A Clinic Skilled in Facelifts: The Advantages of Thread Lifting and Facelift Surgery

When the skin begins to sag, people usually find themselves facing two options. One is thread lifting. Many are drawn to the promise of quick tightening without incisions, but after undergoing the procedure, quite a few people feel, “Is that all?”

In more severe cases, the cheekbones may even appear larger. The other option is facelift surgery. Although the results are said to be more certain, the surgical area is larger and the recovery period can be considerable, making it difficult to decide readily. Many people hesitate, thinking, “I don’t think it’s that serious yet...” and let time pass.

For those who feel that thread lifting is not enough but a facelift still feels like too much, if you feel that you are somewhere in between, the temple lift introduced today may be the answer. It is a method that can overcome the structural limitations of thread lifting while reducing the burden associated with surgery and allowing you to expect a lifting effect. I will explain its principles and how it differs from existing methods step by step.

Why does thread lifting have limitations?

You have probably heard a lot about thread lifting among the various skin-lifting methods. Unlike laser lifting based on ultrasound or radiofrequency, which focuses on tightening the skin, thread lifting physically pulls the tissue upward. For this reason, many people who find incisions burdensome seek it as an alternative to facelift surgery. However, thread lifting has structural limitations.

✅ The threads begin at approximately the level of the upper ear

The threads are inserted into the area between the ear and the eye and are used to lift the cheeks or nasolabial fold area, which are located much lower. Since the starting point of the lift is not very far from areas that have already sagged to some degree, the limitations become apparent as the tissue is pulled more strongly.

✅ Excess tissue from the lifted area is not removed

Because the procedure does not excise tissue as surgery does, the lifted skin gathers somewhere. The more threads are used and the stronger the lift, the more likely tissue is to collect around the cheekbones. This is why some people say, “My cheekbones seem to look bigger after thread lifting,” or “The upper part of my face looks wider and flatter.”

Because of these two structural limitations, thread lifting may produce less improvement than expected or may even result in an unnatural appearance.

What is a temple lift?

A temple lift is a surgical method designed to preserve the advantages of thread lifting while structurally addressing the limitations mentioned above. An appropriate amount of scalp tissue covered by the hair is excised from a position much higher than where threads are inserted during thread lifting, and the tissue is lifted from around the hairline level. This makes it possible to achieve a stronger lift from a higher position around the temples, overcoming the limitation that thread lifting can only pull the tissue up to approximately the level of the upper ear.

✅ Because the tissue is lifted from a higher position, an effective lifting result can be expected.

✅ Because the tissue itself is removed from areas where it may otherwise gather, the accumulation of tissue around the cheekbones can be prevented in advance.

✅ The scalp skin is not prone to stretching, so the results may last relatively longer.

In some respects, it can be considered a mini version of facelift surgery, but the incision area is much smaller and recovery is faster. Although it is difficult to expect an effect as powerful as that of a facelift, it may be understood as a method that overcomes the structural limitations of thread lifting to create a firmer and more natural lifting result.

Are scars a concern?

You may also have significant concerns about scarring. Because the incision is made parallel to the hair follicles on the scalp, protecting the follicles themselves, hair can grow again in the area as the scar improves over time. As a result, the hair naturally covers the incision area, so the scar is rarely noticeable. Important nerves involved in facial expressions also pass through the temple area.

For this reason, surgery involving the temple area should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with sufficient anatomical knowledge and extensive experience. Since the delicacy of the surgery determines the quality and safety of the result, choosing the surgeon is very important.

How is the surgery performed?

A temple lift is often performed together with thread lifting. When both procedures are performed together, the entire process takes approximately 30 minutes.

☑ Anesthesia: In most cases, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Those who want a more comfortable experience may choose sedation.

☑ Hospitalization: Discharge on the same day is possible. You can return to daily activities without gauze or bandage dressings.

☑ Washing your face and applying makeup: Possible from the following day.

☑ Shampooing: Possible from the third day after surgery.

☑ Suture removal: Performed two weeks after surgery.

The biggest difference compared with incisional facelift surgery is that there is less swelling and bruising, with almost no downtime.

Recommended for those who:

✅ Are considering thread lifting for the first time

✅ Have undergone thread lifting but experienced insufficient results or felt that their cheekbones appeared larger

✅ Still have areas of concern after incisional facelift surgery

✅ Want a meaningful lifting effect while minimizing downtime

However, a temple lift is not a procedure that completely replaces facelift surgery. If the degree of sagging is severe or the area requiring improvement is extensive, a facelift may be more appropriate, and the method suited to you should be determined through a consultation. A temple lift is not the right answer for everyone. Depending on the degree of sagging and the desired result, another method may be more suitable. The important thing is to find a method appropriate for your current circumstances. We recommend first consulting a clinic that can provide thorough, individualized consultations and procedures.

| This post was written for the purpose of providing information in compliance with Article 56, Paragraphs 1–15 of the Medical Service Act. All treatments carry the risk of side effects and complications that may vary from person to person. Before receiving treatment, please make your decision only after having a thorough consultation with medical professionals who have extensive experience. |