, which adheres to the highest standards of sterilization in PDO thread manufacturing.
For more information, contact us today.