Post-PDO thread aftercare instructions: patient template
PDO (polydioxanone) threads are inserted under the skin, and the patient needs to leave the clinic knowing two things: what to expect in the first few days, so they are not alarmed, and what is not expected, so they contact the professional in time. A clear sheet with those two lists and a real contact solves most anxious late-night messages.
The template below is generic by class, with no technique, number of threads, direction, brand or depth. To understand the material, see PDO and thread lift. The guide on post-procedure instructions presents the general reasoning.
When should you use this template?
At the end of the session, handed over and discussed, and resent by message the same day. Complement it with the specific informed consent form for threads, which should have been signed beforehand. This site has consent templates for other classes (for example, biostimulator), which do not replace the one for threads.
What usually happens over time?
| Period | What usually happens | Note |
|---|---|---|
| First days | Swelling, pain when moving the face, bruising, pulling sensation | Usually greatest in the first days |
| 1 to 2 weeks | Bruises fade, swelling goes down, small irregularities tend to improve | Varies a lot between patients |
| Weeks to months | The thread is gradually absorbed; the lifting and stimulating effect may vary | Individual |
| Follow-up | Return on the agreed date | Assess symmetry, comfort and need for adjustments |
Why are chewing and expression part of the instructions?
Because the thread stays in the tissue, many people are told to limit wide facial movements for a while, such as yawning a lot or opening the mouth wide, and to be careful when chewing hard foods. The timeframe and degree of restriction vary with the technique and the professional's approach, which is why the template leaves fields for you to write what applies to the case.
What can never be missing?
- What to expect: swelling, pain, bruising, pulling sensation.
- What to do and avoid, with timeframes written by the professional.
- Restrictions on movement, chewing and sleeping position, when there are any.
- Signs of infection and thread extrusion, with a clear instruction on who to contact.
- That the patient must not pull, cut or try to remove anything.
- The professional's contact, emergency channel and follow-up date.
Post-PDO thread instructions template
What if the thread shows through the skin?
Thread extrusion and infection are the two situations that most call for a quick response from the professional. The best preparation is for the patient to have the right contact, know not to touch it and be seen without delay. Record the occurrence and the management in the patient record. The guide to safety and complications in HOF outlines the general approach, and informed consent is a reminder of why the patient must have been warned beforehand.
Frequently asked questions
Do PDO threads cause bruising?
They can. Bruising and swelling are relatively common in the first few days, because the thread is inserted under the skin, and they usually subside within one to two weeks, varying from person to person. A very large bruise that grows or comes with severe pain should be evaluated by the professional.
What are the side effects of PDO threads?
The most common are pain, swelling, bruising, a pulling sensation and small irregularities that tend to improve. Less common: asymmetry, dimpling, a palpable or visible thread, infection, an inflammatory reaction and the thread coming out through the skin (extrusion). All of them should appear in the consent form and the instructions.
What are the warning signs after PDO threads?
Increasing pain, hot spreading redness, fever, discharge, a point that opens or from which the thread shows, a painful lump, and changes in sensation or facial movement. These signs call for contacting the professional without delay.