Thread Lift vs Facelift: Which One Is Right for You?

Skulpted by Kan
20 hours ago
2 min read

As we age, our skin naturally loses collagen and elasticity. This can lead to sagging of the face, drooping cheeks, jowls, or loose skin around the jawline and neck. Thanks to modern aesthetic medicine, there are effective solutions available today — Thread Lift and Surgical Facelift being the most popular.

But which one is right for you?

Let’s understand both procedures in a simple and clear way.

What Is a Thread Lift?

A thread lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging skin using special medical threads. These threads are gently placed under the skin to provide an instant lifting effect and also stimulate natural collagen production over time.

Key Features of Thread Lift:

Non-surgical & minimally invasive
Performed under local anesthesia
Takes about 30–60 minutes
No hospital stay required
Minimal downtime
Natural-looking results

Best For:

Mild to moderate skin sagging
Early signs of aging
People who want quick results without surgery
Patients looking for subtle and natural enhancement
Results & Longevity

Results are visible immediately and continue to improve over the next few weeks. The effects typically last 12–18 months, depending on skin quality, age, and lifestyle.

What Is a Surgical Facelift?

A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical procedure that involves lifting and tightening deeper facial tissues and removing excess skin to create a more youthful appearance. It is a more invasive treatment but offers long-lasting and dramatic results.

Key Features of Facelift
Surgical procedure
Requires anesthesia
Longer procedure time
Hospital stay may be needed
Noticeable downtime for recovery

Best For:

Moderate to severe skin sagging
Deep wrinkles and loose skin
Advanced signs of aging
Patients seeking long-term results
Results & Longevity
Facelift results are more dramatic and can last 5–10 years or longer, depending on aging and lifestyle factors.

Thread Lift vs Facelift: A Simple Comparison:

Feature Thread Lift Facelift

Type Non-surgical Surgical

Anesthesia Local General / Local

Downtime Minimal Significant

Results Natural & subtle Dramatic

Longevity 1–1.5 years 5–10 years

Scarring None Minimal (hidden)

Recovery Time Few days Several weeks

Which One Should You Choose?

There is no “one-size-fits-all” answer. The right choice depends on:

Your age
Degree of skin laxity
Desired results
Downtime availability
Budget and expectations
If you are in your 30s or early 40s with mild sagging and want a quick, natural lift — Thread Lift may be ideal
If you have advanced aging changes and want a long-term solution — a Facelift may be more suitable

A personal consultation with an experienced aesthetic doctor is the best way to determine what will give you safe and satisfying results.

Expert Advice Matters

At Skulpted by kan, we believe in honest guidance and customized treatment plans. Not every patient needs surgery, and not every concern can be corrected with non-surgical treatments alone. Our goal is to recommend what is right for your face, your skin, and your confidence.