In 2024, Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant published an interview with a 45-year-old marketing professional from Amsterdam who openly discussed her experience with cosmetic treatments. After working remotely for years and spending hours on video calls, she noticed how tired and aged her face looked on screen.
She said that seeing herself daily on Zoom made her more aware of sagging skin around her jawline and cheeks. Instead of rushing into surgery, she spent months reading medical journals, clinic websites and patient reviews. She compared non-surgical and surgical options carefully.
After hours of research and multiple consultations, she faced a question that many people in the Netherlands are asking today:
Should I choose a thread lift or a facelift?
Her story reflects a growing reality in 2026. More people are becoming informed, cautious and selective about aesthetic treatments. They no longer want extreme changes. They want natural improvement.
Why Facial Rejuvenation Is Growing Rapidly in 2026
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), global non-surgical facial procedures increased by more than 35% between 2020 and 2024. European clinics reported similar growth, especially in minimally invasive treatments.
Dutch aesthetic medicine associations also confirm that more patients now prefer treatments with:
- Short recovery time
- Lower medical risk
- Natural-looking outcomes
- Affordable pricing
Because of this trend, many people in the Netherlands search wat is een draadlift when they want to understand modern skin-lifting methods without surgery.
At the same time, traditional facelifts remain important for patients who need deeper correction. This creates an ongoing debate between these two options.
Understanding What a Thread Lift Really Is
A thread lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that lifts and tightens the skin using dissolvable medical threads. These threads are usually made from PDO (polydioxanone) or PLA, materials that have been safely used in surgery for decades.
During the treatment, a doctor places thin threads under the skin using fine needles. These threads have small structures that grip the tissue and gently lift sagging areas.
Once inside the skin, they do two things:
First, they provide immediate lifting support.
Second, they stimulate collagen production over time.
Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and elastic. After age 30, collagen production decreases by about 1% each year. Thread lifts help slow this process.
Most treatments take less than one hour and do not require hospital admission.
What Happens During a Facelift Procedure
A facelift, medically called rhytidectomy, is a surgical operation that corrects advanced signs of aging. Unlike thread lifts, it works on deeper layers of the face.
During surgery, a plastic surgeon:
- Makes incisions near the ears and hairline
- Lifts facial muscles and tissues
- Removes excess skin
- Repositions everything carefully
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and can take three to five hours.
Facelifts are designed for long-term structural improvement. They are more invasive, but they provide stronger results.
Recovery and Downtime: A Major Decision Factor
Recovery After a Thread Lift
Most patients experience mild swelling and bruising for a few days. According to clinical reports published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, over 80% of thread lift patients return to normal activities within five days.
You may feel tightness when smiling or chewing, but this usually fades within two weeks.
Patients can often work, travel, and socialize shortly after treatment.
Recovery After a Facelift
Facelift recovery is much longer. Swelling and bruising may last several weeks. Many patients need at least three to four weeks before returning to work.
Full healing may take up to three months. During this time, physical activity and social events are limited.
For busy professionals, this downtime is often a major concern.
Comparing Results: Subtle Enhancement vs. Strong Transformation
Results of a Thread Lift
Thread lifts are designed for subtle improvement. They work best for mild to moderate sagging.
Patients usually notice:
- Improved jawline definition
- Firmer cheeks
- Lifted eyebrows
- Smoother neck skin
Friends often say, You look fresh instead of You had something done.
This natural appearance is one of the biggest advantages.
Results of a Facelift
Facelifts create dramatic changes. They can correct deep wrinkles, loose neck skin and heavy sagging.
Patients often look 8 to 12 years younger. However, results are more noticeable and some people prefer a softer approach.
Safety and Medical Risks in 2026
Modern aesthetic medicine is safer than ever, but no procedure is risk-free.
Thread Lift Safety
A review published by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery reports that serious complications from thread lifts occur in less than 1% of cases when performed by trained professionals.
Common temporary effects include swelling, redness, and minor bruising.
Facelift Safety
Facelifts involve higher medical risks because of anesthesia and surgery. Possible complications include infection, scarring, and nerve irritation.
According to ISAPS data, major complications occur in fewer than 2% of cases, but careful screening is essential.
Cost Comparison in the Netherlands
Cost remains a deciding factor for many patients.
In 2026, average prices in Dutch clinics are:
Thread Lift: €1,200 to €2,800
Facelift: €6,500 to €13,000+
These figures are based on reports from European aesthetic associations and private clinics.
Thread lifts are more accessible for younger patients and first-time users.
How Long Do Results Last?
Thread lift results usually last between 12 and 24 months. Collagen stimulation may continue even after threads dissolve, which helps maintain firmness.
Many patients choose maintenance treatments every two years.
Facelift results last much longer, typically 7 to 10 years. However, natural aging continues, so no procedure stops time completely.
Who Benefits Most from a Thread Lift?
Thread lifts are ideal for people who:
- Are between 30 and 55 years old
- Have mild sagging
- Want non-surgical treatment
- Prefer short recovery
- Value natural results
This explains why searches for wat is een draadlift keep increasing among Dutch-speaking users.
Who Should Consider a Facelift?
Facelifts suit people who:
- Are over 50
- Have advanced aging signs
- Want long-term results
- Are healthy for surgery
- Can manage recovery time
It is a serious medical decision that requires expert consultation.
Major Trends in Facial Aesthetics in 2026
Experts from ISAPS and European dermatology congresses report several important trends:
Preventive treatments are rising. Patients start earlier to slow aging.
Combination therapies are popular. Doctors mix thread lifts with fillers and laser treatments.
Personalized plans are standard. No two faces receive the same approach.
Natural aging is respected. Extreme changes are declining.
Modern aesthetic medicine focuses on balance, not perfection.
A Research-Based Example: Two Sisters, Two Choices
In 2025, a Dutch health magazine published a case study of two sisters from Rotterdam.
The younger sister, aged 43, chose a thread lift. She wanted minimal downtime and subtle improvement. After one year, she reported high satisfaction.
The older sister, aged 57, chose a facelift. She had severe sagging and wanted long-term change. After six months, she was also satisfied.
Their story shows that the right choice depends on age, lifestyle, and expectations.
How to Decide: Five Important Questions
Before choosing any treatment, ask yourself:
- How much time can I take off work?
- What result do I really want?
- What is my budget?
- Am I comfortable with surgery?
- What does my doctor recommend?
A professional consultation is essential.
Final Comparison: Which Is Better in 2026?
Choose a thread lift if you want quick recovery, lower cost, natural-looking results and minimal risk without surgery.
Choose a facelift if you want strong lifting, long-lasting results and advanced correction of aging signs.
There is no universal answer. The best choice depends on your needs, lifestyle, and expectations.
Making the Right Choice for Your Future
In 2026, patients are smarter, better informed, and more careful than ever. With access to medical research, clinic data, and patient experiences, people no longer make rushed decisions.
Whether you choose a thread lift or a facelift, your goal should not be to chase youth.
It should be to feel confident, comfortable, and healthy in your own skin.
When guided by proper medical advice and supported by hours of research, the right choice becomes clear.
And that is the real secret to aging well.
