A thread lift uses dissolvable barbed sutures passed under the skin to give a modest, temporary lift with little downtime, whereas a facelift surgically repositions the deeper tissues and removes excess skin for a more substantial and longer-lasting result. Threads may suit younger people with early laxity; a facelift is usually more appropriate for established jowls and neck sagging. Mr Nassab does not offer thread lifts, but can explain how they compare with surgical options.
How a thread lift works
Fine threads, usually made of a dissolvable material, are inserted through a needle or small cannula under local anaesthetic. Tiny barbs or cones grip the tissue so that the thread can be gently pulled to lift the cheek, jowl or brow. As the threads dissolve over several months, they may stimulate some collagen around them. The lift is modest and gradually fades as the tissues relax and the threads break down.
How a facelift works
A facelift is performed through incisions around the ear, and often into the hairline. The surgeon lifts the skin and tightens or repositions the deeper muscular layer, called the SMAS, which carries the cheek fat and jowls. In a deep plane facelift, the dissection goes beneath this layer to release the ligaments and move the tissues as a single unit. Excess skin is then trimmed and closed without tension. A neck lift is often combined to address loose neck skin and bands.
Side-by-side comparison
- Degree of lift: thread lift: subtle; facelift: substantial, addressing jowls, cheeks and neck.
- How long it lasts: thread lift: usually months to a year or two; facelift: many years, although ageing continues.
- Anaesthetic: thread lift: local; facelift: usually general, sometimes sedation.
- Downtime: thread lift: a few days of tenderness and puckering; facelift: around two to three weeks before most people feel comfortable socially.
- Scars: thread lift: tiny entry points; facelift: fine scars around the ear that usually fade well.
- Neck: thread lift: little effect on loose neck skin; facelift with neck lift: directly treats it.
Risks of each option
Thread lifts can cause dimpling, puckering, visible or palpable threads, asymmetry, infection and threads working their way out, and early relapse is common. A facelift carries the risks of any operation, including bleeding and haematoma, infection, blood clots and anaesthetic complications, as well as scarring, numbness, hair loss near incisions and, uncommonly, injury to the facial nerve, which is usually temporary. The larger procedure carries more risk but also delivers a more predictable, lasting change. The facelift risks guide covers these in more detail.
Which is right for you?
A thread lift may be considered by someone in their late thirties or forties with good skin quality, mild descent and a strong wish to avoid surgery, who accepts that the result is limited and temporary. A facelift is generally more suitable for people with visible jowls, deep folds or neck laxity, who want a result that lasts. Repeated thread lifts can create scar tissue that makes later surgery more complex, which is worth considering. Mr Nassab does not perform thread lifts, but he will examine your skin, the degree of descent and your neck and give an honest recommendation among the surgical options.
Alternatives in between
For people who fall between the two, a mini facelift through shorter incisions can address early jowling with a quicker recovery. FaceTite radiofrequency skin tightening can improve mild laxity of the lower face and neck, and dermal filler, provided at CLNQ by its non-surgical doctors rather than by Mr Nassab, can restore lost volume where support has thinned. Combining modest volume restoration with a smaller lift is sometimes the most natural option.
Cost
A facelift costs from £14,500. A deep plane face and neck lift costs from £18,500 and a mini facelift from £8,000. FaceTite costs from £7,500. The £150 consultation fee is separate. Cosmetic surgery is only offered to adults aged 18 and over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a thread lift last as long as a facelift?
No. Thread lift results usually fade within months to a couple of years, while a facelift lasts many years even though the face continues to age.
Is a thread lift safer than a facelift?
It is a smaller procedure with fewer general surgical risks, but it has its own complications, such as puckering and visible threads, and the benefit is more limited.
Is a facelift possible after a thread lift?
Yes, although previous threads can leave scar tissue that the surgeon needs to work around. Let your surgeon know about any earlier treatments.
Which is better for jowls?
Established jowls usually respond better to a facelift or mini facelift, which reposition the deeper tissues.
How soon can people return to work after each?
After a thread lift, many people return within a few days once any puckering settles. After a facelift, two to three weeks is more typical before feeling comfortable in public-facing roles.
Can a thread lift be combined with filler?
Yes. Some practitioners combine threads with a small amount of filler to restore volume, though the lift itself remains modest and temporary.
