People have envied others who have full lips for years. Only until relatively recently, though, was it possible for just about anybody to achieve that look in an easy and cost-effective way.
Today, thanks to a myriad of cosmetic treatments, you can get the full and defined lips that you’ve always wanted — or that you used to have but lost a bit as you aged.
The good news about the current state of cosmetic treatments is there are many options to address issues you have with your lips. The flip side is that it might be difficult to discern which option is the best one for you.
In this article, we’ll break down two of the most common cosmetic treatments for lip enhancements — PDO threads and lip fillers.
PDO threads, meanwhile, produce much more natural-looking results. The end-game of this treatment is a subtle improvement rather than a drastic and dramatic change.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 5/26/2025
How Do PDO Threads Work?
PDO threads are very thin threads that get inserted into your skin. Many of these threads have barbs on the end of them, which grab onto parts of your skin so your provider can lift them up and position them in a new place.
For lip procedures, the PDO threads are typically placed in the areas around your lips. While they won’t add volume directly to your lips, they do add subtle tightening and lifting effects to the region.
That is the first part of how the procedure works.
The second part is that your body will get to work breaking down the threads, using natural processes. In doing so, it will produce extra collagen in the area to help the healing.
This extra collagen will help to ensure that the results of the procedure last longer, while also adding more definition and plumping up your lips for longer periods of time.
In most cases, the results of a PDO threads lip procedure can last as many as 18 months or more. Plus, you can get the procedure repeated as often as you’d like to achieve your desired results.
How Do Lip Fillers Work?
Lip fillers, meanwhile, are injectables that are put directly into your lips. Many times, they are a concoction or hyaluronic acid, which already naturally occurs within your body — just like collagen.
Your provider will inject the filler into different parts of your lips to add volume and also shape. You will see some of the results immediately — since the new material is injected into your lips — and it will fade over time.
One of the biggest advantages of lip fillers is the immediate volume that they add. You won’t be able to miss the fact that you’ve had a cosmetic treatment done, which is part of the allure for many people.
That being said, your lips will often look their best a few days after a lip filler treatment, as the bruising and/or swelling goes down. Typically speaking, this won’t take long and the procedure won’t cause pain.
PDO Threads vs. Lip Fillers
There are many similarities between PDO threads and lip fillers.
Both procedures take less than an hour to complete in most cases, and will be relatively pain-free. Your provider will only use local numbing agents to ensure you are comfortable while the treatment is being done.
Once you leave the office, you’ll be able to resume most of your daily activities for both treatments. Neither procedure is permanent, though you can get them repeated as often as you’d like based on the results you want to see.
There are some major differences, though.
Following lip fillers, you may seek to avoid other people and social situations, as your lips will look bloated and swollen in most cases. With PDO threads, this often isn’t true.
For people who had thin lips before a treatment, or even medium-sized lips, fillers can look like a big transformation — and for some, this isn’t necessarily a good thing. They can provide a noticeable change, but it’s also quite obvious that you had work done.
PDO threads, meanwhile, produce much more natural-looking results. The end-game of this treatment is a subtle improvement rather than a drastic and dramatic change.
Another important difference is that lip fillers only address one aspect of your lips — their plumpness. They do nothing to address lack of shape and definition around your lips, which can be very important as you age.
That’s something that PDO threads definitely can address. It’s a much more well-rounded and all-encompassing treatment for lips that can show major improvements in a more natural way.
| Aspect | PDO Threads | Lip Fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | – Provides subtle, natural-looking enhancement – Stimulates collagen production for long-term results – Enhances definition around lips – Results can last up to 18+ months | – Adds immediate volume to lips – Results are visible right after treatment – Customizable in size and shape – Quick procedure with minimal discomfort |
| Cons | – Does not add direct volume to lips – May require multiple threads for optimal results – Results are more gradual | – Swelling and bruising common after procedure – More noticeable and less subtle look – Results typically fade in 6–12 months |
Get a Lip Treatment with V Soft Lift’s PDO Threads
PDO threads and lip fillers are two of the most popular cosmetic treatments for lips. While there are many similarities between the two treatments, there are major differences you should be aware of.
All in all, PDO threads are best for people who are looking to address the all-around look of their lips and lip area, rather than just adding volume. This is why they’re often the much-preferred treatment.
When searching for a provider to perform your PDO thread lip treatment, make sure you thoroughly vet candidates to ensure they are reputable and are experienced with the product. Also make sure that these use high-quality PDO threads like those produced by V Soft Lift.
Our PDO threads have been designed to treat all different areas of the face, including lips. Providers can choose from the products that best fit the specific type of treatment each patient is getting, as well as their skin type.
For more information, contact us today.
For more information, contact us today.
