Can I Use Retinol After PDO Threads?

The skincare industry as a whole has exploded in recent years, thanks in large part to innovative new procedures and products that help rejuvenate the face and make people look younger.

One of the most popular procedures today is known as PDO threads. While they are certainly not new to the market, as they have been around for more than 50 years, they are gaining extra popularity seemingly by the day.

These surgical, dissolvable sutures are inserted under the skin to lift it up in certain places and/or create smoother-looking skin. No matter what the desired outcome of the PDO threads, all procedures using the product help to stimulate the production of collagen, which ensures the procedure lasts longer and keeps your skin looking younger and fresher.

People who haven’t undergone a PDO threads procedure in the past are excited about its possibilities. At the same time, they might have questions about what the process entails and what they are allowed to do after the procedure is over.

Below, we’ll dive deeper into this topic, specifically discussing whether you can use retinol after PDO threads procedures.

Learn more about PDO Thread aftercare

It’s a good idea to avoid any active skincare treatments for a few weeks after your procedure. This includes taking products with Vitamin C or A, any strength creams or topical medications. It also includes using any scrubs or exfoliation products, or any that include retinal or retinol.

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Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 7/30/2024

What Are PDO Threads?

PDO threads are very thin threads that are inserted underneath the skin to achieve a desired outcome. As mentioned, this could be lifting up the skin in certain places to give more definition to the lips, for instance, or replicate the outcome of a traditional facelift procedure — without the need for invasive surgery.

PDO threads themselves have actually been used as dissolvable sutures in surgical procedures for more than 50 years now, though they’ve “only” been used in aesthetic medicine for about the last 20 years or so.

The PDO threads are fully dissolvable in the body, a process that will occur naturally over time. Your body will produce extra collagen in the area to break the threads down, which in turn provides other benefits as well.

This includes skin that look rejuvenated, volumized and fresh.

Is a PDO Threads Procedure Invasive?

PDO threads procedures are considered non-invasive. They don’t require surgery, which means you won’t have to go “under” general anesthesia.

Your medical practitioner will simply numb the area before the procedure, and then use a pre-loaded cannula to insert the threads underneath your skin. The entire procedure is relatively painless and will take less than an hour.

Once the area is numb, most patients report that they might feel some pressure or tugging at their skin in the treated region, but they don’t feel pain.

Following the procedure, you might experience swelling and slight pain and/or discomfort in the area. This can be treated by applying ice to the region or using over-the-counter Tylenol medications.

It’s advised that you avoid taking any NSAIDs — including Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin and Advil — for at least two weeks following a PDO threads procedure, since it could stunt the production of collagen.

Are There Other Things to Avoid After PDO Threads?

After a PDO threads procedure, there are some other things that you should avoid doing. This includes participating in any rigorous activity for 24 hours, and avoiding all intense exercise and/or workouts for at least two weeks.

You should try not to eat any foods that require you to chew a lot for a few days after the treatment. Also, don’t go to any hot temperature environment — including going into hot tubs, saunas or steam rooms — for at least two weeks.

You should not get a massage in your face, or a facial treatment, for at least four weeks following a PDO threads procedure, as that could compromise the location of the threads in your face.

Can I Use Retinol After PDO Threads?

There are some general instructions that you should follow regarding skincare after a PDO threads procedure as well.

It’s a good idea to avoid any active skincare treatments for a few weeks after your procedure. This includes taking products with Vitamin C or A, any strength creams or topical medications. It also includes using any scrubs or exfoliation products, or any that include retinal or retinol.

The reason for this is that excessive pressure and more intense facial products can compromise the results of your PDO threads procedure, which is the opposite of what you want to do.

After 48 hours following your procedure, you can resume all gentle skincare in your face. This includes typical washing of the face, drying as well as light moisturizing.

Choose a Practitioner Who Uses VSoft Lift Threads

Following the instructions of a trusted medical practitioner is always a good idea when you undergo any procedure, including one that uses PDO threads. Beyond that, you can put yourself in the best position to have a great procedure by choosing a practitioner who uses PDO threads provided by V Soft Lift.

We have a huge line of PDO threads products, all of which are tailored to specific types of procedures and specific types of skin.

For more information, contact us today.