PDO Threads vs Body Fillers vs Dermal Fillers: Which Treatment Should Your Clinic Recommend?

In today’s non-surgical aesthetic market, clients want natural results, minimal downtime, and safe alternatives to invasive procedures. Clinics and professionals now face a key decision: Should you recommend PDO threads, body fillers, or dermal fillers? Each treatment offers distinct benefits for lifting, volumizing, or reshaping different areas of the face and body, but choosing the right option depends on several clinical and commercial factors.

This guide simplifies the comparison. We’ll explore how each treatment works, what results to expect, how long they last, and what suits your clients best. Whether you’re a supplier or aesthetic practitioner, keep reading, this breakdown will help you make smarter, client-focused decisions.

What Are PDO Threads, Dermal Fillers, and Body Fillers?

These three non-surgical treatments enhance appearance without cutting into the skin. However, they serve different aesthetic goals and work in different ways.

What Are PDO Threads?

PDO threads are dissolvable sutures made of polydioxanone, inserted under the skin to lift and tighten sagging areas. They stimulate collagen production while providing an immediate structural lift. Practitioners often use them for jawline contouring, neck lifts, and under-eye rejuvenation. Over time, the body absorbs the threads while collagen rebuilds natural firmness.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are injectable gels designed to restore volume, reduce wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. Most are made with hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. These fillers plump areas like the cheeks, lips, or nasolabial folds, offering near-instant results that can last 6 to 18 months, depending on the type and brand.

What Are Body Fillers?

Body fillers work like facial fillers but are formulated for deeper injection into larger areas. They’re commonly used for non-surgical butt lifts, hip dips, or thigh contouring. These fillers have a higher viscosity and are often used alongside skin-tightening technologies for more comprehensive body shaping.

How Do PDO Threads Work Compared to Fillers?

PDO threads physically lift the skin using barbed or smooth threads inserted through a fine cannula. Once placed, they provide structural support and stimulate collagen over 3 to 6 months. This makes them ideal for skin tightening in clients who want natural firmness without adding volume.

Dermal fillers, in contrast, work by adding volume beneath the skin. They fill hollow areas, smooth out deep lines, and enhance features. The most popular dermal fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, bind to water molecules, giving immediate plumping effects.

Body fillers also add volume but are denser and injected in larger quantities. For example, fillers like hyaluronic acid-based Lanluma or PMMA-based fillers are designed for deeper tissue layers, often in body contouring procedures.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2021) found that PDO threads were more effective in long-term collagen remodeling than temporary fillers, while dermal fillers outperformed threads in immediate volume correction.

Also Read: Where to Buy the Best PDO Threads Online? [Complete Guide]

What Are the Main Benefits of Each Treatment Option?

Feature / Factor	PDO Threads	Body Fillers	Dermal Fillers
Purpose	Lifting and tightening sagging skin	Adding volume and contour to large body areas	Filling wrinkles and restoring facial volume
Common Areas Treated	Face, neck, jawline, under-eye, nasolabial folds	Buttocks, hips, thighs, calves	Cheeks, lips, under-eyes, nasolabial folds
Material Used	Polydioxanone (PDO) threads	High-density dermal filler gels (e.g., HA or PLLA)	Hyaluronic acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Treatment Type	Non-surgical lift (collagen stimulation)	Non-surgical volume enhancement	Injectable filler for volume and wrinkle reduction
Duration of Results	12 to 18 months	12 to 24 months depending on filler type and area	6 to 18 months depending on formulation
Downtime	Mild swelling/bruising, 1–2 days	Mild swelling or soreness for a few days	Minimal downtime, quick recovery
Pain Level	Moderate (numbing used)	Mild to moderate discomfort	Mild discomfort (topical numbing applied)
Ideal For	Skin laxity, facial lifting, jawline tightening	Body shaping, volume enhancement	Facial contouring, wrinkle filling, lip plumping
Cost Range (Estimates)	$$	$$$	$$
Safety Profile	Generally safe with trained professionals	Safe when used by licensed injectors	FDA-approved, widely used, low risk
Can Be Combined With Other Treatments?	Yes, often paired with dermal fillers or lasers	Yes, often used with skin tightening procedures	Yes, frequently combined with Botox or threads

PDO threads offer long-term skin tightening without adding bulk. They are especially effective for facial lifting, such as defining the jawline or improving mid-face sagging. The collagen boost also improves skin texture and elasticity over time.

Dermal fillers deliver fast, visible results. Clients can leave the clinic with fuller lips or contoured cheekbones in under 30 minutes. They also hydrate the skin and can be reversed if needed, which is a safety benefit for both patient and practitioner.

Body fillers allow aesthetic providers to reshape and volumize larger areas like hips or buttocks without surgery. These treatments are in high demand among clients looking for enhanced curves without implants or downtime.

Which Treatment Is Best for Specific Areas of the Face and Body?

Different facial and body regions respond better to certain techniques. Understanding these use cases helps clinics design effective treatment plans.

PDO Thread Lift for Jawline Contouring: Is It Better Than Fillers?

For clients with mild to moderate skin laxity, PDO threads define the jawline by lifting sagging tissue. Fillers can add contour but might make the jaw appear heavier if not used carefully. Threads provide a cleaner, more sculpted look with no added volume.

Can PDO Threads Help Under the Eyes Better Than Dermal Fillers?

Yes, in many cases. Under-eye fillers risk puffiness or Tyndall effect due to the thin skin in this area. PDO threads offer a gentler lift and improve collagen without adding bulk, making them ideal for tear troughs in older patients.

PDO Threads for Neck Lift vs Dermal Fillers for Neck Lines: What’s More Effective?

Threads excel at lifting loose neck skin and redefining the jaw-neck angle. Fillers, however, work better for horizontal neck lines caused by repetitive movements or aging. Many professionals combine both for optimal results.

Also Read: #1 Ultimate Guide to Botox Injection - Everything You Need to Know

How Do the Results Compare Between PDO Threads, Dermal Fillers, and Body Fillers?

PDO threads create a gradual lifting effect that improves over 2–3 months as collagen rebuilds. Results typically last 12 to 18 months.

Dermal fillers show immediate results. Depending on the filler type, the effect lasts between 6 and 24 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers tend to wear off faster than calcium-based fillers.

Body fillers last 1 to 2 years and often require touch-ups depending on metabolism and the area treated. Results improve over several weeks as the filler integrates with the surrounding tissue.

In a 2020 review published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, over 80% of patients receiving PDO threads reported satisfaction at 6 months post-procedure, while dermal filler satisfaction peaked earlier, around the 3-month mark.

What Are the Side Effects and Safety Profiles of Each Option?

Each procedure has its own risk profile, though all are considered safe when administered by trained professionals.

How Safe Are PDO Threads?

PDO threads are FDA-approved and bio-compatible. Common side effects include mild bruising, swelling, or tenderness. Rare complications may include thread migration or infection if sterile technique is not maintained.

Side Effects of Dermal Fillers: What Should You Know?

Fillers may cause redness, bruising, or temporary asymmetry. In rare cases, vascular occlusion can occur if the injection is made improperly. Most hyaluronic acid fillers are reversible with hyaluronidase, offering an added layer of safety.

Are Body Fillers Safe for Non-Surgical Contouring?

Body fillers are safe when used with proper technique and in FDA-cleared areas. Due to higher injection volumes, the risk of inflammation or nodules increases slightly compared to facial fillers. However, most complications are manageable with follow-up care.

Pain Level Comparison: PDO Threads vs Dermal Fillers vs Body Fillers

Fillers typically cause minimal discomfort with numbing cream. PDO threads may cause a pulling sensation during and after treatment. Body fillers may require local anesthesia, especially for high-volume procedures.

Recovery Time for PDO Threads vs Dermal Fillers vs Body Fillers

Dermal fillers require little to no downtime. PDO threads may cause swelling or tightness for 2–5 days. Body filler recovery depends on the area treated, but clients usually resume light activity within 48–72 hours.

Also Read: How to Choose the Best PDO Threads Supplier: A Comprehensive Guide

Cost Comparison: PDO Threads vs Body Fillers vs Dermal Fillers

Pricing varies by product type, treatment area, and practitioner expertise. Clinics should also consider supplier pricing and patient ROI.

• PDO thread lift cost: $300–$1,200 per session, depending on the  area

• Dermal fillers: $500–$800 per syringe; multiple syringes may be required

• Body fillers: $1,500–$3,500 per treatment area, often requiring more product

Wholesale buyers benefit from working with trusted partners like Weiyeltd, a wholesale PDO threads and dermal filler supplier known for consistent quality and product support.

Can PDO Threads Be Combined with Dermal Fillers for Better Results?

Yes. Many clinics now use a combination approach. Threads lift sagging skin while fillers restore volume and smooth deep lines. This pairing delivers a more balanced, youthful look. For example, combining PDO threads with dermal fillers around the midface provides lift and plumpness, enhancing both definition and hydration.

This multimodal approach is also more appealing for patients who want non-invasive facial rejuvenation without undergoing multiple separate sessions.

How to Choose the Right Treatment for Your Clients

Choosing between threads and fillers depends on your client’s age, skin condition, and cosmetic goals. Threads are better for lift and collagen, while fillers excel at volume and hydration. Younger clients with volume loss may benefit from fillers, while mature clients with sagging skin respond better to threads.

Body fillers are best reserved for clients with reshaping goals, especially in areas where surgery is not desired.

Ultimately, consult each client’s anatomy and expectations to guide the recommendation.

Conclusion: Which Treatment Offers the Best ROI for Your Clinic?

Each treatment offers unique advantages. PDO threads are ideal for lifting and collagen regeneration. Dermal fillers offer fast, customizable results for volume and wrinkles. Body fillers allow practitioners to expand services into high-ticket body contouring procedures.

For B2B buyers, working with a reliable wholesale dermal filler supplier like Weiyeltd ensures quality, safety, and profitability. By offering all three treatments in your clinic, you give clients personalized solutions and position your brand as a leader in modern aesthetic care.

FAQs

What is the difference between PDO threads and dermal fillers? 

PDO threads lift and tighten skin by stimulating collagen, while dermal fillers restore volume and smooth wrinkles using injectable gels like hyaluronic acid.

Are body fillers safe for non-surgical butt lifts? 

Yes, body fillers are safe when used by trained professionals. They contour and volumize areas like hips and buttocks without surgery.

How long do PDO thread lift results last? 

PDO thread results typically last 12 to 18 months, with gradual collagen production extending skin firmness over time.

Can you combine PDO threads and dermal fillers? 

Yes, combining PDO threads with dermal fillers enhances lift and volume, offering more natural, balanced facial rejuvenation.

Which is more painful, PDO threads or fillers? 

PDO threads may cause more discomfort due to the lifting action, while fillers are generally less painful and involve minimal downtime.