More and more people are experiencing the amazing results that PDO threads treatments can provide. They are prized for many reasons, most of all for the fact that they can address many of the common issues associated with aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, sagging or drooping skin, and lack of definition on certain parts of the face.
PDO threads are considered generally safe for everyone, due to their minimally-invasive nature and the fact that they take advantage of some of the body’s natural healing processes.
If you have a darker skin tone, though, you may be wondering whether PDO threads are safe for you to get. In this article, we’ll discuss this in more detail.
People who have darker skin tones might be at higher risk for keloid scars or hyperpigmentation following a PDO threads treatment.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 7/14/2025
Is There a Target Audience for PDO Threads?
PDO threads have been in use in the medical field for more than 50 years now. They were first used as dissolvable sutures in surgical procedures, but have gained popularity in cosmetic treatments in the last 20 years or so.
They weren’t developed for any particular skin type or tone, but rather can be used with great effect for nearly anyone.
That being said, there is a target audience, if you will, for PDO thread treatments.
In other words, because PDO threads produce subtle, natural-looking results, they are best for certain people. They typically produce the best results for people who are in their late 30s to early 60s and have mild to moderate signs of aging.
PDO threads treatments can address many of the common issues of aging mentioned above. However, they may not be the best treatment option if you are experiencing extreme sagging or drooping skin, for example.
In other words, PDO threads are usually better for certain skin condition types rather than skin tones.
| Risk Type | Light Skin Tone | Dark Skin Tone | Notes/Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bruising & Swelling | Common, mild | Common, mild | Usually resolves in 1 week |
| Hyperpigmentation | Rare | Moderate risk | Avoid sun exposure; follow post-care |
| Keloid Scarring | Very rare | Higher risk | Discuss history with provider |
| Inflammation | Normal | Normal | Helps trigger collagen production |
| Healing Time | 5–7 days | 5–10 days | May vary slightly |
What Are the Risks of PDO Threads?
The risks and after-effects associated with PDO threads treatments are generally the same for everyone, regardless of their skin type or tone.
Most people will experience minor bruising and/or swelling following their PDO threads treatment, which are both part of the body’s normal healing process. In most cases, this will usually resolve itself in a few days or a week.
You can help to reduce this bruising and swelling by applying ice packs and taking certain over-the-counter medications, though you should follow your provider’s post-care instructions since you should avoid taking some medications for a few weeks following your treatment.
Other general post-care instructions include avoiding strenuous activities and deep facial cleansing or massages for a few weeks following your treatment. You should also eat a healthy diet and ensure you are adequately hydrated, all of which will help aid in the healing process.
Are There Additional Risks for People with Darker Skin Tones?
People who have darker skin tones might be at higher risk for keloid scars or hyperpigmentation following a PDO threads treatment.
Keloid scars are essentially thickened and raised areas of the skin that can develop following a trauma or injury. They develop if the body produces too much collagen, which is a normal occurrence during the healing process.
In fact, one of the major benefits of PDO threads is that they stimulate the production of collagen in the treatment area, since it leads to the skin being more elastic, plumper and youthful looking. However, this extra collagen may cause keloid scars for people who have darker skin tones.
When hyperpigmentation occurs, some patches of your skin may look darker than other parts of your skin surrounding it. This happens when there’s an excess of melanin in the skin.
Cells may produce too much melanin due to being over-exposed to the sun, if you’re going through hormonal changes, if you have a certain illness or take a certain medication, or if you’re experiencing inflammation.
The latter is something that commonly occurs with PDO threads treatments, as it’s a normal bodily response to a foreign object being inserted in it. While it’s usually not a major concern at all, it could result in people with darker skin tones developing hyperpigmentation.
Follow All Post-Care Instructions from Your PDO Threads Provider
PDO threads are generally considered safe for all people, though they are usually best for people who are between their late 30s and early 60s and are experiencing mild to moderate signs of aging. While PDO threads are also safe for all skin tones, people who have darker skin may experience keloid scars or hyperpigmentation.
The best way to reduce the risk of these and the other possible side effects of PDO threads is to follow your provider’s post-care recommendations. You can also reduce the risk and improve the results by choosing a provider who uses the high-quality PDO threads produced by V Soft Lift.
Our PDO threads are of the highest quality. We also produce a long line of threads so that providers can choose the ones that are best suited for each individual’s specific skin type and the procedure they are having done.
This helps to ensure the best results and the least amount of complications possible.
For more information, contact us today.