The cosmetic medicine industry is exploding and isn’t slowing down. Thanks to the introduction of innovative treatments such as PDO threads, people today have many alternatives to surgery if they want to address the common signs of aging.
PDO threads are one of the leading alternatives, and for many reasons. This includes their affordability and accessibility, the ease and short time of the procedure, and the amazing natural results they produce.
In addition, there is very little downtime and recovery time associated with PDO threads treatments. In fact, most people will be able to resume a majority of their daily activities as soon as they leave the office.
That being said, there are some post-care instructions that you should follow to ensure proper healing and that your PDO threads stay in place following a treatment.
In this article, we’ll discuss whether you can fly after PDO threads.
In terms of flying, it’s generally advisable to avoid flying for at least 72 hours following a PDO threads procedure.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 6/12/2025
What Do PDO Threads Entail?
PDO threads are thin threads that get inserted into your skin using a preloaded cannula, which is a process very similar to how an IV line is inserted. There are many types of PDO threads, some smooth and some with barbs on them.
Those with barbs are known as lifting threads, as they will grab onto parts of your skin and lift them up from their current position. The lifting effect that they create is subtle rather than dramatic like with surgical facelifts, but that’s often much more desirable to patients.
Once your provider has positioned the PDO threads properly, they will snip off any excess and ensure that nothing is protruding out of your face. Then, your body will get to work to heal from the treatment and break down the threads using natural processes.
During this process, the body will produce extra collagen, which extends the life of the results and makes your skin look smoother, more elastic and more youthful — in a very natural way.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Drink plenty of water | Fly within 72 hours |
| Eat a balanced, nutrient-rich diet | Engage in strenuous exercise |
| Follow your provider’s specific post-care instructions | Sleep on your face |
| Allow time for natural healing | Take NSAIDs or aspirin without consulting your provider |
Can You Fly After PDO Threads?
While you won’t have many restrictions following a PDO threads treatment, it is important to follow the post-care instructions your provider gives you. All of these are made to help you promote healing and ensure that the threads don’t move from their position.
Some of these instructions will be things you should do, while others will be things you should avoid. Luckily, the things you should avoid are usually only for a few weeks after your treatment at most.
In terms of flying, it’s generally advisable to avoid flying for at least 72 hours following a PDO threads procedure.
The reason is because the air pressure you experience while flying in a plane is much larger than it is when you’re on the ground. The extra air pressure can cause fluctuations in your blood pressure.
It’s actually rather common for people to experience swelling in their face and limbs after they fly. While this isn’t a serious concern for many people, it would be for someone who recently had a PDO threads treatment.
The treatment itself will already cause some minor swelling and/or bruising, and the extra air pressure present while flying could make that even worse.
There are even some potential risks associated with the wound splitting while flying, which could easily lead to infection. If this were to happen, it could prolong your recovery period and make it more challenging.
What Are Some Other Post-Care Instructions After PDO Threads?
Everything you do after PDO threads should be to promote healing. This all starts by ensuring you stay hydrated, drinking extra water than you normally do if you don’t drink a lot, and eating a healthy, balanced diet rich in nutrients.
While you can certainly exercise, you want to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks after PDO threads. Again, this is because that can raise your blood pressure and/or cause the threads to move.
It’s also best to avoid deep facial cleansing or massages, not sleep on your face, and not take certain over-the-counter medications such as aspirin or NSAIDs for a few weeks, as all of that could interfere with the body’s natural healing process.
If you have any specific questions about what you should and should not do after PDO threads, consult with your provider directly.
| Activity | Potential Risk | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Flying (within 72 hrs) | Increased swelling, possible thread displacement | Avoid for 72 hours |
| Strenuous exercise | Elevated blood pressure may shift threads | Avoid for 1–2 weeks |
| Sleeping on face | Pressure may dislodge threads | Sleep on your back |
| Facial massage or skincare treatments | Interferes with healing process | Wait 2–3 weeks |
| Taking NSAIDs or aspirin | May increase bruising and slow healing | Consult your provider first |
V Soft Lift Produces High-Quality PDO Threads
While there is very little downtime and recovery time associated with PDO threads treatments, there are some post-care instructions you should follow to ensure proper healing and the best results.
One of those instructions is not flying for at least 72 hours following a PDO thread treatment, as doing so could cause complications.
PDO threads treatments are generally very safe and have low risk of complications. You can ensure the best results possible not only by following your provider’s post-care instructions but also by choosing a provider who uses PDO threads produced by V Soft Lift.
We have created a long line of PDO threads so that providers can select the ones that are best for each individual patient’s skin type and treatment area.
For more information, contact us today.
