Facial Contouring vs PDO Threads: Which One Is Right For You?

Across Hobart, more people are turning to non-surgical cosmetic therapies to improve skin firmness, restore volume, and address visible signs of ageing. Two options often discussed are facial contouring and volumisation and PDO thread treatments. While they’re both designed to help you look refreshed without going under the knife, they work in very different ways and choosing the right one depends on what your skin actually needs.

Let’s unpack both options and why you might choose one over the other.

What Are Facial Contouring and Volumisation?

Facial volumisers are soft gel substances injected into the skin to restore volume, soften lines, and improve facial contours. Most facial fillers used in Hobart clinics today are made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in the skin and helps retain moisture. When injected, these fillers bind to water molecules, which plumps the skin from beneath and instantly improves areas of hollowness, sagging, or deep creases.

Facial volumisers are especially popular in areas like the cheeks, lips, chin, and under the eyes. They can improve facial symmetry, define features, and help correct age-related volume loss without altering your natural look.

What Are PDO Threads?

PDO threads, also called thread lifts or thread PDO treatments, are another type of cosmetic procedure. However, they don’t add volume and instead focus on repositioning and tightening sagging skin.

PDO stands for polydioxanone, a biodegradable material that’s been used safely in surgical sutures for decades. In thread lifts, fine threads made from PDO are inserted into the skin using a needle or cannula. Once in place, they act like scaffolding, lifting the tissue into a more youthful position.

Over time, the threads dissolve, triggering a healing response in the skin. This stimulates collagen and elastin production, which improves skin quality and strength. The result is a more lifted, toned appearance with ongoing collagen benefits even after the threads have broken down.

Comparing How They Work

The key difference between PDO threads and facial sculpting lies in what they’re designed to do.

Facial sculpting restores volume. It’s ideal for people who have lost fat or structure in the mid-face, lips, or around the eyes. For example, if your cheeks appear hollow or your nasolabial folds have deepened, facial contouring can plump the area and smooth transitions.

Thread lifts address sagging. They’re not about adding volume but instead lifting skin that has descended due to ageing. Common areas include the jowls, lower face, neck, or outer brow.

In some cases, combining both may be the best option. Your cosmetic nurse can assess this during a personalised consultation.

Treatment Experience and Recovery

Facial contour enhancement appointments usually take 20 to 30 minutes. A numbing cream is applied first to minimise discomfort, and most clients describe the sensation as a pinch or pressure. The results are visible immediately, although swelling and minor bruising can last for a few days.

PDO thread procedures tend to take longer, usually around 45 to 60 minutes, and require a local anaesthetic to be injected into the area. Most clients feel a tugging or pulling sensation as the threads are placed. There can be more visible swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the first week after treatment.

Results and Longevity

Fillers offer instant improvement. Most last between six to 24 months, depending on the product used, the area treated, and individual factors like metabolism.

Thread PDO treatments take longer to show full results. While there may be some immediate lift, the best results are typically visible at the three-month mark once collagen production has had time to kick in. These results may last 12 to 24 months, depending on the type of thread used and the person’s skin condition.

PDO Mono Threads vs Lifting Threads

There are different types of thread lifts. One common distinction is between PDO mono threads and barbed threads.

PDO mono threads are smooth threads used to stimulate collagen in areas that need skin tightening but not a lift. These are ideal for crepey skin or areas where the goal is improved texture rather than structural change. Common areas include the neck, jawline, or under the chin.

Barbed threads, on the other hand, have small cogs or hooks that grab the tissue and provide an actual lifting effect. They are used to reposition sagging skin.

Safety and Side Effects of PDO Threads

Both facial volumisers and PDO threads are considered safe when performed by a qualified cosmetic nurse under medical supervision, but there are risks involved with every medical procedure. At Heart Aesthetics Hobart, every treatment begins with a detailed consultation to assess your medical history, skin concerns, and aesthetic goals and detailed aftercare is provided.

Potential side effects of hyaluronic acid-based contouring include swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection site. More serious risks, like vascular occlusion, are rare but can be avoided with the correct technique and safety protocols.

For PDO threading, temporary dimpling, bruising, or puckering may occur as the threads settle. In rare cases, threads may be visible under the skin or need adjustment. Most side effects resolve within a few weeks.

Choosing the Right Option for You

If you’re unsure which treatment is best, here are some things to consider:

• Do you want immediate volume and definition? Facial sculpture is usually the better option.
• Are you concerned about sagging or lax skin? A thread lift may be more appropriate.
• Is downtime a factor? Facial sculpting involves less recovery time.
• Are you seeking long-term collagen support? Threads may offer more ongoing structural benefits.

Because the goals are different, the best approach depends on your facial anatomy, age, skin quality, and personal goals. You may benefit from one treatment now and the other later or a combination.

Why Heart Aesthetics Hobart Doesn’t Offer PDO Threads

Although we offer a wide range of cosmetic therapies in Hobart, including Facial Contouring and Volumisation, skin needling, anti-wrinkle injections, and lip enhancements, we currently do not provide PDO thread lifts. However, we’re often asked about them, which is why it’s important to provide accurate, evidence-based guidance to help clients make informed choices.

Our focus remains on safe, natural-looking results that align with your goals. If PDO threads become part of our service in the future, it will be after rigorous training, protocol development, and clinical governance to ensure safe, ethical, and consistent outcomes.

Alternatives to Thread Lifts in Hobart

If skin laxity is your main concern but you’re not ready for surgery or not eligible for a thread lift, there are non-invasive alternatives. These include skin needling with growth factors, facial enhancements for structural support, and wrinkle reduction treatments to smooth dynamic lines that contribute to drooping.

Certain lifestyle measures, such as using sunscreen daily, eating a balanced diet, and quitting smoking, can also support your skin’s integrity over time.

The Importance of Personalised Cosmetic Care

Whether you’re new to cosmetic therapies in Hobart or looking to update your current routine, every face deserves a plan tailored to its unique features. At Heart Aesthetics Hobart, all treatments begin with an in-depth consultation and full-face assessment. This includes medical screening, discussion of your goals, and honest feedback about what will work best for you.

Sometimes, this means recommending less or suggesting an alternative to what you had in mind. That’s part of ethical care.

Clients come to us for advice that feels clear, grounded, and realistic. Whether it’s volume enhancement to support your lip shape or collagen-stimulating therapies to improve skin quality, you’ll receive considered, not rushed, care.

Facial Contouring vs PDO Threads Hobart FAQ

Will a thread lift make me look overdone or unnatural?
No, when performed correctly, PDO thread lifts provide a gentle, natural-looking lift rather than a drastic change. The aim is to reposition tissues subtly, not freeze your expression or dramatically change your face shape.

Can I get volumisation treatments or a thread lift if I have sensitive skin or allergies?
Yes, but a full consultation is necessary first. Suppose you have a history of allergies, skin conditions, or autoimmune disorders. In that case, your cosmetic nurse will assess risks, conduct a patch test if needed, and help determine which product or approach is safest.

Can I wear makeup after Facial Contouring or thread lift treatments?
Light makeup can usually be worn 24 hours after facial contouring injections. After PDO threading, you may be advised to wait longer (2–3 days) and avoid tugging or pressing on the skin while it heals.

Do I need to stop taking any medications before getting a filler or thread lift?
Some medications and supplements (like fish oil, aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs) can increase the risk of bruising. Your cosmetic nurse will provide pre-treatment instructions, including what to avoid and for how long.

Is there an ideal age to start face volumisation & contouring or PDO threads?
There’s no specific age, but suitability is based on skin condition, facial volume loss, and treatment goals rather than age alone. Some clients start preventative treatments in their late 20s or 30s, while others begin later depending on their skin’s ageing process.

Can I exercise after my treatment?
It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, or heat exposure for 24–48 hours after Face Volumisation & Contouring treatment and up to a week following a thread lift. These activities can increase swelling and affect how the product or threads settle.

Book a Consultation in Hobart

Choosing between face volumisation and contouring or thread PDO treatments is about more than just what’s popular. It’s about what makes sense for your features, your lifestyle, and your long-term goals.

If you’re considering facial rejuvenation and want honest, professional advice in a safe and supportive environment, contact the team at Heart Aesthetics Hobart. We’ll help you understand your non-surgical options clearly and guide you toward treatments that are clinically sound, safe, and suited to your needs.

While we don’t offer PDO threads, we’re here to support you with evidence-based alternatives that prioritise natural results, skin health, and your overall confidence.

Book your appointment today to take the next step in your aesthetic journey on your terms.