Every year, Americans travel abroad to get medical procedures. While it’s hard to put a definitive number on how many Americans go to another country for a medical procedure, most are driven by lower costs of treatments and procedures.
The total medical tourism market in the U.S. is estimated to be worth nearly $10.5 billion, though that includes both inbound and outbound patients. Still, it shows that there is significant interest in Americans going to other countries for medical tourism.
Cosmetic treatments are one of the leading reasons for outbound medical tourism, but there are many reasons why you should not do this.
In this article, we’ll discuss PDO threads in medical tourism and why it’s bad.
Key Takeaways
- Lower costs abroad come with significantly higher risks, including infections and poor outcomes.
- Lack of regulation in some countries means thread quality and practitioner training can be unreliable.
- Patients who travel for PDO threads often lose access to follow-up care when complications arise back home.
- Corrective treatments in the U.S. can end up being more expensive than the original procedure.
- Choosing FDA-cleared products like V Soft Lift ensures safety, quality, and peace of mind.
If you travel to another country for PDO threads, it’s hard to properly vet the clinic and provider you’ll be visiting. Even if you were able to vet them, they might not be held to any kind of safety or quality standards.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 12/29/2025
Why Costs Might Be Lower
It’s true that the cost of PDO thread treatments in other countries might be less expensive than they are in the U.S., but there are usually major risks that go along with this.
For one, some of the countries that offer the cheapest PDO thread treatments don’t have the same oversight for the cosmetic industry. This means that providers and clinics may not have to be formally trained, have certain experience or uphold safety and quality standards.
They might use products that aren’t approved or cleared for usage by a respectable government agency. This could increase the risk of infection or breakage, as the quality of the threads is simply not up to high standards.
The practitioners might skip out on essential safety steps, which could result in the treatments being done in unclean or non-sterile environments.
If you do experience complications when you arrive back home, you won’t have access to that provider for any follow-ups should something go wrong. Instead, you’ll be forced to see a reputable provider whose local, and those corrective treatments might end up costing you more in the long run than just getting the treatment done in the U.S. in the first place.
| Feature | Abroad | U.S. (V Soft Lift) |
|---|---|---|
| Oversight & Regulation | Often lacking or inconsistent | Strict FDA and state regulations |
| Thread Quality | May use unapproved or substandard threads | FDA-cleared, high-quality PDO threads |
| Practitioner Experience | Not always certified or properly trained | Board-certified and experienced providers |
| Safety & Cleanliness | May lack sterile environments | Strict hygiene and clinical standards |
| Follow-up Care | Unavailable once back in U.S. | Ongoing support and care available |
| Total Cost (Including Corrections) | May exceed original savings due to complications | Transparent pricing with fewer risks |
Poor Execution
If you’re considering traveling abroad for PDO thread treatments, you might have heard some horror stories about things gone wrong with medical tourism. The fact is that these instances are indeed true.
If you travel to another country for PDO threads, it’s hard to properly vet the clinic and provider you’ll be visiting. Even if you were able to vet them, they might not be held to any kind of safety or quality standards.
All of this could result in the practitioner not doing the PDO thread treatment properly, which can lead to significant damages. Just some of the examples include …
- Infection: If the treatment isn’t done in a sanitary environment or with sanitary equipment, you’re at a higher risk for infection. You could experience extra swelling and redness, abscesses or pus as a result.
- Damage: If the practitioner doesn’t place the PDO threads properly in your face, they could cause nerve damage. In minor cases, this could result in numbness, while in major cases, it could result in paralysis.
- Symptoms: If the practitioner uses the wrong type of PDO thread, doesn’t place them properly or uses too few or too many, your post-treatment symptoms could last much longer than normal. This includes excessive swelling, pain and/or bruising.
- Asymmetry: If the practitioner isn’t experienced, they might not know how to maneuver the threads to achieve symmetry. So, one side of your face could look different than the other side.
- Migration: If the treatment isn’t done right, the PDO threads could move after the treatment is done. This could cause dimpling and lumps or make it look like your skin is pulled.
Get PDO Thread Treatments in the U.S. with V Soft Lift’s High-Quality Products
The big draw of medical tourism is the less expensive advertised price. But, even if you were to save money getting a PDO thread treatment in another country, the economic, emotional and physical costs you might have to pay as a result are simply not worth it.
At V Soft Lift, all of our PDO threads have been fully cleared by the FDA for usage in the U.S. This ensures that our products are safe to use, which means you can rest easy knowing that the risks and side effects are low.
By visiting an experienced and reputable provider in the U.S. who uses V Soft Lift’s PDO threads, you’ll be getting the best and safest results possible so you can be the best you.
For more information, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are PDO thread procedures really cheaper abroad?
A: Yes, but those savings often come at the expense of safety, regulation, and long-term results.
Q: What if something goes wrong after I return to the U.S.?
A: You won’t be able to return to the original provider. You’ll likely need to see a U.S.-based specialist for corrections, which can be costly.
Q: How can I ensure the threads used are safe?
A: Look for providers who use FDA-cleared threads like those from V Soft Lift. Always verify certifications.
Q: What are the signs of a bad PDO thread treatment?
A: Infection, facial asymmetry, visible thread migration, prolonged swelling, or nerve issues are common red flags.
Q: Is it really worth paying more for a U.S. provider?
A: Absolutely. The assurance of safety, proper care, and follow-up access makes it a smarter long-term investment.