PDO threads are a popular non-surgical option for lifting and tightening the skin, especially on the face and neck. Made from Polydioxanone, these threads are inserted beneath the skin to create a temporary scaffold that repositions tissue and stimulates natural collagen production. A common concern is whether the threads can break prematurely before they naturally dissolve. Understanding the difference between natural dissolution and accidental physical breakage is important for a successful outcome.
Understanding the PDO Material and Lifespan
Polydioxanone (PDO) is a synthetic polymer safely used for decades as absorbable surgical sutures. This biocompatible material is accepted by the body without causing a persistent foreign body reaction. The PDO polymer breaks down through hydrolysis, where water molecules slowly convert the material into water and carbon dioxide, which the body naturally eliminates.
The thread’s structural integrity is gradually lost over six to nine months as hydrolysis occurs. During this time, the threads maintain tensile strength to hold the tissue in position. The long-term benefit is the collagen and elastin matrix stimulated by the thread, which sustains the lifting effect after the thread dissolves.
Factors Leading to Premature Thread Failure
PDO threads are susceptible to premature failure, usually manifesting as a break or displacement due to mechanical stress. Patient behavior immediately following the procedure is a frequent contributor to this risk. Excessive facial movements, such as wide yawning, forceful laughing, or chewing hard foods during recovery, can strain the newly anchored threads.
Sleeping on the side or stomach is another common cause of failure, as pressure can shift or snap the threads before integration. The type of thread also influences vulnerability; barbed or cog threads are more prone to snapping than smoother mono threads if excessive tension is applied. Procedural factors, like the practitioner applying too much tension or placing threads too superficially, can compromise strength and lead to breakage.
Identifying and Addressing a Broken Thread
A broken or displaced thread often presents with noticeable symptoms. The most common sign is the sudden appearance of sharp dimpling or puckering in the skin. This loss of structural integrity causes an uneven pull on the skin, resulting in an unnatural contour irregularity.
Patients may also experience localized discomfort or sharp, sudden pain at the point of breakage. In rare instances, the thread end might migrate or protrude slightly from the skin, requiring immediate professional attention. If symptoms occur, the patient should contact their practitioner for an assessment. Corrective action may involve massaging the area, trimming a protruding end, or inserting a new thread to restore symmetry and lift.
Post-Procedure Care for Thread Durability
Diligent post-procedure care is the most effective way to prevent premature thread failure and ensure the best outcome. The first two to four weeks post-treatment are the most critical period for thread integration and healing. Patients should limit extreme facial expressions, including excessive talking or forceful chewing, for the first few days.
Sleeping on the back with the head slightly elevated is recommended for at least one to two weeks to prevent pressure from dislodging the threads. Patients must also avoid abrasive facial treatments, vigorous massages, or dental procedures requiring a wide opening of the mouth for two to four weeks. Managing these external stresses supports the threads’ full integration and maximizes the long-term collagen-stimulating benefits.