Worried about jowls or a sagging neck? Not sure about the options available such as thread lifts or facelifts? We will summarise the differences between the two and highlight which may be suited for your needs and desired look. At CLNQ, we have a team of expert aesthetic doctors and plastic surgeons offering the full range of facial rejuvenation treatments.
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift uses fine, dissolvable sutures placed through tiny entry points under local anaesthetic. These threads have barbs or cones that anchor and elevate soft tissue (commonly the cheeks, jowls, and brows). Materials include PDO (polydioxanone), PLLA (poly-L-lactic acid), or PCL (polycaprolactone). As they dissolve, they may stimulate collagen, leading to a modest, secondary tightening effect.
Benefits
Clinic-based procedure; usually local anaesthetic only.
Short treatment time and minimal downtime.
Small entry marks (no large incisions).
Useful for mild lower-face descent or to refresh results between bigger treatments.
Limitations
Lift is subtle and temporary (months rather than years).
Best in earlier ageing with good skin quality and limited heaviness.
Asymmetry, dimpling, or palpable threads can occur.
Not a substitute for a neck lift or deep lower-face correction.
What is a Facelift?
A facelift (rhytidectomy) is a surgical operation to reposition and tighten deeper tissues—most often the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system)—and remove redundant skin. Depending on your needs, techniques range from mini-lift to SMAS plication, SMASectomy, or deep-plane approaches, sometimes combined with neck lift, platysmaplasty, or fat grafting for contour.
Benefits
Most powerful and predictable correction for jowls, jawline and neck.
Durable results (many years), with a natural, sharper lower-face contour when performed well.
Can be customised (mini-lift vs deep-plane) to balance downtime and power.
Trade-offs
Surgery with anaesthetic, incisions placed around the ears/hairline.
Downtime of 2–3 weeks for public-facing roles; swelling and fine-tuning continue for weeks.
Higher upfront cost vs. short procedures.
Who is the ideal candidate?
Thread Lift is best if you:
Are 30s–50s with early jowls or mild midface descent.
Have reasonable skin quality (not very thin or very heavy).
Want a small, quick refresh and can accept modest lift.
Are not ready for surgery (or want a “preview” of lift).
Facelift is best if you:
Are developing moderate to advanced jowls and neck laxity.
Want an outsized, long-lasting improvement in the jawline/neck.
Prefer predictable results with more controlled vectoring of tissues.
Are comfortable with surgery and downtime to gain a bigger change.
How long do results last?
Thread lift: Most patients see the lifting effect soften from 6–18 months as threads dissolve and tissues relax. A collagen-boosting effect may persist a little longer, but repeat treatment is often needed to maintain the look.
Facelift: With natural ageing continuing, a facelift can re-set the clock by years. Many patients remain pleased 5–10 years later, though subtle relaxation occurs over time. Non-surgical maintenance (skin care, RF microneedling, toxin/fillers) can prolong quality of results.
Recovery, aftercare & return to life
Thread Lift
Aftercare: Avoid vigorous chewing, big facial movements, and side-sleeping for ~1–2 weeks.
Downtime: Bruising or dimpling can occur; social downtime is usually a few days.
Work/Exercise: Desk work in 1–3 days; light exercise after a week or two.
Facelift
Aftercare: Head elevation, short-term bandaging, wound care, suture removal as directed.
Downtime: Many return to desk work by 2–3 weeks; exercise 6 weeks.
Follow-up: Regular checks at CLNQ to optimise healing, scar care and skin quality.
Safety, side-effects and risks
All procedures carry risk. In experienced hands, serious issues are uncommon, but it’s essential to give informed consent.
Thread Lift
Common/temporary: Bruising, swelling, mild discomfort, puckering/dimpling (often settles).
Less common: Asymmetry, thread visibility or palpability, migration, infection, granuloma, early loss of effect. Rarely, thread removal or revision may be needed.
Facelift
Common/expected: Swelling, bruising, temporary numbness/tightness, scars that mature.
Less common: Haematoma, delayed healing (especially with smoking), contour irregularities, hypertrophic scarring.
Rare but discussed: Temporary or (very rarely) persistent nerve weakness.
Your consultation covers your personal risk profile in detail, tailored to your medical history and anatomy.
Cost and value in Manchester & Cheshire
Thread lift: Lower initial cost and low downtime, but expect maintenance (repeat threads) to preserve results. Over several years, cumulative costs can approach surgery without matching surgical power.
Facelift: Higher upfront cost, hospital and anaesthesia fees, and downtime—but a single, durable correction can be the best value per year if you seek a major, long-lasting change.
For current pricing options at CLNQ (Deansgate Square, Manchester & Knutsford, Cheshire) and personalised plans, please contact our team.
Can threads and surgery be combined or sequenced?
Yes—with careful planning.
Some patients use threads as a bridge before they are emotionally or practically ready for surgery.
After a facelift, maintenance can include skin quality treatments (e.g., Morpheus8 RF microneedling), skincare, toxin and selective volumising—not usually threads, because surgical suspension already defines the vectors.
Alternatives and adjuncts we may discuss at CLNQ
Morpheus8 RF microneedling: Morpheus8 offer skin tightening and texture improvement.
Injectables: Botulinum toxin for muscle-related lines; hyaluronic acid or biostimulatory fillers for volume.
Skin boosters and medical skincare: To improve skin quality that neither threads nor surgery alone can transform.
Submental sculpting: Under-chin liposuction or energy-based fat reduction if fullness blunts the jawline.
Neck-focused surgery: Platysmaplasty or neck lift if your neck drives the ageing picture.
Which should I choose? A simple decision guide
You want a visible, long-lasting jawline & neck change and can take a few weeks off then consider a Facelift.
You need a light refresh for an event in 2–6 weeks, and expectations are realistic then a Thread lift (or non-surgical tightening).
You’ve had multiple non-surgical treatments that no longer “move the needle” then discuss facelift options.
You’re needle-averse but not surgery-ready then consider skin-quality focus first; revisit threads only if suitable.
FAQs
Is a thread lift better than a facelift?
Not generally—just different. A thread lift offers a quick, subtle lift with minimal downtime, but it’s temporary and less predictable. A facelift provides a more powerful, longer-lasting and sharper correction of the lower face and neck, at the expense of surgery and recovery. The “better” option depends on your ageing pattern, goals, and schedule.
Why do plastic surgeons not like threads?
Some surgeons are selective about threads because outcomes can be variable, lift is short-lived, and issues such as dimpling, asymmetry, or thread visibility occasionally occur. In patients with heavier tissues or significant laxity, threads cannot match the predictability and durability of a surgical facelift. That said, threads can suit carefully chosen patients seeking a modest, quick refresh. Some thread materials can also make subsequent facelifts more difficult due to scar tissue. These are more permanent types of threads which do not dissolve or breakdown.
What are the negatives of a thread lift?
Shorter longevity (often 6–18 months).
Subtle results—not suitable for significant jowls or neck bands.
Risks such as puckering/dimpling, asymmetry, migration, infection, or palpable threads.
Potential need for repeat treatments to maintain the look.
What is the best age for a thread lift?
Often 30s to early 50s with mild descent and good skin quality. Suitability is less about age and more about anatomy: lighter tissues, minimal laxity, and realistic expectations.
How long does a facelift last?
Ageing continues, but many patients enjoy meaningful results for 5–10 years. Lifestyle (sun, smoking, weight fluctuation) and skin quality influence longevity. There will be individual differences and some patients may experience shorter or longer lasting results.
Will a facelift look “pulled”?
A modern, anatomical facelift (SMAS/deep-plane facelift concepts) aims for a natural, refreshed look by lifting deeper layers rather than simply pulling skin. Over-tightening skin alone causes the “wind-tunnel” look—not the goal at CLNQ.
Can threads fix my neck bands?
No—threads are not effective for platysmal bands or significant neck laxity. A neck lift/platysmaplasty is usually the right solution.
Are thread lifts painful?
Most patients tolerate threads with local anaesthetic. You may feel tugging or pressure; some soreness or tightness is normal for a few days.
Can threads be removed if I don’t like the result?
Sometimes, but not always easily. Removal carries its own risks and may not fully reverse dimpling or contour changes. Good patient selection is vital to minimise regret.
How much downtime should I plan for a facelift?
Plan 2–3 weeks before public-facing events or photography. Gentle activity resumes sooner; your surgeon will guide phased return to exercise.
Is a mini-lift enough for me?
A mini-lift suits earlier lower-face changes. If your neck drives the ageing picture, you may need a full lower facelift with neck work for best balance.
Can I combine facelift with eyelid surgery or fat transfer?
Yes. Blepharoplasty and fat grafting are often combined to rejuvenate eyes and restore midface volume for harmonious results, discussed case-by-case.
Why choose CLNQ in Manchester & Cheshire?
Consultant-led care: Assessment and surgery by Mr Reza Nassab FRCS(Plast).
Honest guidance: We offer both surgical and non-surgical options—and advise the least invasive solution that will actually meet your goals.
Safety & governance: Hospital-grade standards, robust aftercare, and clear consent.
Personal plans: From skin quality to facial structure, we tailor treatment to your features and lifestyle.
Ready to explore your options? Book a confidential consultation at CLNQ Deansgate Square (Manchester) or CLNQ Knutsford (Cheshire).