2026-09-03
What is the Difference Between a Facelift, Thread Lift, and Mini Facelift?
A facelift is the most effective and long-lasting method for addressing sagging skin and muscles, while thread lifts and mini facelifts are simpler but offer less dramatic and shorter-lived results.
A 56-year-old male patient visited us for a facelift. He looked older than his actual age, not only because his face was sagging but also because he had very little facial fat. His cheeks were deeply sunken, lacking volume, which made his facial contours appear uneven.
He also had severe acne scars all over his face, making his skin texture uneven. There were many acne scars on his neck as well.
He had nasolabial folds and a sagging jawline, along with long vertical wrinkles on his neck. In all these areas, both the skin and the underlying muscle layer were sagging. Therefore, it's not just about removing excess skin; the muscle layer, called the ‘SMAS’, must also be lifted.
A facelift is the most traditional method of facial lifting. It's the oldest method, but so far, no other method has proven more effective. Various other methods, such as thread lifts and mini facelifts, are more recent and simpler, but their effectiveness is inferior to a traditional facelift, which involves full incision.
The incision for a facelift typically extends from the temporal scalp or hairline, passes around the earlobe, and continues to the posterior hairline. The incision line is quite long.
As mentioned, the excess sagging skin is removed and pulled taut, and the underlying muscle layer, the SMAS, is also lifted. At this point, it's crucial to properly release the retaining ligaments. This allows for sufficient lifting of the muscle layer and a safer lift of the skin layer. Of course, depending on the situation, various methods, such as simply suturing the muscle layer, can also be considered.
While it has the disadvantage of being a larger and longer surgery compared to a thread lift or mini facelift, it offers the significant advantage of having the longest lasting results.
Despite the patient having severe adhesions and scar tissue under the skin due to previous acne scar treatments, the surgery was successfully completed without complications such as nerve damage, bleeding, hematoma, or skin necrosis. While fat grafting would have been beneficial, unfortunately, there was almost no fat available for harvesting. Subsequent filler treatments would be a good complementary option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest difference between a facelift, thread lift, and mini facelift?
The biggest differences are in effectiveness and longevity. A facelift is the most traditional and effective method, lifting both the skin and the SMAS muscle layer, and it offers the longest-lasting results compared to a thread lift or mini facelift. In contrast, thread lifts and mini facelifts are relatively simpler but less effective than a full facelift.
Why is it important to lift the ‘SMAS layer’ during a facelift?
Lifting the SMAS layer is crucial. Facial sagging involves not just the skin but also the underlying muscle layer. Therefore, to achieve more effective lifting results, it's essential to lift the SMAS muscle layer along with the skin, rather than just excising skin. Properly releasing the retaining ligaments during this process is also important.
Where are the incisions made during a facelift?
The incisions for a facelift typically start from the temporal scalp or hairline, extend past the earlobe, and continue to the posterior hairline. While the incision line is quite long, it is generally designed to be hidden along the hairline or behind the ear, making it less noticeable.
How long do the results of a facelift last?
A facelift offers the longest-lasting results. While it has the disadvantage of being a larger and longer surgery compared to a thread lift or mini facelift, it fundamentally improves sagging skin and muscle layers, providing the most enduring effects.
Is a facelift possible even with severe acne scars?
Yes, it is possible. As mentioned with the patient in the article, a facelift can be successfully performed even in cases with severe acne scars across the entire face and underlying skin adhesions and scar tissue. However, the surgical plan may vary depending on the individual's specific condition.