Thread Lift vs HIFU vs Ultherapy: Which Is Best for Skin Lifting?
Despite common sayings about "ageing gracefully", the truth is that the ageing process can be far from kind. As we grow older, our skin loses its youthful plumpness, elasticity, and structure. The decline of collagen production — starting as early as our 20s — means that the skin becomes thinner and looser over time. But it’s not just the skin that changes.
Deeper structures of the face also lose support. Fat pads shrink and descend, the SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System) weakens, and the retaining ligaments that once held the facial tissues in place become lax. As a result, folds and lines begin to appear, especially around the nasolabial area (NLF), marionette lines, and jawline. These changes are often the most obvious visual markers of ageing.
For decades, the common solution for reversing these changes was the surgical facelift. By surgically lifting and tightening both the skin and the underlying SMAS layer, a facelift could restore youthful contours. However, this approach comes with consideration of factors like:
- Surgical incisions and scarring
- Lengthy recovery time
- Post-operative pain
- Potential for anaesthesia-related risks
- And, critically, results that heavily depend on the surgeon’s skill.
Understandably, not everyone is ready—or willing—to undergo such an invasive procedure.
Fortunately, advancements in non-surgical face lifting have created minimally invasive alternatives: Thread Lifts, HIFU, and Ultherapy. But how do these compare to each other and to the traditional facelift?
The Rise of Non-Surgical Face Lifting
What if you could achieve a lifted, youthful appearance without surgery?
That question has driven the development of non-invasive and minimally invasive skin lifting technologies over the last two decades. The demand for effective solutions with minimal downtime has led to treatments that tighten skin, stimulate collagen, and, in some cases, physically reposition sagging tissues.
Today, three of the most popular non-surgical face-lifting methods are:
- Thread Lifts
- HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
- Ultherapy (Microfocused Ultrasound with Visualisation)
Which is right for you? Let’s break down how they work, what to expect, and how they compare.
Thread Lift: The Mechanical and Biological Approach
A thread lift involves the insertion of fine, medical-grade sutures beneath the skin using a tiny needle or cannula. These threads, made from absorbable materials like PDO, PLLA, or PCL, are designed with either barbs or cones. Once inserted, the threads hook onto the underlying tissue, allowing the practitioner to gently pull the skin upward, repositioning sagging areas like the jawline, cheeks, brows, and neck.
But the benefits go beyond visible lifting. As the threads settle into place, they stimulate the body’s natural healing response, boosting collagen production in the surrounding tissues. This collagen stimulation provides long-term improvement in skin firmness and elasticity, even after the threads have dissolved.
Key Benefits of Thread Lifts:
- Lifting effect
- Long-term collagen stimulation
- Customisable to different facial areas
- Minimal downtimex
- Results lasting 6 months to 2 years
Thread lifts are particularly effective for patients seeking visible, physical lifting without undergoing surgery. Other threads, such as moulded barbs or ultrasound-moulded threads, offer better tension.
However, thread lifts are not ideal for everyone. Individuals with severe skin laxity or very thin skin may not achieve the desired results and could be better candidates for surgical intervention or combined therapies.
HIFU: The Power of Ultrasound Energy
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive skin lifting technology that uses focused ultrasound energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin and SMAS. By delivering thermal injury points, HIFU triggers the body’s natural wound healing response, leading to collagen remodelling and skin tightening over time.
HIFU stimulates internal tightening by:
- Contracting collagen fibres
- Promoting neocollagenesis (new collagen production)
- Increasing skin elasticity
Key Benefits of HIFU:
- Non-invasive — no needles or cuts
- Safe for most skin types
- Gradual, natural-looking results
- Minimal downtime
- Results lasting 6 to 12 months
HIFU is ideal for individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity who prefer a needle-free option. However, the lifting effect is subtle compared to thread lifts or surgery. It’s suitable for early signs of ageing or for maintaining results after other lifting treatments.
Ultherapy: Accurate Lifting with Visualisation
Ultherapy combines micro-focused ultrasound with real-time ultrasound imaging (visualisation). This allows practitioners to see exactly where the energy is being delivered — ensuring accurate targeting of the SMAS layer and optimising treatment outcomes.
Like HIFU, Ultherapy works by heating the deeper skin layers, stimulating collagen production and causing tissue contraction. Ultherapy is able to:
- Customise treatment depth (superficial dermis to deep SMAS)
- Avoid critical structures using ultrasound imaging
- Achieve consistent results
Key Benefits of Ultherapy:
- Non-invasive with minimal downtime
- FDA-cleared for lifting the brow, chin, and neck
- Real-time visualisation for enhanced safety and efficacy
- Gradual, natural-looking improvements
- Results lasting up to 12 to 18 months
Ultherapy is ideal for patients with early to moderate signs of skin laxity who desire a natural lift without needles or surgery.
Comparing Thread Lift, HIFU, and Ultherapy
Treatment | Invasiveness | Mechanism | Results | Longevity | Best For |
Thread Lift | Minimally invasive | Physical lifting + collagen stimulation | Visible Lift + long-term collagen remodelling | 6 months to 2 years | Moderate sagging needing visible lift |
HIFU | Non-invasive | Deep tissue heating, collagen remodelling | Gradual skin tightening | 6 to 12 months | Early signs of laxity, maintenance |
Ultherapy | Non-invasive | Microfocused ultrasound + visualisation | Gradual lift and tightening | 12 to 18 months | Early to moderate laxity, precision lifting |
Key Takeaways:
- Thread lifts deliver the visible lift.
- HIFU provides subtle tightening without needles — ideal for early ageing.
- Ultherapy offers a customisable tightening effect with deep collagen stimulation.
Can They Be Combined?
Absolutely. In fact, many patients achieve their aesthetic goals by combining these treatments.
- Thread lifts provide a quick lift and structural support.
- Ultherapy or HIFU can be used before or after threads to enhance collagen production and maintain results.
- Injectable collagen stimulators (e.g., CaHA Filler, PDLLA Filler) or HA fillers can restore volume where needed, complementing the lifting effect.
This multi-layered approach addresses skin laxity, volume loss, and structural support, creating a comprehensive and lasting facial rejuvenation.
Are There Cases Where Non-Surgical Lifting Is Not Enough?
Yes. While non-surgical face-lifting methods show results for many patients, they do have limitations.
Patients who may not be ideal candidates include:
- Individuals aged 70 and above with severe skin laxity and visible ageing effects.
- Patients with significant volume loss, where threads or energy devices cannot provide sufficient lifting or volume restoration.
- Those needing extensive tissue repositioning, where a surgical facelift remains the effective solution.
Thread lifts, HIFU, and Ultherapy can’t do it all. They are ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin sagging or those seeking to maintain or enhance the results of previous lifting treatments.
Final Thoughts: Which Skin Lifting Treatment Is Suitable for You?
The answer depends on your age, degree of skin laxity, treatment goals, and tolerance for downtime.
- If you want visible lifting, especially for moderate sagging: Thread Lift.
- If you prefer no needles and gradual tightening for mild laxity: HIFU.
- If you desire accurate lifting with deeper collagen stimulation and minimal downtime: Ultherapy.
Ultimately, a suitable approach for your skin may involve a personalised combination of treatments to address both lifting and volume loss, tailored to your anatomy and aesthetic goals.
Book a Consultation with Ozhean Zoey Today
Not sure which treatment is right for you? Contact Ozhean Zoey today to schedule your personalised consultation and discover how to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate your face — without surgery.