If you’re looking to achieve anti-aging results through facial rejuvenation, then PDO threads are a great option. They are a minimally-invasive treatment that can address things such as fine lines and wrinkles, lack of definition, and sagging or drooping skin.
PDO threads are prized for the amazing results, of course, but also for the fact that they don’t require surgery. Because of this, the associated downtime and recovery time is very low.
Most people report only feeling slight tugging and/or pressure during the treatment, and experience only minor swelling and/or bruising for about a week afterward.
A lot of the focus on PDO thread treatments is on after-care, and for good reason. After all, what you do after you have a treatment can directly influence how well the results look and how long they last.
That being said, there are many things you can and should do before PDO threads to put yourself and your body in the best position. Below, we’ll discuss some of the best pre-PDO thread skincare routines.
- Pre-care is just as important as post-care when it comes to PDO thread results.
- Avoid harsh products like retinoids and scrubs for at least 2 weeks before your treatment.
- Switch to a gentle skincare routine with moisturizer and SPF 30+.
- Avoid alcohol, smoking, saunas, and intense workouts to minimize risk of bruising.
- Check with your doctor before stopping any prescribed medications.
- Choose a practitioner who uses high-quality, FDA-cleared threads like those from V Soft Lift.
In the week or two leading up to your PDO thread treatment, you should switch to a gentle skincare routine. This will ensure that your skin is as hydrated as possible.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 10/24/2025
Don’t Use Harsh Products
Some skincare products are harsh, but are beneficial to your skin long-term. When you are about to get a PDO thread treatment, though, it’s a good idea to avoid these types of products for at least two weeks before the day of your treatment.
Some examples of these products include retinoids, exfoliants and scrubs that have abrasive particles in them. Exfoliating your skin is very healthy for it, of course, but doing so too close to your PDO thread treatment can have negative consequences.
Go Gentle
In the week or two leading up to your PDO thread treatment, you should switch to a gentle skincare routine. This will ensure that your skin is as hydrated as possible.
There are really three steps to this process you should pay attention to.
First, keep your skin clean with a hydrating cleanser that is mild, and free from any of the ingredients or attributes above.
Second, make sure that your skin is well moisturized. There are plenty of hydrating creams you could use that don’t have active ingredients that are harsh.
Finally, protect your skin by wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or above every day. This is important no matter what season it is, as sun damage can occur any time of year, and you can’t get a PDO thread treatment if you have sunburn.
Don’t Smoke or Drink Alcohol
Smoking and drinking alcohol aren’t often considered direct skincare routines, but they certainly play a role in the overall health of your skin. If you do smoke and drink alcohol, it’s best to avoid doing so for at least one week before you have a PDO thread treatment.
Not only can smoking negatively affect your general health and specifically your skin health, but it also can stand in the way of healing. If you want the best results from a PDO thread treatment, you need to support the body’s healing process as much as possible, so that it can properly break down and absorb the threads.
Drinking alcohol can also dry out your skin. This could make it more difficult for your practitioner to insert the threads properly, and could also stand in the way of optimal healing.
Avoid Saunas and Strenuous Activity
When you engage in strenuous activities and exercises, it can result in increasing the blood flow in your body and your face. If you do this too close to a PDO thread treatment, you can increase the chances that you experience more significant bruising and/or swelling after the procedure.
Similarly, the humidity and heat produced by saunas could also contribute to more significant bruising and/or swelling. They can also make your skin more sensitive, which could make you more susceptible to complications.
Don’t Take Certain Medications
Just like you should avoid taking certain medications for a period after a PDO thread treatment, there are some you should avoid taking before a treatment.
It’s best to not take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin for two weeks before your treatment, as they can stand in the way of proper healing. Other supplements such as fish oils, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E also should be avoided for that same time period because they can lead to increased bruising following a procedure.
You should always consult a doctor before discontinuing the usage of any prescribed medication to see if it’s safe to keep taking before a PDO thread treatment, or if it’s safe to stop.
V Soft Lift Produces the Best PDO Threads
While a lot of attention is paid to after-care routines for PDO thread treatments, it’s equally as important to follow a good pre-PDO thread skincare routine. Some of the things listed above will put your skin and body in the best position possible to have the most amazing results.
Along the same lines, choosing a practitioner who uses high-quality threads from V Soft Lift is the best way to ensure you get optimal results.
All of our threads are FDA cleared. Our long line of products give practitioners the option to choose ones that are best for your procedure and skin type, which helps to improve the results and make them long-lasting.
For more information, contact us today.