PDO Threads vs. Sculptra: Which Anti-Aging Treatment is Right for You?

In the field of modern medical beauty, anti-aging and skin tightening are the core issues that people are concerned about. Beauty clinics have emerged with a variety of anti-aging treatments, including Botox injections, filler injections, thread lifts, various beauty machines, and radio frequency instruments.

Among them, PDO threads and Sculptra are two very popular anti-aging treatments. Both methods are very effective in removing facial wrinkles and making the facial skin tighter. For these two treatments, this article will describe their unique advantages and applicable populations.

So, what are the differences between PDO threads and Sculptra? Who is more suitable for PDO threads and who is more suitable for sculptra injections?

What are PDO threads and Sculptra?

What are PDO thread lifts?

PDO (Polydioxanone) thread lift is a method of stimulating collagen proliferation by implanting absorbable threads.

PDO threads can be roughly divided into two types of effects, namely wrinkle removal and lifting. Mono threads and screw threads are the two most common types of PDO threads. Their effect is to make the skin firmer by stimulating collagen, thereby achieving the effect of wrinkle removal.

Cog threads, another large category of face lifting threads, not only have the effect of tightening the skin but also can achieve the effect of facial lifting through physical support. Practitioners use cog threads to lift sagging cheeks and chins.

What is Sculptra?

The main ingredient of Sculptra is poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), which restores the fullness and elasticity of the skin by stimulating collagen production. Sculptra does not improve the quality of the skin immediately, but gradually improves the skin quality after 4-6 weeks to achieve a rejuvenating effect. 

PDO threads vs. Sculptra: How It Works

PDO thread lifts: After the thread is implanted in the skin, it lifts the loose tissue through mechanical support, and stimulates collagen regeneration to make the skin firmer.

The support function of PDO thread mainly depends on the shape and arrangement of the thread. Common threads include smooth thread, spiral thread, barbed thread, etc.

Different types of PDO threads have different mechanisms of action in the skin. The various effects of Diaminy threads are as follows:

Diaminy smooth thread and screw thread: Its main effect is to tighten the skin, remove wrinkles, and make the skin smoother;

• Diaminy cog thread: It is used for physically lifting sagging skin, reduce the degree of facial aging, and make the face tighter and less loose.
• Diaminy multi thread: The multi thread is composed of multiple threads and can fill the sunken face and play a filling role;
• Diaminy eye threads: The thread can tighten the skin around the eyes and reduce fine lines around the eyes.
• Diaminy nose threads: Reshape the nose, create a high nose bridge, and raise the nose tip.

Sculptra: It mainly relies on the decomposition of PLLA particles to stimulate the synthesis of autologous collagen, thereby restoring the volume of the skin and enhancing its elasticity.

Its principle is similar to "planting" collagen. Through multiple injections, the elasticity and thickness of the skin are gradually increased to achieve the purpose of anti-aging.

Sculptra has a milder effect and will not take effect immediately. Instead, it takes 1 month to show the best effect. Therefore, it is more suitable for those who want to improve the quality of their skin in the long term.

PDO Threads vs. Sculptra: Suitable People

PDO Threads vs. Sculptra: Different Results

The effect of PDO thread Lifts

• The cog thread can immediately enhance the facial contour, especially suitable for problems such as blurred jawline and obvious nasolabial folds.
• It can improve skin sagging and have obvious firming effects, especially suitable for sagging problems in the middle and lower face and neck.
• It can promote collagen regeneration, enhance skin elasticity in the long term, and improve problems such as large pores and rough skin.
• It can be used on body parts such as the abdomen, arms, thighs, etc., to help improve local skin firmness.

Effect of Sculptra

• It can gradually restore facial volume and fill in depressions, such as temple depression and loss of apple muscles.
• It improves skin texture, make skin firmer and fuller, and enhance overall glossiness.
• Stimulate collagen regeneration, anti-aging effect is natural, and there will be no over-filling.
• Suitable for full-face rejuvenation management, not only can fill, but also make the skin thicker and more elastic.

Duration of effect

PDO thread lifts: The effect can lasts 6 months to 1.5 years, depending on individual metabolism and thread type. Usually, PDO threads are absorbed by the body within 6-9 months, but as they can stimulate collagen regeneration, the lifting effect can last longer. Some special thread materials, such as PLLA or PCL threads, can even last for more than 2 years.

Sculptra: It can last for 2 to 3 years. As it mainly relies on the production of collagen, the effect is more lasting than PDO thread lifts. The effect of Sculptra gradually appears as collagen is continuously produced. It usually becomes obvious 6-8 weeks after injection, and the final effect can reach its best state after 4-6 months. With proper skin care and a healthy lifestyle, the effect can last longer.

Recovery Period of PDO Thread and Sculptra

PDO thread lifts: There may be slight pain during the operation, especially in areas with thin skin, such as around the eyes and cheekbones, and the patient may feel a tingling sensation. The pain will vary depending on the types of threads material, and the operation of the cog threads will cause greater pain.

The recovery period after surgery is about 1 to 2 weeks, during which swelling, bruising and a slight foreign body sensation may occur. Some patients may feel a slight pulling of the skin, which is normal and usually gradually relieved after 1-2 weeks.

Sculptra: There is no obvious recovery period after surgery, usually only slight swelling, and normal life can be achieved.

As it uses a thin needle, the pain is low and generally only epidermal anesthesia is required.

However, some patients may feel a slight hardening of the skin within a few days after the injection, which is usually a sign that the PLLA particles are stimulating collagen growth.

In order to reduce side effects, doctors usually recommend postoperative massage of the treatment area to ensure that the agent is evenly distributed and reduce the incidence of nodules.

Side Effects of PDO Thread and Sculptra

PDO thread lifts: Bruising, swelling, slight asymmetry may occur, and in rare cases, the thread head may be exposed or shifted. If the operation is not done properly, the skin may be uneven or there is a risk of infection, so an experienced doctor must be selected to perform the operation.

In addition, PDO thread lifts may not be ideal for people with very thin skin or severe collagen loss, and other anti-aging treatments must be used in combination.

Sculptra: There may be temporary swelling or hardening, and nodules or granularity may occur if the injection is not done properly, but the overall safety is relatively high.

Some patients may experience slight redness or itching after the injection, which usually disappears within a few days. In order to avoid overstimulating collagen production, doctors usually recommend injecting small amounts in multiple times to achieve a more natural anti-aging effect.

Price Comparison of PDO Thread and Sculptra

The cost of a PDO thread lift is between $700 to $4,500;

The cost of a Sculptra is between $1,000 to $2,000;

Summary: How to choose the right solution for you?

Choose the anti-aging solution that suits you based on the following questions.

1. Want immediate results? Choose PDO thread lifting, and you can immediately feel the facial lifting effect. ,

2. Want natural anti-aging and long-term skin maintenance? Choose Sculptra to gradually improve skin quality.

3. Severe skin sagging? PDO thread lifting is more suitable. ,

4. Obvious facial depression? Sculptra can better fill the lost volume.

The two are not completely opposite, but can be used in combination. For example, PDO thread lifting is used for lifting, and Sculptra is used for filling. The combination of the two can create a more perfect anti-aging effect.

Diaminy store provides high-quality PDO threads and PLLA fillers. Click to browse more product information!