Facelift vs thread lift
An incisional facelift and a thread lift differ in principle, scope, recovery and how long they last. The differences and how to choose.
A facelift and a thread lift are often compared as ways to lift a sagging face. Because they work on different principles, they also differ in what they can improve, recovery and duration.
How they work
- Facelift — through an incision, the SMAS layer beneath the skin is lifted and fixed, and excess skin is trimmed.
- Thread lift — without an incision, dissolvable threads (such as barbed threads) are placed under the skin to lift the tissue.
The differences at a glance
- Scope — a facelift can address moderate to greater sagging and loose skin; a thread lift suits mild sagging
- Loose skin — a facelift removes excess skin; a thread lift doesn't
- Recovery — quicker after a thread lift; swelling and recovery last longer after a facelift
- Duration — a facelift tends to last longer; threads dissolve and the effect fades, so repeat treatments are sometimes considered
- Marks — tiny needle marks after a thread lift; incision scars hidden around the ears and elsewhere after a facelift
Duration and recovery vary. Threads come in many types, and how long the effect lasts depends on the thread and the individual.
Which is right for you?
For mild sagging and a short recovery, a thread lift may be considered; if sagging has reached the jawline and neck or there is a lot of loose skin, a facelift. If several thread lifts haven't given a satisfying result, a facelift consultation may be worth considering.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a facelift later if I've had a thread lift? Often, yes. Tell the clinic at the consultation when you had it and which threads were used.
Are the two ever combined? Depending on the condition, different methods are sometimes combined for different areas. This is decided at the consultation.