Thanks to PDO threads, people today are able to obtain facial rejuvenation without having to undergo invasive surgery. The non-surgical cosmetic treatment can address many of the common signs of aging, including dropping and sagging skin, lack of definition, and fine lines and wrinkles.
All of this is done in less than an hour, in a provider’s office rather than a surgical environment. There’s no need for general anesthesia, and it comes with little to no downtime and recovery period.
These are some of the main reasons why PDO threads have soared in popularity in recent years in the world of cosmetic medicine.
As the years pass, more effective uses for PDO threads are being discovered, as their collagen-stimulating power is harnessed by practitioners to provide patients with answers to issues they face.
One of those issues is scarring.
In this article, we’ll examine how PDO threads are used to improve facial scars.
📌 Key Takeaways
- PDO threads are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of atrophic facial scars.
- They stimulate collagen production, addressing the root cause of sunken or indented scars.
- Both barbed and smooth threads can be used depending on the type of scar.
- The treatment is minimally invasive, performed in under an hour with no surgical downtime.
- Results develop naturally over time and can be maintained through repeated sessions.
A main feature of PDO threads is their ability to stimulate the production of collagen in a treatment area. This is a huge benefit to addressing facial scars, since they form in the first place because of the body’s inability to produce enough collagen.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 10/21/2025
Can PDO Threads Improve Facial Scars?
Recent clinical studies have shown that PDO threads have the ability to improve how facial scars look. They are used to address what are known as atrophic facial scars in most cases, which appear as indented and sunken parts of the skin.
These scars can be caused by a number of different things. While severe acne is often the culprit, they can also appear because of surgery, trauma or chickenpox, for example.
There are three types of atrophic facial scars …
- Rolling: Shallow yet wide depressions in the skin that have sloping and rounded edges
- Boxcar: Wider depressions that look like a box, and have defined edges that are sharp
- Ice pick: Pitted, narrow scars that are deep yet wide at the same time
Regardless what type of atrophic facial scar you are experiencing or why they appear, the main reason they form is that your body wasn’t able to produce sufficient collagen in the area to repair the wound.
This can happen especially as we get older, because our body naturally starts to slow the production of collagen during the aging process. However, this usually begins in our mid-20s, with a significant slowdown occurring in the early 40s.
In other words, a wide range of people can benefit from PDO threads if they’re experiencing facial scars.
| Benefit | How It Works | Why It Matters | Long-Term Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collagen Stimulation | PDO threads trigger your body’s healing response, boosting collagen in the treated area. | Scar tissue forms due to lack of collagen — this reverses the cause. | Gradual smoothing and plumping of the scar area. |
| Minimally Invasive | Threads are placed under the skin with no cutting or stitches. | No need for general anesthesia or surgery. | Lower risk, faster recovery, repeatable as needed. |
| Safe, Biodegradable Material | Threads dissolve naturally in the skin over time. | Reduces risk of long-term complications. | Natural results, minimal scarring or side effects. |
| Dual Application Options | Barbed threads lift sagging skin, smooth threads soften surface irregularities. | Allows customized treatment based on scar type (rolling, boxcar, ice pick). | Multi-dimensional improvement in texture and appearance. |
| Immediate + Ongoing Results | Some lifting and volume visible right away; collagen builds over weeks. | Offers visible improvements quickly with continued enhancement. | Lasts 12–18 months, repeatable anytime. |
How Do PDO Threads Address Scars?
A main feature of PDO threads is their ability to stimulate the production of collagen in a treatment area. This is a huge benefit to addressing facial scars, since they form in the first place because of the body’s inability to produce enough collagen.
PDO threads are made from a synthetic material that is 100% biodegradable and biocompatible. This means that there is a very low risk of complications, and that the body will use natural processes to break them down and absorb them once they’re inserted.
While they’ve been used in cosmetic medicine for the last 25 years or so, they’ve been commonly used as dissolvable sutures for surgical procedures for more than 60 years now.
PDO threads can be used in two ways to address facial scars.
Barbed threads can address scars that have caused things such as drooping/sagging of the skin, for example, or can be used to address fine lines and wrinkles or lack of definition that also might be occurring in the area.
This type of thread provides a lifting effect, similar to that of a traditional facelift.
Smooth threads will result in a softening effect on the surface of the skin. They don’t provide a lifting effect, but do stimulate collagen production in the area, which starts almost immediately after the treatment is over.
As your body works to dissolve and absorb the threads, the collagen and regenerated tissue will minimize how visible the scars are, as it creates a smoother, more even texture.
These results will appear gradually over time, and will be much more natural-looking than other options on the market.
Address Facial Scars with V Soft Lift’s PDO Threads
PDO threads have many uses and provide many benefits to a wide variety of patients. They are used to address facial scars, helping to improve the smoothness and texture of the skin while evening it out as well.
The results of PDO threads typically last for between 12 and 18 months, though you can repeat the treatment at any time to achieve your desired results.
To get the best results possible that last the longest, it’s important to select a provider who uses V Soft Lift’s high-quality PDO threads.
Our long line of PDO threads are all fully FDA cleared for usage, allowing providers to choose the type of thread that is best for your skin type and specific treatment.
For more information, contact us today.
❓ FAQ: PDO Threads for Scars
| Can PDO threads help with all types of scars? | They are most effective for atrophic scars (rolling, boxcar, ice pick), where volume loss is present. |
| How long does it take to see results? | Initial improvements may be seen right away, with optimal results appearing over several weeks. |
| Do the threads stay in the body permanently? | No. PDO threads dissolve naturally within 4–6 months, but their collagen-boosting effects last longer. |
| Is the treatment painful? | Most patients experience minimal discomfort. A topical anesthetic is usually applied beforehand. |
| Are there risks or side effects? | PDO threads are considered safe. Minor swelling or bruising may occur but usually resolves quickly. |