Non-surgical facial rejuvenation has advanced considerably: dermal fillers restore lost volume and smooth lines, while thread lifts provide a lifting effect and stimulate collagen. Choosing the right option depends on goals, facial anatomy, downtime tolerance and desired longevity. This guide compares threads and fillers, outlines pros and cons, explains typical procedures, and offers practical guidance on which treatment or combination may be most appropriate.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels—often based on hyaluronic acid (HA)—designed to replace lost volume, smooth static lines and refine contours. They are widely used for cheek augmentation, nasolabial folds, lip enhancement and jawline contouring. HA fillers attract and retain moisture, producing a natural, soft result.
What are PDO threads (thread lifts)?
Thread lifts use dissolvable sutures (commonly polydioxanone, PDO) inserted under the skin to mechanically lift sagging tissues. Threads often have barbs or cones to anchor tissue and create an immediate lifting effect. Over time, the threads stimulate collagen production, improving skin quality and firmness.
Key differences at a glance
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Primary action: Fillers add volume; threads lift and reposition tissue.
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Materials: Fillers are gels (HA common); threads are absorbable sutures.
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Immediate effect: Both can show immediate improvement; fillers fill volume instantly, threads show immediate lift plus gradual collagenation.
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Longevity: Fillers often last 6–18 months, depending on product and area; thread effects can last 12–24 months or longer due to new collagen formation (individual variation).
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Downtime: Fillers generally have minimal downtime (bruising/swelling possible); threads can cause more swelling, tenderness and a temporary dimpled appearance straight after treatment.
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Ideal uses: Fillers—volume restoration (cheeks, lips, tear troughs); Threads—lifting midface, jawline, and mild to moderate sagging.
Which areas are best suited to each treatment?
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Fillers: Cheeks, nasolabial folds, perioral lines, lips, temple hollows, chin and jawline enhancement.
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Threads: Lifting mid-face, jowls, brow elevation, jawline definition. Threads are generally less suited to small, precision volumising tasks.
Pros and cons
Dermal Fillers
Pros:
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Immediate volumising effect
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Highly versatile for small/large areas
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Minimally invasive, quick procedure
Cons: -
Temporary (requires repeat treatments)
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Risk of bruising, lumpiness, rare vascular occlusion (clinician expertise minimises risk)
Threads
Pros:
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Immediate lift and subsequent collagen stimulation
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May give a more structural lift in selected patients
Cons: -
More recovery time and potential for temporary surface irregularities
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Results vary with thread type and placement; not suitable for severe sagging
Who is a better candidate for which treatment?
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Loss of volume with good skin laxity — Fillers are often the preferred choice.
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Mild to moderate tissue descent with reasonable facial volume — Threads may be beneficial to reposition tissue and stimulate collagen.
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Combined concerns — Many patients benefit from both: threads for lift and fillers for volumetric contouring.
Procedure and recovery
Fillers:
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Usually 15–60 minutes, depending on area and volume.
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Local anaesthetic or anaesthetic-containing filler reduces discomfort.
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Mild swelling and bruising for several days; normal activity was often resumed the same day.
Threads:
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Procedure time 30–60 minutes, depending on the number of threads.
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Local anaesthetics are commonly used.
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Expect firmness, possible dimpling or puckering that settles over days to a few weeks. Follow-up may include a gentle massage or direction from the clinician.
Risks and safety
Both treatments have risks; selecting a qualified, experienced clinician is the strongest safeguard.
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Fillers: bruising, swelling, asymmetry, Tyndall effect (rare), vascular occlusion (rare but serious—requires immediate treatment).
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Threads: infection, visible threads under thin skin, puckering, temporary contour irregularity.
Combining threads and fillers
A staged approach is common: threads establish lift and jawline definition; fillers add volume or smooth lines once the lift settles. Proper sequencing and conservative dosing reduce the risk of over-correction.
Cost and longevity considerations
Costs vary widely by area, product used and practitioner. Clinics charge fillers per syringe and threads per strand or per region. Consider longevity and maintenance: fillers require repeat treatments; threads may stimulate a longer-lasting collagen response, but are not permanent.
FAQ — Threads vs Fillers (8 Q&As)
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Can threads and fillers be used together?
Yes. Combining treatments can address both sagging and volume loss. Clinicians often stage treatments for the best cosmetic outcome. -
Which lasts longer—threads or fillers?
Results vary. Fillers typically last 6–18 months. Thread lift effects can last 12–24 months or longer thanks to collagen stimulation, but individual results differ. -
Do thread lifts hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used; some discomfort during placement is normal. Post-treatment tenderness and swelling are common but temporary. -
Are fillers reversible?
Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with an enzyme (hyaluronidase) if required. Non-HA fillers are not reversible and must be chosen carefully. -
Who should avoid thread lifts?
Those with thin skin, active infection, certain medical conditions, or unrealistic expectations may be unsuitable. Consultation is essential. -
How soon can normal activities resume?
For fillers, many resume daily activities the same day; strenuous exercise is often postponed for 24–48 hours. For threads, avoid strenuous activity for a few days as advised. -
Will people know I’ve had treatment?
Temporary swelling/bruising may be noticeable for a few days. The clinician aims to achieve subtle, natural results, so discuss your desired level of change with them. -
How to choose between the two?
The decision depends on the nature of ageing: volume loss (fillers) versus descent (threads). A tailored assessment by a qualified clinician will produce the best plan.
Call to action
If considering non-surgical facial rejuvenation, request a consultation to discuss whether fillers, a thread lift, or a combined approach best meets treatment objectives and lifestyle. A tailored plan will balance desired outcomes, downtime and budget. If you are considering the treatment, book a consultation here.