People who are looking to address some of the most common signs of aging are increasingly turning toward PDO threads. This non-surgical cosmetic medicine treatment can mimic the results of a traditional facelift while also stimulating the production of collagen, producing amazing yet natural-looking results in the process.
The benefits of PDO threads are numerous: It is a quick and pain-free procedure, with little to no downtime, and produces amazing results gradually over time.
If you’re familiar with PDO threads, you know that they are gradually broken down and absorbed by the body once they’re inserted. But, what happens to PDO threads after they dissolve?
We’ll tackle that question, and address why they’re completely safe, in this article.
- PDO threads are made from polydioxanone, a biodegradable and biocompatible material.
- The body breaks down PDO threads naturally through a process called hydrolysis.
- Over 6–8 months, threads dissolve into water and carbon dioxide — nothing harmful remains.
- The insertion of threads stimulates collagen production for long-lasting rejuvenation.
- PDO threads have a 50+ year safety track record in both surgical and cosmetic use.
Because of what they’re made of, the PDO threads material gets converted into water and carbon dioxide in the body. Your body will use its normal functions to safely expel what it does not need. In other words, nothing dangerous will be left behind in your body once the PDO threads have been fully dissolved.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 9/19/2025
What Are PDO Threads Made Of?
PDO threads were designed to be absorbable so that you didn’t have to have them removed once they were inserted. In fact, they were first created for surgical procedures as dissolvable sutures, which eliminated the need for surgeons or medical practitioners to remove stitches that are necessary for surgery.
The material that the threads are made of is synthetic and is called polydioxanone. It is completely biocompatible and biodegradable. This means that there is low risk for complications and that the body uses natural processes to break them down.
This happens through a process known as hydrolysis. In essence, your body will recognize that a foreign object is present, and will work to rid the body of it — in the same way that it would for other materials.
In doing so, it will produce extra collagen in the area. Combined with other fluids, the body will degrade PDO threads naturally over time, causing them to dissolve.
What Happens to PDO Threads After They Dissolve?
An obvious follow-up question people may have is once the body has dissolved the PDO threads, what happens to the material that’s left? After all, something will be left behind after the hydrolysis process is complete.
Through hydrolysis, water molecules and other fluids in the body will break down polymer chains that PDO threads are made of. This causes them to fragment and lose their tensile strength, and it’s something that happens over a few months.
Because of what they’re made of, the PDO threads material gets converted into water and carbon dioxide in the body. These are, of course, two chemical compounds that are already naturally occurring within the body.
As such, your body will use its normal functions to safely expel what it does not need. In other words, nothing dangerous will be left behind in your body once the PDO threads have been fully dissolved.
| Stage | Timeframe | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Insertion | Day 0 | Threads inserted into skin |
| Collagen Stimulation | Week 1–12 | Skin reacts and produces collagen |
| Thread Degradation | Month 2–6 | Hydrolysis breaks down threads |
| Complete Absorption | Month 6–8 | Converted to CO₂ and water; expelled |
The Science Behind PDO Threads
PDO threads were created in a very scientific way. The material was created with safety and efficacy in mind, and it’s succeeded in doing that over more than 50 years now.
The threads take advantage of the natural healing processes of the body to ensure that the degradation process is not only controlled but is predictable. This ensures that there is minimal risk of any adverse reaction in the body, and that the outcomes it produces are smooth and consistent.
While PDO threads have been introduced into the world of cosmetic medicine over the last 25 years or so, they have been used in surgical procedures dating back to the mid-1900s.
This means that there are plenty of documented positive outcomes of PDO threads, and that there is evidence of their usability and safety.
V Soft Lift Produces the Highest-Quality PDO Threads on the Market
PDO threads are an extremely safe and effective cosmetic treatment that can help address many of the common signs of aging, especially in the face. They have been used for many years now, demonstrating impressive efficacy and safety in application.
In addition to producing amazing results, they have proven safe over many years, as the body naturally dissolves and absorbs the threads with no complications.
To ensure the best results in the safest way, it’s important to use high-quality PDO threads from V Soft Lift.
All of our PDO threads are fully FDA cleared for marketing and usage in the U.S. Practitioners can choose from among a long line of products, allowing them to choose the threads that are best for each different skin type and treatment.
For more information, contact us today.
Q: Are PDO threads safe?
A: Yes. They are FDA-cleared and have been used safely in medicine for decades.
Q: What happens after the threads dissolve?
A: They are broken down into water and carbon dioxide and safely expelled by the body.
Q: Do PDO threads need to be removed?
A: No. They are fully absorbable and do not require surgical removal.
Q: Will the results go away after they dissolve?
A: While the threads dissolve, the collagen produced continues to support skin rejuvenation.
Q: How long does it take for the threads to dissolve?
A: Most threads fully dissolve within 6 to 8 months after treatment.