Before You Book a Facelift, Learn About Thread Lift for Jowls
When our 52-year-old patient came in to see Dr. Godley, she pointed to her jawline and said, “Can you do anything about this?” She felt her jawline had changed more in the past two years than in the ten years before that. Botox still helped, but it was no longer giving the same “oomph” she enjoyed in her forties.
She told us she had started reading about surgical facelifts because she assumed that once jowls appear, the only real solution is surgery. This is a very common belief. Many people feel they have reached the limit of their non surgical options once the lower face begins to soften.
Before taking that step, it is worth understanding a treatment that sits between injectables and surgery. A thread lift for jowls offers gentle lifting and renewed support in the lower face and neckline, without the downtime of surgery. It does not replace a facelift, but it can be a valuable option when changes are still in the early to moderate stage.
Why the lower face changes
As we age, collagen declines and the deeper structures that support the face begin to shift. This often shows first along the jawline. The once clean border between the chin and neck becomes softer. Jowls begin to form. Makeup does not sit the same way in this area. For many people, this is the moment they start considering surgery.
A thread lift can support these early changes by repositioning the tissue and encouraging new collagen.
What a thread lift does
A thread lift uses medical threads placed under the skin. They give a small lift right away and encourage gradual collagen renewal for several months. The goal is to restore the tissue health, as opposed to removing or changing the tissue as in surgery, or numbing the muscles as with neuromodulators.
The treatment can be tailored to the jowls, jawline, lower face, and neckline.
Our patient said she appreciated that it offered more structure than injectables, without committing to a surgical procedure.
What to expect
Before anything begins, the areas of concern are assessed and marked while you are sitting upright so the natural position of the tissue is clear. A local numbing agent is injected to keep you comfortable.
Once the skin is numb, the threads are placed under the surface using a fine cannula. Most patients describe the feeling as pressure rather than pain. Each thread is positioned along the natural line of lift, and Dr. Godley gently adjusts the tissue to create a balanced, natural look.
The procedure itself is usually brief. Afterward, he reviews simple aftercare steps and makes sure you feel comfortable before leaving the clinic. Most people return to their regular routine with only mild awareness of the treated area.
How a thread lift feels
Once the numbing wears off, people describe the sensation of having threads in the face as a feeling of tightness. It can feel similar to stitches that tug slightly when you smile, chew, or turn your head. The sensation is not sharp, but you are aware of the threads as the tissue settles around them.
This awareness is most noticeable in the first few days. As swelling settles and the threads integrate, the feeling gradually becomes less noticeable. In the months that follow, the threads encourage new collagen, which contributes to ongoing support and improvements in texture.
Before you commit to a facelift
A facelift remains the standard for significant laxity. But for people in their forties and fifties, a thread lift may be a more suitable next step. It can help you understand how much support your lower face needs and whether a non surgical approach is appropriate at this stage.
Our patient told us she felt relieved to learn there was an option between injectables and surgery, something that matched where her skin was today.
Why people choose Dr. Godley
With more than twenty five years of medical experience and a formal background in anesthesia, Dr. Godley focuses on precision, comfort, and natural looking outcomes. Patients often appreciate his ability to explain why one approach may be more suitable than another.
Book your thread lift consult in Vancouver or Abbotsford
If you are noticing changes in your jawline, jowls, or neckline and you are unsure of the next step, a consultation can help you understand what is suitable for your skin and goals.
Would you like to learn more about thread lifts with Dr. Godley? Book your consultation in Vancouver or Abbotsford.

