The world of aesthetics continues to evolve and make dramatic advancements. Though some products and methods remain in use for years, if not decades, old faithful to have seen some tweaks and adjustments along the way. High-level ingredients with long-lasting effects have been the principles in the battle of anti-aging, with dermal fillers. For years, fillers have helped in the fight against fine lines and wrinkles of the face, neck, hands, and elsewhere on the body. We now have a new, compelling contender in the battle against wrinkles, sagging skin, and other common problem areas: Introducing PDO Threads. A thread facelift has become more popular as it can help in several ways in refreshing your overall appearance. But what exactly is the difference? Should you consider one, the other, or both? Here are all the specifics you need to know regarding threads vs fillers.
About Threads vs Fillers
Here’s everything you need to know about threads vs fillers:
What Are Fillers
You may know a bit more about fillers as they have been on the market longer, so we’ll start here. As the name suggests, Fillers are a product that is directly injected into a target area to “fill” a gap, more clinically, to add volume where it has been diminished or lost altogether. This may be forehead wrinkles, smile lines, crow’s feet, or any number of other wrinkles.
Now, it is important not to confuse fillers with Botox. While the two are similar in that they are injected into the skin, that’s where the similarity ends. Botox is not a filler. Instead, Botox is used to relax muscles in a given area, which will also help prevent the further development of wrinkles as well as smooth out the targeted problem areas. Fillers do not relax any muscles, they lift sagging skin. As the foundation under your skin such as fatty tissue, muscle, and bone begin to decline, fillers act as scaffolding, helping to lift and support by increasing volume, thereby filling in the wrinkle and minimizing skin laxity.
Often patients will opt to have both due to the fact that filler and Botox work synergistically, each is there to help reclaim a smoother, more rejuvenated appearance. Still not sure which one is right for you or if perhaps you need both? Our skincare professionals are happy to provide more information during a consultation.
Some dermal fillers include ingredients that help promote collagen and cellular development (such as polylactic acid). There are several different fillers, each expressly designed to correct a specific problem area, so the exact product and length of time a filler lasts will depend on the target area, the filler selected, and your own body.
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO Threads (polydioxanone) are absorbable polymer sutures that are flexible, durable, and a minimally invasive alternative to the facelift. Thread facelifts are a newer technique for treating areas around the face and neck. Under local anesthetic, using a cannula, similar in size to an acupuncture needle, a skin-safe thread will be inserted into the tissue, positioning it beneath the skin. Once the thread is in place the cannula will be removed, the thread tightened and stabilized to help reduce sagging skin. The threads will create long-lasting support, help the skin regenerate, then eventually the thread will dissolve.
The goal of a PDO thread lift is to reposition facial and neck tissue, while stimulating natural collagen production, instantly rejuvenating and restoring a more youthful appearance. The finer mechanics of the procedure are that as the threads tighten, tone, and lift the skin they also promote collagen and cellular growth. This is due to the fact that the skin experiences a form of perceived trauma, (caused by the threading procedure), the body will respond naturally to the trauma over the next several months, by sending additional blood, protein, oxygen, and other essential ingredients to repair the damaged area.
With the surge of cellular building blocks, collagen and skin elastin increase naturally helping to tighten and tone the problem area for several months and sometimes years. If you have some drooping around your lower face, cheeks or neck, and aren’t quite ready to jump right into the world of traditional facelifts, a thread lift may be a viable option for you.
Facial Thread Lift Results
One Or The Other
In general, fillers are used to plump up a given area. This might be to fill in fine lines around and under your eyes or to plump up your lips. On the other side, thread facelifts are used to tighten drooping areas. Both may be used to stimulate the production of collagen. So, when looking at the areas you want to address, you may discover one option is the obvious choice. If you want plumper lips, you’ll go with a filler. If you want to tighten sagging cheeks or skin under your chin, you’ll go with threads.
With such effective options available, each addressing specific concerns, you may discover you prefer a more comprehensive treatment plan. Using both threads and filler simultaneously (on different areas of the face) will allow you to target multiple issues at the same time.
Still undecided? The best way to determine which is best for you is to schedule a comprehensive assessment with one of our skin care professionals. Our expert team at The Skin Center, by CPS, will be happy to discuss in further detail threads vs fillers and also offer additional alternatives if something else would be more beneficial in helping you achieve your skin health goals.
Lip Filler Patient Results
Discover The Right Treatment Method For You
Both thread facelifts and dermal fillers can help in your fight against fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging. Threads are an excellent option in correcting certain problem areas, especially if there is some laxity, drooping, or sagging of skin. On the other hand, fillers are designed to address the fine lines you want gone (or at least reduced in appearance). While both help corrects the effects of aging, each is used differently, and sometimes it’s necessary to use them in combination, threads, and fillers together may provide the exact look you’re going for. Which is right for you? The best way to determine this is to give our team at The Skin Center, by CPS a call and schedule your in-person consultation.
Our skincare professionals will gladly review your concerns then develop a plan specifically designed for you and your goals. There’s no time like the present. Give us a call today, and begin your journey to skin health success.
