PDO THREAD LIFT: Pre + Post Treatment Instructions
Pre Treatment Tips
Here are some tips to help optimize the time before your procedure and support your recovery:
Stop smoking at least 1 week before and 1 week after your procedure. Two weeks before and after is ideal.
Avoid blood-thinning agents for at least 1 week prior to your procedure, unless otherwise medically advised by your physician. These may include, but are not limited to:
Vitamin E
Fish oil
Alcohol; avoid at least 3 days before the procedure, though 7 days is ideal
NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve
Tylenol may be used for headaches or discomfort, as long as you do not have an allergy or medical contraindication.
Supplements
Bromelain, a pineapple extract, may help reduce swelling and discomfort. If appropriate for you, it may be taken before and after the procedure as directed by your provider or the product label.
Arnica may help reduce swelling and bruising. If appropriate for you, it may be taken 3 days prior to the procedure and for 5 days after the procedure, or as directed by your provider.
Please use caution if you have any allergies. Avoid trying anything new before your procedure, including new supplements, foods, skincare products, detergents, or medications.
Other anti-inflammatory supplements, such as turmeric, may be used if you take them regularly and your provider has approved them.
A major way to prepare your body for a procedure is to rest. Improving your sleep quality before your procedure may help your body better handle the stress of the procedure and recovery.
Post-Care Instructions for PDO Thread Lift
Bruising, swelling, redness, and tenderness may occur in the treatment area and may last for several days. Bruising may last 1–2 weeks. Not all patients experience these symptoms, but these effects can occur and are normal.
The treatment site may appear uneven, distorted, or firm as a result of swelling. This is normal and should improve within the following few days. If symptoms persist beyond one week, please contact our office.
Post-Treatment Care
Avoid direct pressure to the treated area for 1 week.
If the face or neck was treated, avoid excessive chewing, talking, yawning, smiling, or other exaggerated facial movements for 1 week.
Avoid massage directly over the treated area for 1 month, unless otherwise instructed by your provider.
Avoid hot water on the treated area. You may shower as usual with warm, not hot, water, and you may gently wash your face and hair.
Keep the treated area clean. Avoid touching the areas where PDO Threads were placed for at least the first 48 hours.
If the face was treated, sleep with your head elevated for 1–2 nights to help minimize swelling.
HealMD Bruising & Swelling Cream may be applied up to 4 times per day to assist with the healing process, as directed.
Avoid steam rooms, saunas, hot tubs, swimming pools, or any water source that could be unclean or excessively hot for 2 weeks.
A gentle facial lymphatic massage around the eyes may be performed with a jade roller to help minimize swelling and bruising. Do not massage directly over the thread placement areas unless cleared by your provider.
Avoid taking aspirin or blood-thinning agents such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, or other medications containing ibuprofen for 3 days following the procedure, unless these medications have been prescribed for you due to a heart condition or other medical condition and your physician has instructed you not to stop them.
Avoid aesthetic treatments, including RF, IPL, laser, or microneedling, for at least 4 weeks or until cleared by your provider.
Tylenol may be taken for discomfort if you do not have an allergy or medical contraindication.
Within the first 24 hours after treatment, an ice pack may be gently and periodically applied to the treated area to help reduce swelling. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
Avoid active sports and strenuous exercise for 1 week.
When to Call
Please contact our office if:
Any threads become exposed or begin to extrude
You develop a red, hard, or painful nodule over one or more threads
You experience increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pain at the insertion site
You notice irregularity or visible ridges, also known as buckling, 2 weeks after treatment
You experience persistent fever, chills, drainage, severe pain, or any other concerning symptoms
To help decrease healing time, swelling, and bruising, your provider may recommend oral antihistamines such as Zyrtec or Benadryl, if appropriate for you. Cryofacial treatment may also be recommended to support healing.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or questions regarding your treatment.
Text us at 202.333.4445 and send in photos, and call.