Dermal Filler vs Thread Lifts: Which is best?
Where to start with Dermal Filler and Thread Lifts
Jumping into the world of aesthetic medicine can be a scary experience, we totally get it. With so many medical spas competing for our attention, it can definitely get a little overwhelming! So where do you start?
Well, let’s take your concerns into consideration first.
Are you looking for some volume in your lips?
To lift your jowls?
Create a sharper chin?
Adding lost volume due to aging?
To reduce facial wrinkles?
These are some of the most common concerns our patients have. But don't worry, we can help you with all of these issues!
There are a wide range of treatments we offer but let’s talk about two of our most popular ones: dermal filler and threads.
Aging happens to all of us on a daily basis - depressing, right? And it manifests itself in a variety of ways, from lost volume to sagging skin. And while we can’t stop the clock, we can definitely turn it back a little and give you a head start! Dermal filler & thread lifts are the non-invasive superhero duo that we all need in our lives.
What is Dermal Filler?
A lot of you are already aware of dermal filler - but let’s take a look again.
The majority of dermal fillers include Hyaluronic Acid - a naturally occurring substance that can be found in your own body (and a few skin care products you have).
HA dermal fillers come in a variety of FDA approved brands like Restylane, Juvederm, Belotero, RHA, Versa and so on. The brand we inject depends on your provider’s preference, your preference, and the desired outcome. HA fillers work by drawing in water to the area they’re injected, causing the skin to plump up. Which as a result, reduces the appearance of fine lines and restores volume. What’s wonderful about HA fillers is that they’re completely dissolvable!
Beyond HA Fillers, there are also other types of biostimulant fillers like Sculptra, which is made from poly-L-lactic acid, PLLA, and stimulates collagen production. Think fertilizer for your skin! There is also Radiesse and Hyperdiluted Radiesse, which are calcium hydroxylapatite fillers that are unbeatable at creating structure. They're known for their immediate volumizing effect, as well as their collagen-stimulating power.
Which types of filler do we offer?
At Bellina Medical Aesthetics we offer the following types of dermal fillers:
What can filler help treat?
The primary function of dermal filler is to replace volume that we are naturally losing, to smooth out fine lines, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, add contour, and create definition. This can translate into a multitude of uses including but not limited to:
Lip plumping
Chin and jawline sculpting
Under-eye smoothing
Cheek definition
What are PDO threads?
A common misconception is that thread lifts are a new treatment. Did you know threads have been around for 15 - 20 years? That’s right! Thread lifts have been used around the world for two decades already. So what is this treatment you’ve been hearing and seeing more of? Let’s discuss exactly what a thread lift is!
The threads we use at Bellina Medical Aesthetics are PDO threads made from a biodegradable material Polydioxanone - the same material that has been used for sutures for over 30 years in medical surgeries.
How do PDO threads work?
PDO threads have tiny barbs placed strategically along their length, and when inserted into the skin, they engage with the subcutaneous tissue and create an anchor point. As the threads are adjusted and tightened, they help to lift and reposition the sagging tissue and provide a natural lift. They also create a controlled injury, which in turn, will stimulate the body to produce collagen in the area - resulting in a more youthful looking complexion. Thread Lifts are minimally invasive and only require local anesthesia.
What to expect during a PDO thread lift procedure
Let’s address the elephant in the room. If you’ve ever Googled a thread lift procedure or seen one on Instagram then you’ll know it looks pretty interesting…maybe even barbaric!
But have you noticed how relaxed patients seem? Well, that’s because we inject lidocaine into the thread insertion points. This numbs the area and ensures minimal discomfort for our patients. The majority of our patients are shocked at how painless the procedure is.
So, what actually happens when you get a PDO thread lift?
Well, our medical provider will assess your face, listen to your concerns and decide if a thread lift is an option for you.
At your appointment your medical provider will start by numbing the thread insertion areas using lidocaine. This is a small injection that causes minimal discomfort. The numbing usually takes around 10 - 15 minutes to take effect.
Once you are completely numb, your medical provider will begin inserting the PDO threads into the insertion points. Once the threads are in place, they will adjust them and ensure that they are not visible. The entire procedure usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
What are the main differences between a Thread Lift and Dermal Filler?
Most often than not, our patients come in wanting dermal filler when they need a thread lift and vice versa!
Here at Bellina Medical Aesthetics, we care about your results. If we don’t believe that a certain treatment would be the best choice for you, then we will let you know and recommend alternatives.
Both treatments are not mutually exclusive as they both create different results. For example, a patient may need filler to replace lost volume (something that threads cannot do) or a PDO thread lift to lift drooping subcutaneous tissue (something that filler cannot do to the same degree). Or you may be a candidate for both filler AND a thread lift!
Dermal Filler and Thread Lifts work hand in hand to create a beautifully structured and lifted appearance. They are both tools in our tool box that can we can use together. It’s a common misconception that there is a magical ‘one and done’ treatment that will solve all your aesthetic concerns - this simply isn’t true. The best results are always produced with a personalized treatment plan that features multiple treatments.
While threads provide a wonderful lift and repositioning of the subcutaneous tissue, they cannot restore lost volume. And while fillers can restore lost volume, they cannot create a lift equal to that of threads. Our expert medical providers will be able to inform you which treatment would be best - filler, threads, or a combination of the two!
The answer to the question “Which is best, filler or threads?” is BOTH. Remember that 1 + 1 is equal to 3 or 4 when it comes to doing these treatments in combination! As with any aesthetic treatment, the answer always depends on your individual concerns, desired outcome, and eligibility.
How can I book a consultation?
You can book a FREE consultation below
OR you can give us a call on (909) 827-9485!
