Introduction
Not all facial volume loss is created equal—and not all treatments should be, either. When it comes to non-surgical facial rejuvenation, PDO Threads vs. Fillers is a showdown that deserves more than a surface-level answer. Both treatments can deliver lifted, youthful results without the scalpel, but the right choice depends on the root of your sagging: volume loss vs. skin laxity. Let’s untangle the pros, cons, and candid details of each.
TLDR – Quick Guide
PDO Threads
Lift and tighten sagging skin with dissolvable sutures that stimulate collagen over time.
Fillers
Restore lost volume and contour with hyaluronic acid gels that plump specific areas of the face.
Best for
PDO Threads: Loose, sagging skin.
Fillers: Volume loss, hollowing, and facial contouring.
Downtime
PDO Threads: 1–3 days
Fillers: Minimal, often same-day recovery
Longevity
PDO Threads: 12–18 months
Fillers: 6–18 months depending on type and area
Implementation Tactics
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO (Polydioxanone) Threads are biodegradable surgical sutures inserted under the skin to lift sagging tissue and stimulate long-term collagen production. The threads create a mechanical lift immediately, and as they dissolve over 6–9 months, they leave behind a natural scaffold of collagen.
Best areas:
- Jawline and jowls
- Brows and cheeks
- Neck
- Nasolabial folds
Treatment experience:
- Topical or local anesthesia used
- Slight pulling or pressure during insertion
- Mild swelling or bruising for a few days
Why choose it:
- Natural lift without volume
- Collagen boost for long-term firmness
- Results visible right away, continue improving over months
What Are Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels—usually hyaluronic acid (HA)—used to replace lost volume, define contours, and smooth deep lines. They don’t lift sagging skin as much as fill the areas where volume is missing, like under the eyes or in the cheeks.
Best areas:
- Cheeks
- Lips
- Under-eyes
- Smile lines
- Temples
Treatment experience:
- Quick in-office procedure
- Immediate results
- Minor swelling or bruising may occur
Why choose it:
- Instant volume with predictable outcomes
- Customizable to precise facial areas
- Reversible if using HA-based fillers
PDO Threads vs. Fillers: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | PDO Threads | Fillers |
| Goal | Lift and tighten sagging skin | Restore lost volume and contour |
| Mechanism | Threads create mechanical lift and collagen stimulation | HA gel plumps and fills hollows |
| Downtime | 1–3 days | 0–1 day |
| Results Timeline | Immediate lift with progressive improvement | Immediate volume |
| Longevity | 12–18 months | 6–18 months |
| Reversibility | Not reversible | Reversible (for HA fillers) |
| Pain Level | Mild to moderate | Mild |
| Number of Sessions | 1–2 | Varies per area, often 1 session |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose PDO Threads if:
- Skin laxity is your main issue (sagging, jowls, loose jawline)
- You want a lift without adding volume
- You’re comfortable with a collagen-building process that evolves over time
Choose Fillers if:
- Volume loss is your main concern (hollow cheeks, under-eye grooves)
- You want precision in shaping or restoring youthful contours
- You prefer instant gratification and flexibility
Many clients at My Skintastic use both in a tailored plan—threads to lift, fillers to restore structure.
Key Takeaways
- PDO Threads vs. Fillers isn’t a battle—it’s a decision about your skin’s unique needs.
- PDO Threads offer a natural lift and long-term collagen production, great for sagging.
- Fillers provide immediate volume restoration and contouring, perfect for hollowness or fine lines.
- Combining both treatments often delivers the most natural-looking, full-face rejuvenation.
- Always consult a skilled injector, like the team at My Skintastic, to craft a custom plan that works with your face—not against it.
FAQs
1. Can I get PDO Threads and Fillers in the same visit?
Yes, in many cases they can be safely combined, especially when lifting and volume correction are needed. Your provider will space treatments strategically based on your facial anatomy and goals. Combining both can offer optimal results.
2. Are PDO Threads better than Fillers?
Not necessarily—they do different things. Threads lift, while fillers add volume. The right treatment depends on your specific concerns and what you want to achieve.
3. How soon will I see results from each?
PDO Threads provide an immediate lift, with continued collagen improvement over 3–6 months. Fillers offer instant volume and definition as soon as they’re injected.
4. Are these treatments safe?
Yes, both treatments are FDA-approved and widely used when performed by licensed professionals. Mild swelling or bruising is common, but serious side effects are rare with proper technique.
5. How often do I need to repeat treatments?
PDO Threads last about 12–18 months, and fillers last 6–18 months depending on product and area. Annual maintenance is common to preserve results.
