PDO threads are among a long list of minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures that have hit the market in the last 20 years, providing patients with a wide choice of alternatives to traditional surgical facelifts.
Yet, PDO threads have risen to the top of those alternatives for many reasons. In addition to providing exceptional results that are more natural looking than other options, there is a very low risk of negative consequences or outcomes due to the nature of what the threads are made of and how they work.
PDO threads can be used to address a number of issues — sagging skin, lack of definition, fine lines, wrinkles and more. The recovery period is short, and there aren’t many restrictions following a treatment.
One common concern among people who are unfamiliar with this treatment is whether PDO threads can snap. We’ll answer this question, and provide more information about PDO threads, below.
In general, the results from PDO threads will last about 18 months. However, the results can last even longer than that for some people and for some procedures
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 5/15/2025
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO threads are thin dissolvable sutures that have been used in medical procedures for many years. They are made from a synthetic material called polydioxanone, which is completely biocompatible and biodegradable.
Essentially, what this means is that there is a very low chance of negative reactions to them and that the body uses natural processes to break them down. This aspect of PDO threads is one reason why they’ve been used as dissolvable sutures for surgical procedures for more than 50 years.
Today, PDO threads are used in cosmetic procedures to address many common anti-aging concerns. This includes lifting parts of your skin to correct sagging and wrinkles, or to smooth out skin that has become dull.
Your provider will select the type of PDO thread that is right for your specific treatment. Those with barbs on the end of them are chosen for lifting treatments, while smooth threads are chosen for more subtle results.
Once inserted, the body will recognize that the PDO threads are a foreign object and use natural processes to break them down. In doing so, your body will produce extra collagen in the treatment area.
Not only does this help ensure that the results of your procedure last longer, but it also makes your skin more elastic, smooth and vibrant.
Can PDO Threads Snap?
While very unlikely, it’s possible that PDO threads can snap after they are inserted into your skin. It is one of the possible negative consequences of this treatment, though again, it is very rare.
If this were to happen, patients could experience some pain and/or discomfort at or near where the thread broke. Sometimes, a snapped PDO thread may also migrate to another part of your face, which could cause asymmetry, irregularities or other suboptimal results.
Snapped PDO threads could also lead to an increased risk of infection, as they could serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if the snapped thread protrudes out of your skin.
Why Could PDO Threads Snap?
PDO threads are very safe and usually do not snap. Snapping generally might occur, though, due to …
- Low-quality threads: Lower-quality PDO threads may not be as durable and reliable, which could make them more susceptible to breakage.
- Stress: If a patient engages in certain things that cause extra stress on the treatment area, such as excessive movements and/or strenuous activities, it could cause the PDO threads to snap.
- Poor placement: If your provider doesn’t place the threads correctly, it could cause extra tension, which could result in them snapping.
| Complication | Likelihood | Possible Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Thread snapping | Rare | Discomfort, asymmetry, possible infection |
| Thread migration | Rare | Facial irregularities or asymmetry |
| Infection | Very rare | Redness, swelling, or discharge requiring medical attention |
| Negative reaction to PDO material | Extremely rare | Minimal risk due to biocompatibility of polydioxanone |
As such, it’s very important to ensure that you visit a provider who uses the highest-quality PDO threads possible. This alone will help to reduce the risk that your threads will snap once they’ve been inserted.
In addition, it’s best to follow your provider’s post-care instructions as closely as possible. As mentioned before, the recovery and downtime after a PDO threads treatment is much less restrictive and intensive than that of a surgical facelift, and won’t cause major disruptions to your daily life.
This includes avoiding deep facial massages and cleansing, taking certain medications and engaging in very strenuous activities for a few weeks following your procedure.
Adhering to these post-care instructions will help to ensure proper healing and prevent the risk of PDO threads snapping, which in turn leads to the best results possible.
V Soft Lift Produces the Highest-Quality PDO Threads on the Market
While PDO threads can snap, it’s a very rare side effect of the procedure. As long as you have chosen a reputable and experienced provider, and follow their post-care instructions, there should be little chance of your threads snapping.
In addition, visiting a provider who uses the best PDO threads possible is also in your best interest.
At V Soft Lift, we have created the highest-quality PDO threads on the market. Our long list of products offer providers the opportunity to choose the threads that work best for each individual patient and treatment.
For more information, contact us today.
