It is hard to understand differences in cosmetic treatments because of a lack of knowledge. People who want to make their looks beautiful and rejuvenated often go for them without realizing the effects. The best results come when the correct type of treatment is applied to the right area of the body. To make everything simple for people, here is an easy comparison. Once you know these differences, there will be no problem for anyone in the future.
Before we move on to their main differences, let’s find the cost difference first. It will prepare you for the financial impact of cosmetic treatment. If we compare their costs, PDO threads are more expensive than the other two. It is because the PDO thread process is complex and requires more expertise. Then come the other two, and Botox injections are cheaper than fillers. Since fillers are available in different types depending on the level of results, their costs vary. However, fillers last longer than Botox, which means you may need another dose, increasing the price.
It is a minimally invasive treatment that is based on PDO sutures. It is common for the tightening process of saggy skin. Also, medical professionals use it against low collagen and aging lines. If we look at PDO threads vs fillers, this method gives a natural look. Also, this method neither paralyzes the muscles nor fills volume inside the skin.
A medical aesthetician or cosmetologist inserts the cannulas, which contain PDO threads. They anchor inside the skin to hold dermal layers tightly. That’s why it's common for facelifts and eyebrow lifts. People who want to know the prime difference in PDO threads vs Botox will get their answers here. Once they dissolve inside the skin, they start stimulating collagen production. It is one of the complex and minimally invasive cosmetic treatments.
There are different types available, and each type has a specific end. These PDO thread types are cog, mono, spiral, screw, tornado, bi-directional, unidirectional, 3D, 4D, etc.
Medical aestheticians inject them in a few specific areas of the face and neck. The benefits of injecting PDO threads in these particular areas include skin tightening and collagen formation.
It hardly takes twenty to thirty minutes. The professional removes the cannulas from the skin after half an hour, once the sutures have entered the dermal layer.
They show results within a few days. After around two weeks, proper results start appearing.
They last inside the dermal layer, and the duration is from twelve months to even three years. It depends on the skin type and how fast they dissolve completely. As long as they stay inside the skin, the results keep coming.
Then you have Botox, which is an injectable vial for cosmetic treatment. Medical experts inject these vials into a targeted spot on the face or other parts of the body. They are known for pausing the aging lines for a temporary period.
In medical terms, Botox paralyzes the muscles and breaks the connection between nerves and the dermal layer. Once it blocks the nerve signals, the aging lines in the injected area stop appearing. If anyone is still confused about PDO threads vs Botox, it will help them understand better. Neither does it add volume, nor does it stimulate collagen. PDO stimulates collagen growth, while Botox paralyzes the muscles in a controlled and safe way.
There are plenty of areas where doctors inject them, not only for cosmetic purposes but also for medical reasons. Bladder control issues, excessive sweating, and muscle spasms are some examples. Below are some examples of medical aesthetic applications.
Besides, it helps to create a pout and lift a smile for patients who want to change their appearance.
Within seven to ten days, it starts showing significant results.
Their lasting period is shorter than that of PDO threads and dermal fillers. They last three to four months.
This entire Botox process takes only about twenty to thirty minutes.
Then the third cosmetic treatment comes, which is via dermal fillers. They make the skin plump and rejuvenated by adding volume. Throughout the world, dermal fillers are the most common method people choose. The reason is the results and cost. They neither stimulate collagen via threads nor do they paralyze muscles like Botox.
A doctor injects it into the targeted spot where the aging lines appear. Once it enters the dermal layer, it starts smoothing the skin to erase fine lines of aging. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances that are injected into the dermal layer to add volume. They stay inside the skin for a temporary period to make it look plump. The primary difference is the method of collagen formation in PDO threads vs. fillers. They also increase collagen, but not by stimulating the natural one. HA and other chemicals work as artificial collagen inside the skin.
They last from six months to two years, depending on the type of filler. Some fillers are thin, while others are thick, depending on the wrinkles and other aging lines.
They treat many areas of the face and other parts of the body. Medical aestheticians and doctors use them to increase volume in a targeted spot of the body. These are the facial lines that can be treated with fillers.
They also help improve facial symmetry and increase volume in saggy skin.
They show results usually after one or two weeks.
A medical professional hardly takes ten or thirty minutes for dermal filler treatment. It all depends on the areas and their sensitivity levels.
| Feature / Aspect | PDO Threads | Dermal Fillers | Botox |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treatment Type | Minimally invasive; uses dissolvable threads | Injectable gel-like substances | Injectable neurotoxin |
| Primary Function | Lifts and tightens sagging skin | Adds volume and smoothens wrinkles | Temporarily paralyzes muscles to reduce fine lines |
| How It Works | Threads anchor under the skin and stimulate collagen | Fills targeted areas with substances like HA or PMMA | Blocks nerve signals to muscles, reducing movement |
| Collagen Stimulation | Yes – naturally stimulates collagen production | Minimal – artificial collagen effect | No |
| Volume Addition | No | Yes | No |
| Muscle Relaxation | No | No | Yes |
| Treated Areas | Jawline, cheeks, frown lines, neck, crow’s feet, etc. | Wrinkles, fine lines, lips, cheeks, forehead, chin creases | Forehead, frown lines, bunny lines, marionette lines, etc. |
| Time to See Results | A few days to 2 weeks | 1 to 2 weeks | 7 to 10 days |
| Duration of Results | 12 months to 3 years (depends on skin) | 6 months to 2 years (depends on filler type) | 3 to 4 months |
| Procedure Time | 20–30 minutes | 10–30 minutes | 20–30 minutes |
| Cost | Highest – due to complexity and precision | Moderate – varies by filler type | Lowest |
| Main Types | Cog, Mono, Spiral, Screw, 3D, 4D, etc. | HA, Calcium Hydroxyapatite, PMMA, Polyalkylimide | Botulinum toxin A (various brands like Botox®, Dysport®, etc.) |
| Ideal For | Sagging skin, facial lifts, long-lasting collagen boost | Volume loss, deeper lines, and facial contour enhancement | Dynamic wrinkles, fine expression lines |
| Can Be Combined With Others? | Yes – often combined with fillers or Botox (in proper order) | Yes – with threads or Botox | Yes – typically after threads or in combination with fillers |
It is possible to have PDO threads and fillers with a gap of a few days or weeks. A doctor inspects the skin condition and other parameters before allowing a patient to have multiple types of cosmetic treatments. Moreover, results can be better in various treatments as compared to a single one. PDO threads will come first, and then fillers or Botox. Doctors must follow the correct order to achieve safe results. If someone undergoes all types of cosmetic treatments, they might get tighter skin, better collagen, and plumpness altogether.
Whether it's PDO threads, Botox, or dermal fillers, a cosmetologist or medical aesthetician will ask you to follow this advice.
Every cosmetic treatment has specific objectives and benefits. Only a medical aesthetician, dermatologist, or cosmetologist can decide what is best for a patient. Many aging skin issues require proper treatment due to the sensitivity involved. Just a slight error could lead to bleeding, bruises, blindness, or even worse. Make sure to choose a certified practitioner and use fillers, Botox, and PDO threads for safe results.
