PDO Threads vs. Fillers: Which Is Right for You?

Facial rejuvenation is no longer limited to surgery. Two popular options—PDO Threads and dermal fillers—offer effective, non-invasive solutions to lift, contour, and restore a youthful appearance. At Bella Rose Aesthetics, we specialize in both treatments, including hyaluronic acid–based cosmetic fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Versa. Knowing the differences between PDO Threads and injectable fillers will help you choose the best approach for your goals.

What are PDO Threads? 

PDO Threads are absorbable sutures made of polydioxanone, a material safely used in medical settings for decades. When strategically placed beneath the skin, they provide an immediate lift while encouraging natural collagen production. Over time, the threads dissolve, leaving behind stronger, firmer, and smoother skin.

How PDO Threads Work

• Immediate lift: Barbed or cone-shaped threads anchor into the skin, physically repositioning sagging tissue.
• Collagen boost: As the threads dissolve, they stimulate the body’s healing response, triggering collagen and elastin production for lasting firmness.
• Natural finish: The results are subtle yet noticeable, enhancing your features without looking overdone.

Best Candidates for PDO Threads

• Mild to moderate skin laxity in the cheeks, jawline, neck, or brows.
• Patients seeking a non-surgical facelift with PDO threads instead of going under the knife.
• Individuals who want both lifting and skin tightening benefits.

PDO Threads for Face Results & Longevity

Results are visible immediately after treatment, with further improvements over the following months as collagen rebuilds. On average, the effects last 12–18 months, and the collagen stimulation can maintain skin firmness even longer.

Downtime & Recovery

• Expect mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness for several days to a week.
• Avoid heavy workouts, exaggerated facial movements, and sleeping face-down for the first week.
• Most patients return to their normal routines quickly.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers—including anti-aging fillers like Juvederm, Restylane, and Versa—are injectable fillers designed to restore volume, smooth wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They are made of hyaluronic acid (HA), a substance naturally found in the skin that binds water to hydrate and plump tissue.

How Cosmetic Fillers Work

• Volume enhancement: Replenish areas where volume has been lost due to aging or weight changes.
• Wrinkle smoothing: Reduce the appearance of deep folds and fine lines.
• Facial contouring: Define lips, cheeks, jawline, and other areas for a youthful look.

Our Filler Options at Bella Rose Aesthetics

• Juvederm: Smooth, gel-like texture ideal for deep volume restoration with results lasting up to 18–24 months for certain products.
• Restylane: Slightly firmer consistency for precision shaping, excellent for under-eye areas and fine lines; results last 6–18 months.
• Versa: Known for minimal swelling and smooth results, with effects lasting about 12 months.

Best Candidates for Fillers

• Patients seeking volume-enhancing fillers to restore fullness.
• Those who want to improve facial proportions or refine features.
• Clients looking for immediate, noticeable changes with minimal downtime.

Results & Longevity of Wrinkle Fillers

Fillers provide instant improvements that can last from 6 months up to 2 years, depending on the type used, treatment area, and individual metabolism.

Downtime & Recovery

• Minimal recovery time; most return to normal activities the same day.
• Temporary swelling, redness, or mild bruising may occur but usually resolves in a few days.

PDO Threads vs. Fillers: The Key Differences

While both PDO Threads and wrinkle fillers improve facial appearance, they work differently and target distinct concerns.

Feature	PDO Threads	Dermal Fillers
Main Goal	Lift and tighten sagging skin	Restore lost volume and smooth wrinkles
How It Works	Sutures anchor and lift tissue, stimulating collagen	HA gel adds volume and fills lines
Best For	Sagging in cheeks, jawline, neck, brows	Hollow cheeks, deep folds, thin lips
Results Onset	Immediate lift + gradual collagen boost	Immediate volume and smoothing
Longevity	12–18 months, sometimes longer	6–24 months depending on filler
Downtime	A few days to a week	Minimal to none

Combining PDO Threads and Fillers

In many cases, the best approach is not choosing one over the other but combining both. PDO Threads reposition and tighten sagging tissues, while volume-enhancing fillers restore lost fullness in targeted areas. Together, they create a balanced, refreshed appearance without surgery.

For example:

• Use PDO threads for face to lift and contour the jawline.
• Add injectable fillers in the cheeks for youthful plumpness.
• Apply anti-aging fillers around the mouth to soften fine lines.

This combination often delivers a more comprehensive rejuvenation—sometimes referred to as a non-surgical facelift.

Choosing the Right Treatment for You

At Bella Rose Aesthetics, we tailor every treatment plan to your unique needs, goals, and facial anatomy.

You may be a better candidate for PDO Threads in Carmel, Indiana if:

• Your main concern is sagging skin.
• You want lifting results without surgery.
• You’re comfortable with a short downtime period.

You may be a better candidate for cosmetic fillers if:

• Volume loss and wrinkles are your top concerns.
• You want immediate results.
• You prefer minimal or no downtime.

What to Expect at Bella Rose Aesthetics

Whether you choose PDO Threads, wrinkle fillers, or both, you’ll start with a thorough consultation. We’ll evaluate your skin, discuss your concerns, and recommend a personalized treatment plan.

For PDO Threads:

• We apply local anesthesia for comfort.
• Threads are carefully inserted to lift targeted areas.
• You’ll see instant lift plus gradual skin improvement over time.

For Fillers:

• The area is cleansed and prepped.
• We inject precise amounts of injectable fillers to restore volume and smooth lines.
• Results are visible immediately.

Why Clients Trust Bella Rose Aesthetics

• Expertise in both treatments: Skilled in PDO Threads and volume-enhancing fillers.
• Premium products: We use only trusted brands—Juvederm, Restylane, and Versa—for safe, beautiful results.
• Custom approach: Every face is different, so your plan is designed exclusively for you.
• Comfort and care: We make every step of the process as easy and comfortable as possible.

Ready to Refresh Your Look?

If you’ve been wondering whether PDO Threads or injectable fillers are right for you, the first step is a personalized consultation. At Bella Rose Aesthetics, we’ll help you choose the most effective, natural-looking solution—whether it’s lifting with threads, restoring volume with anti-aging fillers, or combining both for a non-surgical facelift.

Schedule Your Appointment Today and discover how PDO Threads in Carmel, Indiana can help you look as vibrant as you feel.