Dermal filler injections have long been one of the most popular non-invasive aesthetic treatments nationwide and for a good reason. In less than 60 minutes, you can plump your skin and bring back youthful volume while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Dermal filler treatments are an excellent option for those looking to restore and reverse certain signs of aging, such as deflated cheeks or thinning lips.
But there is a law of diminishing return with using dermal fillers alone to lift the skin. At a certain point, adding more volume to certain areas is just simply wrong and ineffective. That’s why we must balance the volumizing effect of dermal filler with a procedure that offers a tightening effect without bringing more volume to our features, especially in the lower face region.
Luckily, another injectable treatment is fast gaining in popularity recently – the PDO thread lift. The thread lift tightens and subtly plumps the skin by inducing collagen without adding too much volume. The main benefit is that it also lifts the skin, creating a similar effect to a surgical facelift.
…When patients ask me which treatment is more suitable for them when hoping to reduce signs of aging, in most cases, I tend to recommend a combination of both treatments.
Let’s consider a scenario where a patient is hoping to correct prominent nasolabial folds, depleted cheeks, lower face, and jowls. A liquid facelift using a combination of both dermal fillers and PDO Threads would be an excellent treatment to consider. The dermal fillers, such Voluma or Radiesse, can be used to volumize and lift the cheek region with an option of further lifting the upper face in the temple area for a more youthful appearance. At the same time, PDO threads can be skillfully inserted between zygoma-directed toward the oral commissure and the middle jowl area to tighten and rejuvenate the lower face. The goal is to lift, tighten, and volumize the face, which is not always achieved by dermal fillers alone.
If you must choose between these two procedures, consider the following: If you are struggling with the loss of volume only-for example in the cheek, lip or temple region, dermal fillers might be a better solution for you. However choose PDO Thread treatment if you have drooping and sagging skin as it will help to tighten and lift the area of concern. Some of the most popular areas to treat with PDO thread lifts are:
- Sagging brows
- Nasolabial lines
- Marionette lines
- Sagging jawline
- Wrinkles and folds on the chin and neck
In many cases, additional modalities such as neuromodulators or PRP injections might be used for maximum “facelift” effect without going under the knife. The thread lift tightens and subtly plumps the skin by inducing collagen without adding too much volume. The main benefit is that it lifts the skin, creating a similar effect to a surgical facelift.
A thread lift has a beautiful effect of pulling the skin back slightly-lifting and tightening the face, especially when paired with dermal fillers. In addition to being ideal for lifting sagging skin, threads combat signs of aging by causing the body to direct large amounts of collagen to treated areas. This is important because of the essential role collagen plays in the aging process.
…For many patients, the biggest advantage of having a thread lift rather than a facelift is the greatly reduced recovery time
As always, an in-depth consultation and evaluation is essential to determine the best treatment plan for the patient’s individual needs. With the information overload patients experience these days and many unproven treatments promoted online and in media, choosing the right provider who aims to educate the patient on the right options for them is essential as well.
