Thread Lift vs Fillers vs Facelift: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to facial rejuvenation, patients often ask us at The Éterne Clinic, Powai: “Should I go for fillers, a thread lift, or a facelift?”
The truth is — each option has its strengths. Choosing the right one depends on your age, level of sagging, lifestyle, and goals.
What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are injectable gels made of hyaluronic acid or collagen stimulators. They are used to:
- Restore lost volume (cheeks, temples, lips, under-eyes)
- Reduce deep lines like nasolabial folds
- Sculpt jawline or chin
👉 Fillers are best for patients with volume loss and mild sagging who want instant results with no downtime.
What Is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift uses biodegradable threads (PDO, PLLA, PCLA) placed under the skin to:
- Lift sagging tissues (cheeks, jawline, brows, neck)
- Trigger collagen production for gradual tightening
- Offer subtle, natural-looking results
👉 Thread lifts are ideal for mild-to-moderate sagging in patients who want a non-surgical facelift with quick recovery.
What Is a Facelift?
A surgical facelift is the gold standard for advanced ageing:
- Skin is lifted and repositioned, excess skin removed
- Strongest correction for sagging, deep folds, and loose neck skin
- Long-lasting results (7–10 years)
👉 Facelifts are suited for patients with significant sagging who are comfortable with 2–3 months recovery and surgical intervention.
Comparison Table: Thread Lift vs Fillers vs Facelift
| Feature | Dermal Fillers | Thread Lift | Surgical Facelift |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Volume loss, wrinkles | Mild–moderate sagging | Advanced sagging, loose skin |
| Results | Instant, natural | Instant + improves with collagen | Dramatic, long-lasting |
| Downtime | None | 1–3 days | 2–3 months |
| Duration | 9–12 months | 12–18 months | 7–10 years |
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive | Minimally invasive | Surgical |
| Ideal Age Group | 25–45 | 30–55 | 45–65+ |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Fillers if you want to correct hollowness, under-eye shadows, or enhance facial features quickly with no downtime.
Choose Thread Lift if you want a subtle lift and collagen stimulation without surgery.
Choose Facelift if you have advanced sagging and are ready for long-term results with surgical recovery.
Why Combination Treatments Often Work Best
At The Éterne Clinic, we often blend these treatments for maximum natural results:
- Fillers + Threads: For lift plus restored volume.
- Threads + Morpheus8 RF: For lift plus skin tightening.
- Fillers + PRP/Exosomes: For volume plus skin quality improvement.
Dr. Ajara Sayyad explains:
“Patients don’t always need just one treatment. Often, the best approach is layered — using fillers for volume, threads for lift, and regenerative therapies for glow and long-term skin health.”