Non Surgical Facelift Options: Lasers vs Threads

Laser and energy-based tightening may be ideal if you:

• Have mild to moderate skin laxity
• Want overall skin smoothing and tightening
• Prefer gradual improvement
• Want little to no downtime
• Want to address texture, discoloration, or wrinkles at the same time

These treatments are also excellent for individuals who want to prevent early signs of sagging or maintain results from previous procedures, including fillers or thread lifts.

PDO thread lifts provide immediate lift using dissolvable sutures placed beneath the skin. These threads anchor into the tissue and gently reposition sagging areas upward. As they dissolve over time, the threads also stimulate collagen production, helping to maintain long-term firmness.

• Immediate lifting effect
• Improves moderate sagging along the cheeks and jawline
• Boosts collagen for continued improvement over several months
• Creates more defined contours
• Natural-looking results when placed by an experienced injector
• Minimal downtime

Threads provide one of the most noticeable non-surgical lifting results available today.

Threads work in two phases:

The barbs or cones on the threads anchor into the tissue, allowing the provider to reposition drooping areas.

Over time, the threads dissolve, leaving behind a framework of strong collagen. This helps maintain the lifted appearance and improves skin firmness.

Threads may be a better choice if you:

• Have moderate sagging rather than mild laxity
• Want results you can see right away
• Need contour improvement in the cheeks or jawline
• Prefer a more dramatic change than lasers offer
• Have good skin thickness and elasticity

Threads are one of the few nonsurgical options that can lift tissue rather than simply tighten it.

Here is a clear comparison to help you understand the strengths of each method.

Both options can significantly improve signs of aging, but the best choice depends on whether you want tightening or true lifting.

Lasers are often the better choice when the main concerns involve skin quality rather than sagging. You may be a stronger candidate for lasers if your goals include:

• Smoother, more even skin
• Fewer fine lines and wrinkles
• Tighter skin without changing facial structure
• A treatment that is gentle with minimal downtime
• Improvement in pigmentation or sun damage

Lasers are also ideal for younger clients who want to maintain their skin and delay the need for more invasive procedures.

Threads are often recommended for individuals who want a visible lift and have early to moderate sagging. Threads may be the right choice if you want to:

• Elevate sagging cheeks
• Improve jowling
• Define the jawline
• Add structure without filler
• Achieve noticeable improvement right away

Threads are also a good option for clients who have already tried skin tightening treatments and want a more significant change.

Yes. In fact, combining lasers and threads often produces the most comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

Lasers and RF devices address:

• Texture
• Tone
• Fine lines
• Surface-level tightening

Threads address:

• Lift
• Contouring
• Tissue repositioning

Because the treatments target different layers of the skin, they complement each other rather than overlap.

Combination therapy is ideal for clients seeking a refreshed, lifted, and radiant look without surgery.

• Skin is cleansed and prepped
• Eye protection is applied
• The laser device is passed across the skin
• You may feel warmth or prickling
• Most clients return to daily activities right away

Some treatments have minimal redness. Deeper resurfacing options, such as CO2, may involve more downtime.

• Numbing is applied for comfort
• Threads are inserted under the skin through tiny entry points
• Your provider adjusts and lifts the tissue
• Treatment is typically completed in less than an hour
• Mild swelling or tenderness is common for a few days

The best way to choose between lasers and threads is to consider:

• The degree of sagging
• Your skin quality
• How quickly you want results
• Your tolerance for downtime
• Your long-term goals

A personalized consultation allows an expert to evaluate your features, collagen levels, and facial anatomy. From there, they can recommend the ideal approach or combination.

Whether you want the smoothing and tightening benefits of laser and RF technologies or the immediate lift of PDO threads, the specialists at Illume Aesthetics can help you choose the best approach for your goals. Every treatment plan is customized to your facial structure and desired outcome so your results look natural and refined.

If you are ready to refresh your appearance without surgery, schedule your consultation at Illume Aesthetics in Ashland, OR, today. Lift, smooth, and rejuvenate your look with confidence.