Aside from the amazing results they produce, one of the top reasons why PDO threads treatments are so popular today is the quick recovery period and limited downtime. Unlike surgical procedures, and even some other minimally-invasive treatments, you can resume most of your daily activities as soon as you leave the office.
Your practitioner will provide you with a list of post-care instructions to pay attention to, but they aren’t too limiting. They usually suggest avoiding strenuous activities, deep facial massages or cleansing, and taking certain medications for a few weeks after a treatment — all of which promotes the healing process.
These are all things you may have heard in the past as benefits of PDO threads. But, what exactly does the recovery period look like?
In this article, we’ll break down the typical healing timeline from PDO threads treatments from day one through day 90.
In this article, we’ll break down the typical healing timeline from PDO threads treatments from day one through day 90.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 8/1/2025
The First Few Days
For the first few days following a PDO thread treatment, you should expect to experience some tenderness, bruising and/or swelling in and around the treatment area. Most of the time, this will be minor and won’t be cause for concern.
To help alleviate some of the pain and/or discomfort, you can apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area. It’s also best to elevate your head as much as possible, which will help reduce swelling.
Make sure to stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet, as both will contribute to effective healing. In the meantime, avoid extra pressure that could be placed on the PDO threads by limiting certain facial expressions and avoiding heavy lifting and other strenuous activities.
The First Week
Gradually over the first week, the bruising and swelling should begin to subside. You can continue to apply cold compresses and ice packs to the treatment area if need be, though you should still avoid taking certain medicines, such as NSAIDs or those containing aspirin.
Light activities are OK by the end of the first week, but it’s still best to not do any strenuous workout. When you smile or talk, you might feel a slight pulling sensation or some tightness in the treatment area, but that’s completely normal.
The First Three Months
After the first week, the bruising and swelling should be all but gone. If it’s not, or if you’re experiencing significant pain in any way, it’s best to contact your practitioner, as they might want to see you for a follow-up visit.
Gradually over the rest of the first month, the PDO threads will start to settle further into their place. If you got a PDO thread lift, the lifting effect of the treatment will start to look more natural as it does.
Your body will start to produce more collagen in the treatment area as part of the natural healing process. This will help to break down the threads so the body can absorb them, and in the process, it also leads to improved elasticity and firmness in your skin.
While every patient is different based on a variety of factors, the final results of your PDO threads treatment will typically be visible by the end of the third month following the procedure.
After Three Months
The PDO threads that were inserted into your skin will dissolve gradually over a period of six to 12 months. Because of the extra collagen that’s produced by the body in the area, though, the results of your treatment could last much longer.
As mentioned, how long your body will take to fully absorb the threads, and how long the results will last, depends on a number of factors. This includes your age, skin condition, genes, metabolism speed and more.
Remember that a major advantage of PDO threads is that treatments can be repeated whenever you feel it is necessary, based on the results that you wish to achieve. Simply consult with your practitioner, and they will provide you with recommendations on treatments that will make you look the way you want to.
| Timeframe | What to Expect | Care Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Mild swelling, bruising, tenderness | Apply cold compress, keep head elevated, avoid facial movement |
| Day 4–7 | Swelling begins to subside; minor tightness may persist | Avoid strenuous activity, NSAIDs, deep massage |
| Week 2–3 | Most swelling/bruising gone; threads begin to settle | Light activity OK, continue gentle care, stay hydrated |
| Week 4–8 | Collagen production increases; skin feels firmer | Follow-up with practitioner if any concerns arise |
| Week 9–12 | Threads dissolve gradually; full results visible | Enjoy smoother skin; consider maintenance plan |
V Soft Lift Produces High-Performing PDO Threads
The typical healing period for PDO thread treatments is very minimal, as you can see from the above. Early in the second week, most people won’t be experiencing any of the minor side effects from the treatment at all.
Then, over the remainder of the first 90 days, your body will gradually break down the threads and absorb them, which is when you should see the full results of your treatment.
If you want to ensure that the results are great and last long, it’s best to choose a reputable practitioner and follow their post-care instructions. You should also check whether they use high-performing PDO threads, such as those produced by V Soft Lift.
Our long line of PDO threads products are FDA cleared for marketing and usage in the United States. They are of the highest quality, which ensures comfort during the procedure and great results after.
For more information, contact us today.