Endolift® vs Surgical Facelift: Which Option Is Better?

When exploring facial rejuvenation, patients today are often torn between Endolift® (a minimally invasive laser procedure) and a traditional facelift, which is a surgical lift capable of delivering more dramatic structural change. Both can be excellent options, but they serve different purposes and suit different stages of the ageing process.

Endolift® is a minimally invasive laser-assisted treatment that uses ultra-thin microfibres to deliver controlled thermal energy beneath the skin. This stimulates a series of targeted effects:

• Immediate collagen contraction for noticeable tightening
• New collagen production over several months
• Selective fat emulsification, particularly under the chin or along the jawline
• Improved definition of the lower face and submental region

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, involves no surgical incisions, and typically requires minimal downtime.

Clinically, Endolift® is best suited for:

• Mild to moderate skin laxity
• Early jowling or loss of jawline contour
• Submental (under-chin) fat
• Patients seeking visible improvement without general anaesthesia or surgical scarring

A traditional facelift (often SMAS or deep-plane) is an operative surgical procedure that:

• Elevates and repositions deeper facial tissues
• Reduces sagging in the mid-face, jawline and neck
• Removes redundant skin
• Restores youthful facial proportions

Unlike Endolift®, a facelift alters not just the skin but also the underlying musculature and connective tissue, delivering the most significant and durable rejuvenation for more advanced ageing.

A facelift is typically ideal for:

• Moderate to severe facial laxity
• Pronounced jowls
• Significant neck skin laxity
• Patients wanting substantial and long-lasting structural improvement

A. Results

Endolift®:

• Produces subtle to moderate tightening
• Gradual enhancement over 6–12 weeks as collagen remodels
• Best for early to mid-level ageing changes

Surgical Facelift:

• Offers the most transformative lifting
• Repositions underlying tissues
• Delivers visible, structural rejuvenation lasting many years

B. Downtime

Endolift®:

• 7–10 days of mild swelling or bruising
• Many patients return to work within 48–72 hours

Surgical Facelift:

• 2–4 weeks of visible downtime
• Full maturation of results can take several months

Read our article on Endolift® recovery and aftercare.

C. Anaesthesia

• Endolift®: Performed under local anaesthetic only
• Surgical Facelift: Requires general anaesthetic or deep sedation

D. Longevity

• Endolift®: Results typically last 1–3 years; maintenance sessions are common
• Surgical Facelift: Often lasts 8–12 years depending on patient age, skin quality and technique

E. Risks & Safety

Endolift® risks:

• Temporary swelling or numbness
• Mild discomfort
• Rare risk of superficial burns or uneven contour if performed by inexperienced practitioners

Read our article on whether Endolift® is safe.

Surgical Facelift risks:

• Bleeding or haematoma formation
• Visible scars (usually well-concealed)
• Prolonged swelling
• Temporary or rarely permanent nerve effects

Overall, Endolift® carries fewer risks due to its non-surgical nature, but a facelift offers more significant correction.

F. Cost Considerations

• Endolift®: Lower initial cost; may require top-up treatments
• Facelift: Higher upfront investment but longer-lasting results

Choose Endolift® if you want:

• Noticeable tightening without going through surgery
• Minimal disruption to work and social commitments
• Treatment under local anaesthetic
• A gradual, natural-looking improvement
• A solution for early to moderate signs of ageing

Choose a Facelift if you want:

• The most dramatic and long-term lifting
• Removal of redundant, lax skin
• Reshaping of deeper tissues for more comprehensive rejuvenation
• A treatment suitable for more advanced ageing changes

Yes! In fact, combination treatments are often recommended for the most natural, harmonious results. At Dr Hass Clinic, Endolift® is commonly paired with:

• Dermal fillers to restore volume where tightening alone is insufficient
• Skin resurfacing (chemical peels or lasers) for texture refinement
• Jawline contouring for enhanced definition
• Skin boosters or collagen stimulators to improve elasticity

In clinical practice, combination planning ensures that the skin, structure and volume all age in balance.

Still unsure? We have you covered.

Does Endolift® hurt?

Most patients find it tolerable. Local anaesthetic significantly reduces discomfort, though you may feel a warm or tugging sensation beneath the skin.

Can Endolift® replace a facelift?

Not in cases of advanced laxity. Endolift® excels for early to moderate ageing but cannot remove substantial excess skin — something only surgery can address.

How many Endolift® sessions will I need?

Many patients achieve desirable results after one treatment, though maintenance every 18–36 months can prolong the benefits.

How do I know which option is best for my concerns?

A thorough consultation is crucial. At Dr Hass Clinic, assessments consider skin elasticity, facial anatomy, the degree of sagging and your preferences regarding downtime and longevity.

Endolift® and traditional facelifts are not necessarily competing treatments. They are complementary, serving different stages of ageing and different patient goals. If you prefer subtle rejuvenation with minimal downtime, Endolift® may be your ideal choice. If you want a more dramatic, long-term lift, a surgical facelift remains a strong candidate.