Face lifting and thread lifting are very popular procedures in plastic surgery and have become synonymous with the fight against aging. However, although they have similar goals, they differ in many aspects. We will explain the differences.
What is a facelift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that involves tightening and removing excess skin and strengthening the subcutaneous tissues to give the patient a younger appearance. The goal is primarily to restore the firmness and youthful appearance of the face and neck.
If you undergo a facelift at the right time—most commonly between the ages of 50–60, when the skin is noticeably loose and less elastic—it has long-lasting results of 8–10 years. However, if performed too early, when the skin is still relatively elastic, it will soon adjust to facial expressions and the effect will last significantly less, sometimes only 2 years. The condition of your skin (based on your age) will always be evaluated by the doctor, who may recommend postponing the procedure until a later time, when the effect will be truly long-lasting.
What is thread lifting?
Thread lifting is a less invasive procedure in which thin threads are inserted into the skin, which then stimulate collagen production and natural skin lifting. The lifting threads are inserted into the subcutaneous tissue to tighten the skin in the desired direction. The threads then dissolve by themselves, and new connective tissue forms in their place, which tightens and firms the skin for up to 5 years.
Lifting threads are made from special fibers that stimulate collagen and elastin production. We use APTOS threads made of polylactic acid and MINT™ PDO threads specially shaped in a 360-degree spiral pattern. They dissolve in about 6 months.
How do these liftings differ?
A facelift is performed under general anesthesia with an incision around the earlobes (the incision begins just in front of the ear, then moves down under the earlobe and again upwards behind the ear). It can be performed by both women and men, but in men, one must consider the displacement of the beard growth area (often behind the earlobe) and the difficulty of hiding any temporary scars due to baldness. The procedure can be performed at most twice, with an interval of about 10 years.
After the procedure, hospitalization is required at least until the next day, when the patient’s head bandage is replaced. The bandage stays on for 3–5 days during home care. Strict rest for 14 days after the procedure is necessary, with limited head movements and cold compresses applied (full physical activity is recommended to be resumed after about a month). Postoperative swelling and scars disappear after about a week, and stitches are removed in 14 days.
For a completely youthful appearance, the facelift can be combined with a neck lift and eyelid lift.
In contrast, the less invasive thread lift is performed under local anesthesia and lasts about 30–45 minutes. After the procedure, patients can generally return to regular activities within a few hours, but greater physical exertion, such as sports, should be avoided for about 3 weeks.
A few days after the procedure, mild swelling may appear, but it usually disappears quickly. The skin tightening effect is visible immediately, but unlike a facelift, it lasts around 3–5 years. It can be done much earlier, around age 35, and repeated more times.
When to choose a facelift?
A facelift is recommended for patients with more significant skin sagging and those who want longer-lasting results and don’t mind a longer recovery time. It is ideal for patients with pronounced wrinkles or sagging skin on the neck.
A facelift usually leaves scars, although they are often hidden in natural skin folds or behind the hair.
When to prefer thread lifting?
Thread lifting can be performed at a much younger age and is suitable for patients with milder signs of aging who are looking for a quicker and less invasive solution that will further stimulate the elasticity of their skin. However, you should expect about half the duration of the resulting effect.
There is minimal risk of scarring since the procedure is performed using fine needles.
Another option is the liquid facelift, which helps stimulate collagen production.
Tip: Also, read about microneedling, which helps fight wrinkles and supports skin elasticity.
Summary
To provide better clarity, let’s summarize the main pros and cons of both types of lifting:
Facelift
- Performed under general anesthesia.
- Requires hospitalization.
- Recovery lasts several weeks.
- Suitable for ages 50–60.
- Handles deep wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Results last up to 10 years.
Thread lift
- Performed under local anesthesia.
- Patients can go home the same day.
- Short recovery time.
- Suitable from age 35.
- Not suitable for smoothing deep wrinkles and sagging skin.
- Results last about 3–5 years.
Both facelift and thread lifting are effective ways to achieve a younger appearance. You should choose between them based on the differences explained above and in the context of your expectations. Always consult with a plastic surgeon first, who can help you select the most suitable lifting method for your situation. You can schedule a non-binding consultation with us, where experienced surgeons with many years of practice will be happy to assist you.