Lunchtime rejuvenation procedures have gained significant popularity in Singapore in recent years. These non-invasive treatments are aptly named because they require minimal time to perform and offer virtually no recovery period.
Most patients can see immediate improvements and return to their daily routines right away.
Many patients often ask whether a dermal filler or a thread lift is better for facial rejuvenation.
The truth is, both treatments are effective when performed correctly and for the appropriate indications. In some cases, one option may be more suitable than the other based on your specific concerns and facial structure.
This comprehensive guide will help you understand the differences between dermal fillers and thread lifts, their benefits, limitations, and how to choose the most suitable option for your facial rejuvenation goals.
Understanding Facial Aging
To better understand how these treatments work, it’s important to first recognize the three main aspects of facial aging:
- Loss of skin elasticity and hydration: This contributes to wrinkles, deepening nasolabial folds, marionette lines, enlarged pores, and uneven, dry skin texture.
- Loss of facial volume: Due to fat loss and downward migration of facial fat pads, resulting in hollow undereyes, sunken cheeks, temple hollowing, and jowling.
- Weakening of retaining ligaments: This causes sagging of the lateral eye corners, flattening of the cheeks, midface drooping, deeper nasolabial folds, drooping mouth corners, and jowling.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers, also known as soft tissue fillers, are smooth injectable gels used to fill facial depressions, soften skin folds, and restore volume loss. They have evolved significantly since their introduction over 20 years ago.
Initially used primarily to correct wrinkles and folds, they are now employed for cheek, nose, and chin augmentation, as well as overall facial contouring to create a facelift-like effect.
Types of Dermal Fillers
The most commonly used fillers in Singapore include:
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Fillers: Restylane, Belotero, Teosyal, Juvederm
- Calcium Hydroxyapatite: Radiesse
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid: Sculptra
- Polycaprolactone: Ellanse
Hyaluronic acid fillers remain the most popular and are classified as temporary fillers. Their appeal lies in their reversibility—they can be dissolved with an enzyme called hyaluronidase if necessary.
Sculptra works differently by stimulating the body’s own collagen production, with results taking about a month or more to become visible. Ellanse combines immediate lifting through its CMC gel component with long-term biostimulation via its PCL component.
Semi-permanent and permanent fillers are less popular due to their higher potential for complications and irreversibility once injected.
How Dermal Fillers Help Lift Your Face
Different filler formulations have varying viscoelastic and integration properties. When strategically injected at the right facial locations, they provide a lifting effect that creates a more youthful appearance by:
- Restoring lost volume in cheeks, temples, and other areas
- Supporting facial structures that have started to sag
- Smoothing out wrinkles and folds
- Enhancing facial contours
Related: Botox vs Dermal Fillers: Which is Better? (Updated)
Filler Lift Techniques
Several specialized filler lift techniques have been developed over the years:
- MTV Filler Lift: Focuses on the midface and temple areas to create a V-shaped face effect
- Juvederm 8-Point Lift: Involves injection of fillers at eight strategic facial points
- Radiesse 3D Vector Lift: Uses radiesse fillers injected in vector patterns similar to threads
- True Lift: Targets the facial retaining ligaments (orbital, zygomatic, buccal-maxillary, and mandibular) to restore support and provide lifting
Some practitioners develop their own approaches, such as the Structural Filler Lift (SFL), which takes into account the skin, fat, and ligament layers of the face and the rheological properties of different filler gels.
Longevity and Cost of Dermal Fillers
Most dermal fillers last between 6-12 months on average, with some lasting up to 18 months depending on the product used and individual factors. Repeated treatments in the same area may extend longevity.
The cost of dermal fillers in Singapore ranges from $600 to $1,400 per syringe (typically 1cc, though some brands offer 1.4-1.5cc options). Pricing depends on:
- The filler brand
- The doctor’s experience and expertise
- The treatment area and amount required
What Are Thread Lifts?
Thread lifts have gained considerable popularity as a non-surgical facelift alternative. They involve the insertion of special biodegradable threads beneath the skin to lift sagging tissues and stimulate collagen production.
How Thread Lifts Work
Thread lifts use threads with barbs or cogs that are inserted in planned trajectories to create a suspension effect on the overlying skin and subcutaneous fat layers.
This effectively “hooks” the skin upward and “pins” it in place. Beyond the immediate lifting effect, the threads stimulate collagen formation and remodeling, which enhances the results over time.
Types of Thread Lift Materials
The most common types of thread lift materials include:
- PDO (Polydioxanone): The most widely used material with a 6-8 month biodegradation period
- PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid): Offers 14-18 months of biodegradation with strong tensile strength
- PCL (Polycaprolactone): The newest material with 18-24 months biodegradation but weaker tensile strength
Thread lifts in Singapore are typically performed using Korean PDO threads or FDA-approved Silhouette Soft threads. The differences between thread types include the material used, tensile strength, design, and insertion method (cannula vs. long needles).
Longevity and Cost of Thread Lifts
Thread lift results can last approximately 1-3 years, depending on several factors including:
- Type of thread used
- Patient’s age
- Metabolism
- Skin laxity
- Facial movement patterns
The cost of a face thread lift in Singapore typically ranges from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on:
- Brand and type of threads used
- Treatment area and number of threads required
- The doctor’s experience
Comparing Dermal Fillers and Thread Lifts
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a comprehensive comparison between these two popular facial rejuvenation treatments:
| Feature | Dermal Fillers | Thread Lifts |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Add volume to specific areas and provide moderate lifting | Provide a mild lift by tightening the entire face |
| Treatment Duration | 10-30 minutes | 30-60 minutes |
| Longevity | 6-18 months | 12-24 months |
| Downtime | Minimal (possible swelling and bruising for a few days) | Minimal to moderate (1-3 days of swelling and occasional bruising) |
| Results Timeline | Immediate, with full integration in 4 weeks | Immediate lifting effect with continued improvement over several months |
| Side Effects | Swelling, bruising, redness, itching, rash | Swelling, bruising, potential asymmetry, rippling |
| Procedure Pain Level | Moderate (4/10) | Moderate to significant (7/10), requires local anesthesia |
| Cost Range | $600-$1,400 per syringe | $1,000-$5,000 for full treatment |
| Ideal Candidates | – Ages 40-50s<br>- Those with volume loss<br>- Fine lines and wrinkles<br>- Specific area concerns | – Ages 30-40s<br>- Good facial volume but mild sagging<br>- Mild-to-moderate nasolabial folds |
| Reversibility | Yes (for HA fillers) | No |
Key Differences
Mechanism of Action:
- Fillers: Add volume to specific areas using hyaluronic acid to create lifting and support
- Thread lifts: Use barbed threads to mechanically lift and tighten tissues while stimulating collagen
Treatment Focus:
- Fillers: Better for volume restoration and specific area enhancement
- Thread lifts: Better for overall facial tightening and lifting
Collagen Stimulation:
- Fillers: Standard HA fillers don’t stimulate collagen (though Sculptra and Ellanse do)
- Thread lifts: Provide ongoing collagen stimulation as threads dissolve
Which Treatment Is Right For You?
The choice between dermal fillers and thread lifts depends on your specific concerns and goals:
Consider dermal fillers if:
- You want to address volume loss in specific areas like cheeks or lips
- You desire immediate results with minimal downtime
- You prefer a treatment that can be reversed if needed
- You have fine lines, wrinkles, or hollows that need filling
- You want a quick procedure with less discomfort
Consider thread lifts if:
- You want to address mild to moderate skin sagging
- You’re looking for a longer-lasting solution (1-2 years)
- You prefer a treatment that provides gradual, natural-looking improvement
- You’re concerned about overall facial contours rather than specific areas
- You want the collagen-stimulating benefits for overall skin quality
Combining Treatments
Many aesthetic doctors recommend combining both treatments for optimal results. Thread lifts address sagging by repositioning tissues, while fillers restore lost volume. Together, they provide a more comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation.
When combining treatments, practitioners typically perform the thread lift first and address volume issues with fillers at a subsequent session after swelling has subsided. The combined effects become more evident after 1-2 months.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Dermal Fillers
Common side effects include:
- Redness, swelling, and bruising (temporary)
- Pain at injection sites
- Itching or rash
More serious but rare complications include:
- Delayed hypersensitivity or inflammation
- Skin necrosis (especially in the glabella and nose regions)
- Vision complications (particularly with nose fillers)
Thread Lifts
Potential complications include:
- Asymmetry (especially if preexisting asymmetries aren’t properly documented)
- Rippling or puckering (usually resolves within a week if threads are placed correctly)
- Infection (though rare with proper aseptic technique)
- Granuloma (if threads are placed too superficially)
- Hematoma or nerve damage (rare)
Finding the Right Aesthetic Doctor
When selecting an aesthetic doctor for either procedure, consider:
- Your comfort level with the doctor: You should feel comfortable communicating your thoughts and concerns. The doctor should understand your goals and establish a good rapport.
- The doctor’s experience with your desired treatment: Research their expertise and ask to see examples or photos of their previous work.
Remember that there’s no “best” aesthetic doctor for everyone. The right choice depends on your individual needs, preferences, and the specific procedures you’re considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I combine dermal fillers and thread lifts in one session?
While it’s possible to combine both treatments, most doctors prefer performing them separately. Thread lifts are typically done first, followed by fillers after any swelling has subsided, usually a few weeks later. This approach delivers more predictable and refined results.
2. How painful are these procedures?
Dermal filler injections typically rate around 4/10 on the pain scale (similar to a bug bite) and usually require only topical anesthesia. Thread lifts are more invasive, rating around 7/10, and require local anesthesia for comfort during the procedure.
3. Are there any age restrictions for these treatments?
There’s no strict age limit, but thread lifts are generally more suitable for those in their 30s-40s with good skin elasticity and mild sagging. Fillers work well for patients of various ages but are particularly effective for those in their 40s-50s with volume loss and moderate skin laxity.
4. Can either treatment replace a surgical facelift?
Neither treatment can replace a surgical facelift for severe sagging or advanced signs of aging. They are best for mild to moderate concerns and for those who prefer non-surgical options with minimal downtime.
5. Are there people who shouldn’t get these treatments?
People on blood thinners, those with certain autoimmune conditions, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with active skin infections should avoid both treatments. Your doctor will review your medical history to determine if these treatments are safe for you.
6. What’s the maximum lift I can expect from a thread lift?
Realistically, the maximum lift achievable with barbed or cogged threads is around 1cm. It’s important to have reasonable expectations before undergoing the procedure.
7. What happens when fillers or threads wear off?
When fillers dissolve, the face gradually returns to its pre-treatment state. For threads, once they dissolve, some of the lifting effect may remain due to the collagen production they stimulated, but maintenance treatments are typically needed.
8. Which treatment has less downtime?
Both have relatively minimal downtime, but fillers generally have less. With fillers, you may experience some swelling and bruising for a few days but can typically resume normal activities immediately. Thread lifts may require 1-3 days of downtime with some activity restrictions for about a week afterward.
9. How do I prepare for either treatment?
For both treatments, avoid blood-thinning medications and supplements (like aspirin, ibuprofen, vitamin E, and fish oil) for at least a week before. Avoid alcohol for 24-48 hours before the procedure, and come with a clean face free of makeup.
10. What aftercare is required?
For fillers, avoid extreme temperatures, strenuous exercise, and facial massages for 24-48 hours. For thread lifts, sleep on your back for a few days, avoid extreme facial expressions, and follow your doctor’s specific instructions about washing and applying products to your face.
Conclusion
Both dermal fillers and thread lifts offer excellent options for facial rejuvenation without surgery. The best choice depends on your specific concerns, goals, and facial structure. Many patients achieve optimal results by combining both treatments as part of a comprehensive approach to facial aging.
For the best outcome, consult with an experienced aesthetic doctor who can assess your needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan. Remember that maintaining realistic expectations and choosing a qualified practitioner are key to achieving natural-looking, satisfying results.