One day, your jawline looks firm. The next day, it tells a different story. Now you’re exploring your options, and two are likely to stand out: a facelift or a thread lift. These different paths can alter how your skin appears and how you feel out in the world.
In this guide, you’ll discover what each lift does. You’ll see how long the results last, what recovery involves, and how each option suits different stages of aging.
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses fine sutures to lift loose skin. During a PDO thread lift, a cosmetic surgeon places polydioxanone threads under your skin through a small cannula.
The threads catch the soft tissue and create a gentle lift in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, or lower face. As the threads settle, they spark collagen production, which helps your skin gain strength and better elasticity over time.
What is a Face Lift?
A facelift is a surgical procedure that lifts and repositions deeper facial tissue to correct moderate to severe sagging skin. A board-certified plastic surgeon removes extra skin based on a plan you’ve approved.
These procedures tighten the underlying layers and reshape the cheeks, jowls, and jawline for a more defined look. The goal is a more precise outline of the face and a more youthful appearance.
There are a few common approaches. A SMAS facelift tightens the muscle layer beneath the skin. A mini facelift focuses on the lower face and is suitable for milder changes. A deep-plane facelift works on the deeper structures for more dramatic results.
Each method aims to improve skin laxity in its own way.
Differences in Longevity of Both Surgeries
A thread lift vs facelift comparison comes down to staying power. Both improve signs of aging, but each holds its results for a different length of time. Below, you’ll learn how long each option lasts, who each one fits, and what kind of change you can expect.
How Long Each Option Lasts
A thread lift offers a shorter, more subtle lift. The PDO threads dissolve over time, and the support fades once the collagen production boost subsides. Most results stay visible for several months to a couple of years.
A facelift (including a traditional facelift, full facelift, or deep-plane approach) lasts many years when cared for properly. The deep underlying work by the surgeon creates a stronger shape that holds as long as your skin elasticity, age, and lifestyle allow.
Ideal Candidates
A thread lift is suitable for you if you have mild skin laxity, early jowls, or a softer jawline and prefer a non-surgical treatment with minimal downtime.
A facelift surgery is designed for deeper folds, loose skin, and more advanced changes in the lower face. People in their 40s to 60s often choose this option because lighter treatments no longer match their aesthetic goals.
Results Intensity
A thread lift offers a light lift. The look remains natural-looking, with subtle enhancements that smooth fine lines and soften early signs of aging.
A surgical facelift delivers dramatic results. A cosmetic surgeon works beneath the surface to restore a more youthful appearance, sharpen the jawline, and correct heavier sagging.
Downtime and Recovery
A thread lift has a short recovery time. You may see mild swelling or dimpling, but most people return to regular routines quickly.
A facelift procedure typically requires a longer recovery period. There is more swelling and a slower return to daily life due to deeper work under the hairline and around the lower face.
Invasiveness
A thread lift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin cannula under local anesthesia.
A facelift is a type of cosmetic surgery that often requires general anesthesia. It adjusts tissues more deeply and has greater risks than surface treatments like fillers or threads.
| Feature | Thread Lift | Facelift |
| Longevity | Months to ~2 years | Many years |
| Ideal Candidates | Mild skin laxity, early aging | Moderate to severe sagging |
| Results Intensity | Subtle, natural-looking | Dramatic, long-lasting |
| Downtime | Minimal downtime | Longer recovery time |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive, non-surgical | Surgical procedure |
Cost Differences and How to Choose the Right Option
The price of a thread lift vs a facelift varies because each treatment calls for different tools, skills, and time. Here’s what affects the cost and how to choose the option that fits your goals.
General Cost Differences
A thread lift usually falls on the lower end because it uses dissolving PDO threads and has minimal downtime. It is performed under local anesthesia and does not require an operating room.
A facelift, including a traditional facelift or full facelift, costs more. A board-certified plastic surgeon does a full facelift under general anesthesia. They remove excess skin and adjust the underlying structures. This depth of work raises the overall price.
What Influences the Price
Several factors shape the final cost of each cosmetic procedure:
- The training and experience of your cosmetic surgeon
- The method used, such as SMAS or deep-plane, for a facelift
- The number of sutures and threads placed during a thread lift procedure
- The level of skin laxity and loose skin
- The clinic’s location and facility fees
- Any added treatments, such as fillers, if needed for full facial rejuvenation
Each step adds time, skill, or materials, which shifts the price.
How to Choose the Option That Fits You
Your choice depends on the depth of your signs of aging, how long you want the results to last, and how much downtime you can manage.
A non-surgical lift is helpful when the changes are mild, and your budget is limited. A rhytidectomy is more effective for addressing heavier sagging, deeper jowls, and a softened jawline.
A consultation helps you decide. A board-certified plastic surgeon can check your skin and discuss your goals. They will help you find the best option for your needs and expectations.
Ready for a Face Lift Consultation with Dr Jay Calvert?
Choosing between a thread lift and a facelift becomes clearer once you understand what each one can deliver. One gives you a light lift with little interruption to your routine. The other reshapes deeper layers for strength that lasts for years.
If you’re considering making a lasting change, a consultation can help you explore your options with confidence. Dr. Jay Calvert brings the skill, care, and precision needed for safe and natural results.Schedule your visit today to discuss the plan that best suits you.