PDO Threads Aftercare

Straight after treatment

Your threads need a little care while they settle into position. The first week matters most.

• Rest for the rest of the day.
• Apply a cold compress, wrapped in a clean cloth, to the treated areas during the first 24 hours to ease swelling and discomfort.
• For mild discomfort, take paracetamol. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, which can increase bruising.
• Avoid make-up on the treated areas for 48 hours, then apply and remove it gently.

The first week

• Don’t touch, rub or massage the treated areas.
• Sleep on your back with your head raised.
• Keep facial expressions gentle — avoid wide mouth movements, big yawns, chewing gum and very hard foods.
• Wash your face gently with a mild, non-abrasive cleanser. No scrubs or exfoliants.
• Keep the entry points clean, and use a hydrating, non-comedogenic moisturiser.

The first few weeks

• Light activity is fine from the next day, but avoid strenuous exercise for one to two weeks.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, sunbeds and strong sun for two weeks.
• Don’t have facials or dental work for three to four weeks.
• Use a high-SPF sunscreen every day — sun can worsen swelling and cause pigmentation changes.

What’s normal

• Swelling for three to seven days, and tenderness for two to three days.
• Bruising, which can take one to two weeks to fade.
• A tight or pulling sensation, which eases over a few weeks.
• Small dimples or puckering along a thread, which usually smooth out as things settle.
• Slight asymmetry while each side settles at its own rate.

Longer term

• Keep using a high-SPF sunscreen daily.
• A balanced diet, regular exercise and good hydration support your skin overall.
• Attend your follow-up appointments so John can check your progress.