Some aesthetic choices seem simple, until you get in the chair. PDO Threads or Fillers? This is one of those questions which sounds like a toss of a coin, but becomes a plan after we discuss your face, goals and timing. Vive Aesthetics likes to take our time, observe how you move and determine what comes first. This way, the final result will feel balanced, not pushed.
Some people ask for a law. Sometimes I also want one. It depends on the skin’s behavior, structure and volume. We will compare options and map vectors to decide if PDO Threads or Fillers should be performed in the same appointment, or staged over a few weeks. You will learn why order is more important than most blogs acknowledge.
What does “first” really mean in PDO threads vs. fillers?
Order is more than a schedule. This is how we decide whether to set the scaffolding or first restore volume. Threads are used to lift the collagen and indicate its presence. Fillers fill in hollowed-out areas. Scaffolding is often used if the lower face appears soft and droopy. If the midface appears flat, it is possible that volume will be applied first. The point is not as complicated as it sounds. Start with the area of the face that needs the most nudge.
We may use phrases such as “fill first” or PDO threads, but we still test the movement of the skin and its recoil to make sure we are making the right choice. Confidence comes from that little test.
What is the difference between threads and fillers?
Threads are sutures that dissolve and are placed under the skin. They lift and grip the skin, then slowly dissolve as your body builds collagen. Fillers are gels that are placed on precise planes in order to rebuild contours. One gel repositions. One repositions. Ordering PDO fillers and threads becomes easier when you look at them this way.
- When jowls or jawline softening or early sagging interfere with your natural shape, threads can help.
- Fillers can help when the cheeks look flat, the under-eye area looks tired or the lips need structure.
Do I need to do threads after or before fillers on the cheeks?
The cheeks set the tone for your entire face. Volume is often the first choice if your midface is hollow. Filler can restore the anterior cheeks and support the lid-cheek intersection so that you appear rested. If your cheeks are full but a little low, threads and gentle vectors can help lift the tissue before adding gel. Whether threads are used before or after fillers is determined by whether volume is missing or misplaced.
Quick guide
- Fill the hollows and strengthen the bone, then think about small vectors.
- Mild descent and fullness is okay: lift the thread first, then reassess later.
What about the jawline? Which came first?
Laxity is good for the jawline. Threads are almost always the best choice if you’re primarily concerned with early jowling. Light vector lifts define the angle, and also clean the pre-jowlsulcus. Filling in a soft jawline can make it look heavy. If needed, very little contour filler will sharpen the transition between the chin and jaw if lift has been established. PDO Threads has a clear preference for lift over fillers in this area.
How long should I wait between treatments if we stage them?
Yes, but be careful. It’s all about the texture and the shadow. Conservative filler is the best choice if there are true hollows. Avoid threads on the lower lid, unless you have a specific plan. Lips are mainly filler territory. Threads on the lower face will help to frame the lip shape if corners are descending. When you wonder “can you thread after fillers?” the answer is yes, if the gel has been placed correctly and settled.
How long should I wait between treatments if we stage them?
The staging allows the tissue to settle, and provides a blank canvas for our second step. Our normal timelines are:
- Wait 2 to 4 weeks before adding filler.
- Wait 2 to 6 weeks before filling threads. This will allow the gel to integrate and be less likely to displace.
- In certain areas, it is possible to book a flight for the same day if there are no conflicts between planes and the swelling is minimal.
The sequence is written in your chart, so that the PDO threads order and the fillers can be repeated.
What complications can good sequencing help prevent?
Order pays off here. Smart planning prevents unnecessary fixes.
- Thread dragging across a newly filled plane
- Filler heavyness in a lax, sagging jawline. Lifting was first needed.
- Surface irregularities caused by tension and volume collision
- When you smile, it looks odd to overcorrect.
Most of the problems can be solved before they even begin with a neat map and a patient pace.
Can I combine Pdo threads and fillers in one visit while still keeping it safe?
Sometimes. We separate zones and planes when we combine. As an example, we can do a jawline lift using threads and then conservative cheek filler on a deeper plane. We keep ourselves honest by cooling, slowing down, and checking the mirror frequently. We stop and stage if swelling conceals the truth. The goal should be natural and not rushed. Combining PDO threads with fillers is a strategy, not a slogan.
What is the impact of anatomy and movement on the choice?
Faces move. The product placement is influenced by chewing patterns, clenching and large smiles. We listen to you speak and smile. The order is determined by the masseter strength and lip proficiency, as well as skin thickness. If muscle pull causes tissue to descend, threads that reverse this vector are first. Filler takes priority if movement hollows out an area at rest. You rarely see this logic behind PDO Threads and Fillers on quick comparison charts.
What if you are a fast-metabolizer or an athlete?
Sometimes. Certain fillers may be metabolized faster by very thin, active patients. Threads don’t rely on gel to be present, so they anchor the lower facial plan. We use filler to provide structure where it is lacking, but we are cautious with volume and schedule maintenance sooner. This is not a rule but a pattern that we look for.
How Vive Aesthetics Plans Your Sequence
First visit is a conversation and a mini-exam. We use a skin-safe marker to map the vectors, identify likely filler areas, and determine if PDO threads are better than fillers for your desired results. You can see your path on your face. It’s oddly comforting. We decide if we want to stage it or do the same day. We set dates if we decide to stage so that momentum never loses out.
What to expect
- A personal plan written in clear, simple steps
- Comparing before and after photos
- Notes on parameters so that the next session builds upon the previous
- Aftercare for a normal life
What should I do to prepare, no matter which order we choose?
Preparedness makes things more predictable and calm.
One week before
- If your doctor approves, you can stop taking blood thinners
- Reduce alcohol intake and maintain hydration
- Avoid major facials or dental work near your date
Night Before
- Avoid intense exercise in the late evening and sleep well.
- Confirm transportation if you plan to have a large thread session
Day of
- No makeup, no heavy skincare
- Small snacks to keep you from feeling lightheaded
The importance of these little habits is greater than it may seem. Clean lifts and smooth placement are supported by good prep.
How Should Threads and Fillers be Aftercared for?
Aftercare is the silent partner to good results.
After threads
- Sleep on your stomach for a couple of nights
- Avoid yawning if you lift the lower face.
- No intense workouts for 48-72 hours
After fillers
- First day: Cool compresses on and off
- Skip hot yoga and saunas for 48 hours
- No deep massages unless advised.
You will receive a card with a brief description of the tour so that you don’t have to guess at home.
The Key Takeaways
- PDO Threads and Fillers are not rivals. This is a question of sequence.
- Lift first if descent is the issue. Fill first if hollowness is a problem.
- By staging by a few week, you can improve symmetry and reduce revision work.
- The choice of product is important, but so are clear maps and calm aftercare.
- Order, not volume alone, is the key to a natural result.
FAQ
Can I change the plan in mid-course if I have a change of heart?
Yes. Each visit is a reassessment. We may use less or no filler if lift is greater than expected.
Can threads be pulled on areas with filler?
We do not respect timing or planes. We may choose vectors which do not cross the filler if you already have it.
How many sessions will we have if we move slowly?
Two to six weeks are common, depending on the area and swelling. Before step 2, we prefer visible and stable tissue.
Does anyone not need to combine treatments?
Pause if you have an active infection, uncontrolled autoimmune conditions, or a recent surgery. First, we will review your past.
How do I start?
Vive Aesthetics offers a consultation. We will map out your face and decide on the PDO threads or fillers you need.
A Simple Closing Thought
It is not necessary to be familiar with every detail. It is enough to know what you see when you look at yourself in the mirror. We will assess your movement, discuss your goals and determine whether PDO threads or fillers should be used first to create a more youthful look.
When you respect your anatomy, the choice between PDO threads and fillers can be precise, calm, and predictable. Vive Aesthetics works in this way.
This post was written by a licensed professional at Vive Aesthetics, a trusted medical spa offering Skin Tightening Treatment in Apollo Beach, FL to enhance your natural beauty and overall wellness. Guided by a thoughtful “less is more” philosophy, our team delivers subtle, balanced results through personalized care so you look refreshed, feel confident, and stay authentically you every single day.