Dermal fillers and thread lift treatments have become two of the most requested aesthetic procedures for individuals looking to enhance, lift and rejuvenate the face without surgery. Whether the goal is to restore cheek volume, soften deep lines, or achieve a subtle lifting effect, both treatments can offer natural-looking improvements with minimal downtime. For many people in the Highlands seeking dermal fillers in Inverness or exploring options such as PDO threads, understanding how to maintain results is just as important as choosing the right practitioner or treatment approach. While every treatment settles uniquely depending on factors such as lifestyle, metabolism and age, there are proven ways to help results last as long as possible. This guide explains how dermal fillers and thread lift treatments work, what affects their longevity, and the essential steps that can help maintain fresh, smooth and lifted results for longer.
Understanding Dermal Fillers and Thread Lifts
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels most commonly made from hyaluronic acid (HA) that add volume, hydration and structure to targeted areas. They may help:
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Restore lost volume in the cheeks
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Enhance facial contours
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Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and folds
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Improve facial symmetry
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Rejuvenate the skin’s overall appearance
HA-based dermal fillers are temporary, naturally breaking down over time as the body metabolises the substance. This makes dermal fillers a flexible option for those wishing to achieve subtle enhancement or correct volume loss. People searching for cheek fillers in Inverness are often looking to restore mid-face volume, lift sagging skin or create a more defined facial contour. Cheek fillers, in particular, can improve facial structure and rejuvenate a tired appearance without surgery.
What Are Thread Lifts?
Thread lifts, such as PDO or COG threads, involve the placement of fine dissolvable threads beneath the skin. These threads help lift, reposition or support the tissues. In many cases, the threads also stimulate collagen production, leading to gradual, natural-looking improvements in the months that follow.
Thread lifts may help with:
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Mild to moderate skin laxity
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Lower-face sagging
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Jawline definition
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Brow lifting
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Smoothing fine lines
Compared with dermal fillers, the primary goal of threads is structural lifting and collagen stimulation rather than volume enhancement. Both treatments can be combined for a more comprehensive rejuvenation approach. For example, cheek fillers may restore mid-face volume while threads lift sagging tissue, offering a balanced and refreshed look.
How Long Do Dermal Fillers and Threads Typically Last?
Dermal Fillers Duration
Most hyaluronic acid fillers last between 6 and 18 months. Cheek fillers, because they are placed deeper in areas with less movement, may last toward the higher end of this range.
Longevity depends on:
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Type and thickness of the filler
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Area treated (e.g., lips metabolise filler faster)
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The individual’s metabolism
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Skin condition
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Lifestyle habits
Thread Lift Duration
PDO threads generally last around 6 to 12 months as the threads dissolve. However, collagen stimulation triggered by the threads may help maintain the results for 12 to 18 months, depending on the person’s natural collagen production. While neither treatment offers permanent results, there are effective ways to support longevity and maintain a refreshed, lifted and contoured facial appearance for as long as possible.
How to Maintain Results After Dermal Fillers and Threads
1. Follow All Aftercare Instructions Carefully
Aftercare plays a key role in ensuring treatments settle properly and achieve optimal results.
Important Aftercare for Dermal Fillers
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Avoid touching, rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24–48 hours.
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Skip the gym for 24–48 hours, as strenuous exercise increases circulation and may accelerate filler breakdown.
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Avoid saunas, steam rooms and hot baths for 48 hours, as heat may increase swelling.
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Stay upright for at least 4 hours following treatment.
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Delay alcohol consumption for 24 hours to reduce swelling and bruising.
Important Aftercare for Thread Lifts
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Avoid excessive facial movements (wide yawning, chewing tough foods) for several days.
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Sleep on your back with your head elevated for 3–5 nights.
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Avoid facials, massages or aesthetic treatments in the area for a minimum of 2–3 weeks.
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Avoid strenuous exercise for about a week.
These steps give the treatments the best chance to settle smoothly and effectively.
2. Fillers and Threads Keep the Skin Hydrated Inside and Out
Hydration has a direct impact on the appearance and longevity of dermal fillers, particularly HA-based fillers, because hyaluronic acid attracts and binds water.
How to Support Hydration
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Drink adequate water throughout the day
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Use hydrating skincare containing HA, ceramides or glycerin
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Avoid dehydrating habits such as excessive alcohol consumption
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Use a humidifier during dry months if needed
Hydrated skin tends to enhance the plumping and smoothing effects of filler, helping the area look refreshed for longer.
3. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
UV exposure accelerates skin ageing and collagen breakdown, which may shorten the visible lifespan of both fillers and threads.
Sun Protection Tips
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Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily
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Wear hats or sunglasses for additional protection
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Avoid intentional tanning beds or excessive sun exposure
Consistent sun protection helps maintain the integrity of the skin and may preserve results long term.
4. Maintain a Good Skincare Routine
A consistent skincare routine can enhance and prolong the benefits of aesthetic treatments.
Recommended Routine for Filler and Thread Lift Patients
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Gentle cleansing to protect the skin barrier
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Hydrating serums containing hyaluronic acid
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Antioxidants such as vitamin C (to support collagen and brighten skin)
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Retinoids or retinol (if suitable) to encourage cell turnover and collagen production
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Daily SPF as mentioned above
Healthy, well-nourished skin often maintains aesthetic improvements more effectively.
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking is known to accelerate collagen breakdown and contribute to premature ageing. As dermal fillers and threads rely on healthy collagen structures to look their best, avoiding smoking can significantly help maintain the longevity of results. Smoking may also increase the risk of complications, so this is one of the most important long-term considerations.
6. Consider Maintenance Appointments
Dermal fillers and threads are not permanent, and results gradually diminish. Maintenance appointments provide an opportunity to refresh areas subtly rather than waiting until results fade significantly.
Why Maintenance Matters
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Helps maintain a natural, consistent appearance
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Reduces the amount of filler or treatment needed later
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Supports collagen stimulation
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Allows for personalised adjustments over time
For those who regularly search for cheek fillers in Inverness to maintain mid-face volume or contour, maintenance treatments can provide controlled, predictable improvements that enhance facial harmony.
7. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Factors such as stress, poor sleep, diet and excessive alcohol intake can all affect the skin and overall ageing process.
Healthy Habits to Support Longevity
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Adequate sleep
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A balanced diet rich in antioxidants
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Regular but moderate exercise
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Stress management (such as breathwork, yoga or mindfulness)
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Limiting processed sugars
These lifestyle choices can support collagen production and help maintain smoother, more youthful-looking skin for longer.
8. Combine Fillers and Threads Thoughtfully
Many individuals choose to combine dermal fillers with thread lifts or other treatments such as skin boosters, microneedling or medical facials. These combinations can improve longevity by supporting multiple layers of the skin hydration, volume, texture and structural support. A multi-treatment approach may help delay signs of ageing more effectively than relying on a single treatment alone.
FAQ’s About Fillers And Threads
1. How long does swelling last after dermal fillers or threads?
Mild swelling is common and usually settles within a few days. Threads may produce slightly longer-lasting swelling or tightness as the tissues adjust.
2. Can exercise cause fillers to break down more quickly?
High-intensity exercise may increase metabolism, which could lead to faster filler breakdown in some individuals. This varies from person to person.
3. Do cheek fillers last longer than other types of fillers?
Yes, cheek fillers often last longer because they are placed deeper and in a less mobile area of the face. This is one reason cheek fillers in Inverness are popular among those seeking longer-lasting volume restoration.
4. Can I sleep on my side after the thread lift treatment?
It is recommended to sleep on your back for several nights to avoid pressure on the treated areas while the threads settle.
5. How soon can I have other treatments after fillers or threads?
Facials and facial massages should be avoided for at least 2–3 weeks after threads and around 1–2 weeks after fillers. Laser treatments should be delayed unless advised otherwise.
6. Will my results look natural?
Both fillers and threads can achieve very natural-looking outcomes when performed strategically to complement facial structure. Maintenance and subtle enhancements can help preserve this effect over time.
7. How often should I refresh dermal fillers?
Most people schedule maintenance treatments every 6–12 months, depending on the area treated and the desired look.
8. Can skin boosters help maintain thread lift or filler results?
Yes, skin boosters can enhance hydration and smoothness, supporting overall skin quality and improving the longevity of aesthetic results.
9. Are the results from dermal fillers and threads permanent?
No, both treatments gradually dissolve or metabolise. However, collagen stimulation from threads may provide longer-term skin support even after the threads dissolve.
Final Thoughts on Fillers and Threads
Dermal fillers and thread lift treatments can deliver long-lasting, natural-looking enhancements when supported with the right aftercare and lifestyle choices. Whether adding volume with cheek fillers, subtly lifting sagging tissue with threads or refreshing facial contours, these treatments offer versatile and effective non-surgical options. Maintaining hydration, protecting the skin, following aftercare closely and considering maintenance treatments can all support longer-lasting, refreshed results.
Ready to explore dermal fillers in Inverness, cheek enhancement, or thread lift treatments? Book a consultation here.