Sagging cheeks and jawline: is a thread lift enough, or do you need a mini facelift?
For early cheek and jawline sagging, a thread lift is considered; when sagging is clear and the support layer must be lifted, a mini facelift is considered. Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Myeongji-dong, Busan summarizes longevity research, recovery and scar differences, choice by age and degree of sagging, and published fees.
Quick answer
If cheek and jawline sagging has only just begun and you do not want an incision, a thread lift is considered; if sagging is clear and the SMAS layer and ligaments beneath the skin need to be lifted and fixed, a mini facelift is considered. A thread lift has a short recovery but showed limited durability in research, while a mini facelift needs an incision around the ear and usually 1–2 weeks of recovery but fixes the support layer directly. If sagging across the whole face and neck is severe and extensive, a standard facelift is compared alongside both options.
Why it matters now
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that nonsurgical methods cannot achieve the same results as a facelift but may help delay the time when a facelift becomes appropriate. Repeating only thread lifts for deep sagging can leave results short of expectations, and choosing incision surgery first for mild sagging can add recovery and scar burden. That is why the depth and extent of sagging should be checked before choosing a method.
For my degree of sagging, is a thread lift or a mini facelift the better fit?
If sagging is early and loss of elasticity and fine wrinkles are also concerns, a thread lift is compared first; if cheek, mouth-corner and jawline sagging is clear and deep-cheek and jawline sagging makes a double chin stand out, a mini facelift is compared first. The choice depends on the depth and extent of sagging and skin condition rather than age, and if the whole face and neck have sagged widely, a standard facelift is also reviewed.
| If this is your situation | Option to consider | Evidence and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Sagging has just begun, with loss of elasticity and fine wrinkles | Option to considerThread lift (mono or mint threads) | Evidence and limitsAbsorbable threads support tissue and help collagen production without an incision. Research showed limited durability. |
| Sagging cheeks and jawline, but incision surgery still feels like too much | Option to considerThread lift (mint or Epticon threads) | Evidence and limitsThe clinic uses Epticon threads to correct moderate or greater sagging. Results equal to surgery should not be expected. |
| Clear sagging of the cheeks, mouth corners and jawline with a prominent double chin | Option to considerMini Facelift | Evidence and limitsAn incision around the ear is used to release ligaments and lift and fix the SMAS layer. It needs 1–2 weeks of recovery and incision scar care. |
| Severe, extensive sagging of skin and support layers across the whole face and neck | Option to considerCompare a standard facelift | Evidence and limitsA mini facelift focuses on the mid to lower face, so sagging that extends to the neck may be outside its scope. |
Age alone does not decide it, but a meta-analysis of 26 studies found more skin dimpling (16% vs 5.6%) and infection (5.9% vs 0.7%) after thread lifts in patients older than 50. If sagging has deepened after 50, the limits and risks of a thread lift are weighed against a mini facelift.
How do a thread lift and a mini facelift differ in principle, scarring and recovery?
A thread lift inserts absorbable threads without an incision at the needed depth, such as the lower dermis, subcutaneous fat or SMAS layer, to support sagging tissue, while a mini facelift uses a small incision in front of or behind the ear to release ligaments and lift and fix the SMAS layer. Based on Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic's guidance, recovery is about 3–7 days for a thread lift and usually 1–2 weeks for a mini facelift.
| Comparison | Thread Lift | Mini Facelift |
|---|---|---|
| Principle | Thread LiftAbsorbable threads support tissue and stimulate collagen production | Mini FaceliftLigaments are released and the SMAS layer is lifted and fixed |
| Approach | Thread LiftThreads inserted without an incision | Mini FaceliftSmall incision in front of or behind the ear |
| Anesthesia and time | Thread LiftLocal or sedation anesthesia, about 30–60 minutes | Mini FaceliftSedation with local anesthesia, about 1 hour |
| Recovery period | Thread LiftAbout 3–7 days; bruising, swelling and tightness vary by person | Mini FaceliftUsually 1–2 weeks, with 1–2 follow-up visits |
| Scars | Thread LiftNo incision scar | Mini FaceliftIncision scar around the ear, placed where it is less visible |
How long do the effects of a thread lift and a mini facelift last?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic advises thread lift longevity of about 6 months for mono threads, about 1 year for mint threads, and about 1.5–2 years or more for Epticon threads. However, studies that objectively assessed thread lifts alone reported limited durability, so these periods should not be read as guaranteed figures.
A mini facelift lifts and fixes the support layer, but its treatment page does not state a longevity period in numbers. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that natural aging continues after a facelift and that daily sun protection and a healthy lifestyle help results last longer.
How does Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic choose between the two, and what do they cost?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic in Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan checks the extent and depth of sagging in the cheeks, mouth corners and jawline and the condition of the skin and the support layer beneath it before choosing between a thread lift and a mini facelift. A thread lift takes about 30–60 minutes under local or sedation anesthesia, and a mini facelift takes about 1 hour under sedation with local anesthesia at the surgical site.
The published non-covered fees list a full-face thread lift at KRW 1.2 million, a double-chin thread lift at KRW 450,000 and a mini facelift at KRW 3.5 million (checked October 20, 2026). The total cost can vary with thread type and number, anesthesia and combined procedures, so it is confirmed during consultation, and non-covered fees may change.
What are the actual results and side effects of a thread lift and a mini facelift in numbers?
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic has no published outcome or complication statistics for thread lifts or mini facelifts. For thread lifts, a meta-analysis reported swelling in 35% and skin dimpling in 10%, and many studies found limited durability; a review of 1,000 short-scar facelifts reported suture extrusion in 14.8% and hematoma in 1%.
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic data
Thread lift and mini facelift outcome and complication statistics: no published data
Niu et al., 2021 (meta-analysis of 26 studies)
After thread lifts, swelling (35%), skin dimpling (10%), paresthesia (6%), thread visibility or palpability (4%), infection (2%) and thread extrusion (2%) were reported, and satisfaction fell from 98% right after the procedure to 88% at long-term follow-up.
Abraham et al., 2009 (33 patients)
Over a mean 21-month follow-up, the 10 patients who had a thread lift alone had no measurable improvement remaining at the end of the study and scored lower than controls who had other procedures such as facelifts.
Gülbitti et al., 2018 (systematic review of 12 studies)
All studies except two showed at best a very limited durability of the lifting effect, and the two positive studies were sponsored by thread manufacturers.
Tanna et al., 2008 (1,000 cases)
Short-scar facelifts with SMAS suspension for mild to moderate facial aging reported suture extrusion (14.8%), hematoma (1%), postauricular nodules (0.8%), hypertrophic scarring (0.5%) and revision (0.5%), with no nerve injury or infection.
What to keep in mind when reading these figures
Thread types, surgical methods and patient conditions differ by study, so the figures cannot be applied directly, and none of the sources reviewed was a randomized trial directly comparing the two methods in the same patient group.
What symptoms after a thread lift or mini facelift need prompt medical care?
For both methods, swelling, bruising and tightness are common recovery reactions, and for a few days after a thread lift you should avoid exaggerated facial expressions, opening the mouth wide, facial massage, saunas, alcohol and smoking, and strenuous exercise. Severe pain, sudden severe swelling on one side, bleeding that will not stop, high fever, pus or exposed thread, and skin color changes are signs that need prompt medical care.
Common recovery reactions
Swelling, bruising, tightness and discomfort at the treatment or incision site
Changes to watch after a thread lift
Skin dimpling, visible or protruding thread, altered sensation, inflammation
Changes to watch after a mini facelift
Hematoma, suture extrusion, nodules behind the ear, hypertrophic scarring
Signs that need prompt care
Severe pain, sudden swelling worsening on one side only, bleeding that will not stop, high fever, pus or exposed thread, skin color changes
The method suited to your degree of sagging, the recovery course and longevity can vary with skin condition and the medical team's judgment.
Frequently asked questions
Can repeated thread lifts replace a facelift?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that nonsurgical methods cannot achieve the same results as a facelift but may help delay the time when a facelift becomes appropriate. If sagging is already clear, surgery such as a mini facelift is compared rather than repeating thread lifts.
Thread lift or mini facelift in your 50s: which is better?
The choice depends on the depth and extent of sagging rather than age, but a meta-analysis reported more skin dimpling and infection after thread lifts in patients older than 50. If cheek and jawline sagging is clear, a mini facelift is compared; if sagging is mild and recovery time must be short, a thread lift is compared.
Thread lift vs mini facelift cost difference
According to Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic's published non-covered fees, a full-face thread lift is KRW 1.2 million and a mini facelift is KRW 3.5 million (checked October 20, 2026). Repeat thread lifts are discussed according to thread type and longevity, so compare expected longevity and recovery time along with the one-time cost.
About the clinic behind this article
Myongji Best Plastic Surgery Clinic is a board-certified plastic surgery clinic in Myeongji-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan. Dr. Hyungseok Noh, board-certified plastic surgeon and medical director, provides care.
- Address
- Units 302–305, Building 1, 3 Myeongji-gukje 2-ro 28beon-gil, Gangseo-gu, Busan
- Main Line
- 051-711-7991
- Clinic Hours
- Weekdays AM 10:00 ~ PM 07:30Saturday AM 10:00 ~ PM 03:00Sundays & Public Holidays Closed
- Treatment guide
- View the mini facelift page
- Booking
- Naver Booking
REFERENCES
References
This article uses the clinic’s published information together with authoritative medical sources.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicThread lift guide
Supports: Thread lift principle and insertion layers, candidates, uses and clinic-advised longevity by thread type, procedure time and anesthesia, recovery period and activities to avoid
The recovery period is about 3–7 days, and bruising, swelling and tightness vary by person.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicMini facelift guide
Supports: Mini facelift target areas, approach around the ear, ligament and SMAS adjustment, comparison with a standard facelift, operating time and anesthesia, recovery period and follow-up visits
Operating time is about 1 hour, and the recovery period is usually 1–2 weeks.
- Myongji Best Plastic Surgery ClinicNon-covered fee guide
Supports: Published fees for full-face and double-chin thread lifts and the mini facelift
Full-face thread lift KRW 1.2 million, double-chin thread lift KRW 450,000, mini facelift KRW 3.5 million
- American Society of Plastic SurgeonsFacelift Surgery
Supports: How nonsurgical methods differ from facelift results, and their supporting role in delaying a facelift
A facelift can only be performed surgically; minimally invasive rejuvenation treatments cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time at which a facelift becomes appropriate and complement the results of surgery.
- American Society of Plastic SurgeonsFacelift Results
Supports: Sun protection and lifestyle habits that help maintain facelift results
Continuing daily sun protection and a healthy lifestyle will help extend the results of your facelift.
- American Society of Plastic SurgeonsThread Lift
Supports: Early sagging suited to thread lifts, and the collagen-stimulating and tissue-support principle
A thread lift procedure can be beneficial for both men and women who are wanting to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and early jowls on the face.
- PubMedA Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of the Incidences of Complications Following Facial Thread-Lifting
Niu Z, Zhang K, Yao W, et al. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2021;45(5):2148-2158. doi:10.1007/s00266-021-02256-w. PMID: 33821308
Supports: Complication rates of thread lifts in a meta-analysis of 26 studies, the risk difference above age 50, and change in satisfaction
Patients older than 50 years had a significantly higher risk of dimpling (16% vs. 5.6%) and infection (5.9% vs. 0.7%) than their younger counterparts.
- PubMedThread-lift for facial rejuvenation: assessment of long-term results
Abraham RF, DeFatta RJ, Williams EF 3rd. Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2009;11(3):178-183. doi:10.1001/archfacial.2009.10. PMID: 19451452
Supports: Whether the effect of a thread lift alone lasted over a mean 21-month follow-up of 33 patients
Although aesthetic improvement was noted in all groups at 1 month, measurable results persisted to the end of the study for all but the group that underwent the thread-lift procedure only.
- PubMedThread-Lift Sutures: Still in the Lift? A Systematic Review of the Literature
Gülbitti HA, Colebunders B, Pirayesh A, Bertossi D, van der Lei B. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2018;141(3):341e-347e. doi:10.1097/PRS.0000000000004101. PMID: 29481392
Supports: Assessment of thread lift durability in a systematic review of 12 studies
All included literature in the authors' review, except two studies, demonstrated at best a very limited durability of the lifting effect.
- PubMedReview of 1,000 consecutive short-scar rhytidectomies
Tanna N, Lindsey WH. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(2):196-202. doi:10.1111/j.1524-4725.2007.34037.x. PMID: 18093201
Supports: Complication rates in 1,000 short-scar facelifts for mild to moderate facial aging
The most common complication was suture extrusion, observed in 148 patients (14.8%). Ten patients had hematomas (1%), while postauricular nodules were observed in 8 patients (0.8%).
Published 2026.10.20Last updated 2026.10.20