Difference Between Types of Stitches for Facelift?

Though possible I doubt that in most cases the type of sutures matter. I have been doing facelifts for more than 25 years. I started with permanent sutures in the SMAS then switched about 13 years ago to absorbable sutures and have noticed no difference. The skill of the surgeon, technique, elasticity of the skin and SMAS, general health of the patient, smoking history, all play a role in the final results and their longevity. Great surgeons get great results more often even though their suture technique may vary.

Different types of sutures are used by different surgeons and also in different parts of the face.  In front of the ear, I like to use fine hidden sutures that won't leave stitch marks.  Less important in areas where the hair will cover the scars.  Believe it or not, many surgeons use staples in facelifts.

Dear Brookein
Please don't choose your facelift surgeon based on what type of sutures they use. I teach a lot of regional and national course. Inveriably after discussing some detailed surgical procedure, some surgeon in the audience will raise their hand and ask what suture did I use. With rare exception, what suture one used is immaterial: One could use all most any suture. We all have our preferences for various reasons. Ultimately there are many ways to close a facelift.

It is important how sutures are placed, and how much tension is used to close the incisions. Sutures should be removed as soon as possible, but not too quickly so the wound falls apart. Buried sutures in some places tend to produce better healig that sutures placed in an over- over fashion. However sutures must sometimes be placed individually in very tricky areas such as the earlobe, especially if the earlobe is being changed and reconstructed.
Unless you actually become a plastic surgeon, it will be difficult to ask meaningful questions about suture choice and placement. And every plastic surgeon has their own style.
A top plastic surgeon will choose the best sutures given their experience.

Hi there-
I would advise you to research your surgeon very carefully, including where he/she operates, and the anesthesia provider who will be involved in your care.
Having said that, I think that it is NOT in your best interests (and may be destructive) for you to become involved in the decisions your surgeon may make regarding details of your surgery.
Details like the exact type of suture material used, the techniques used in the skin closure, as well as the exact day your sutures are removed will be affected by your skin type, what has worked well for your surgeon in the past, and other details of your surgery that no one but your surgeon will understand.
The best advice I could give you is to research your surgeon VERY carefully- choose one you like and trust... then DO trust them to do their best for you.
Need help finding one? Read the following:

Generally speaking as long as the sutures are fine and remvoed by 7 days it is highly unlikely that they will leave stitch marks. However, the width of the scar is more related to wound tension and properly placed stitches will minimize tension on the wound.

What is important is that the surgeon is experienced with knowing how much tension to place and how to sew properly to make fine scars. Sutures are remove in 5-7 days.

More important than the method of stitching, for example running, rolling or individual, is the size or thickness of the sutures and the day they are removed. Fine sutures called 5-0 or 6-0 nylon are usually the best and leave the least degree of marks. Secondly, the stitches should be removed on the 4th or 5th day. If they are left longer they usually leave marks depending upon the thickness of your skin. 

Sutures can be running or interrupted.  Either technique can produce nice results as long as the sutures are removed in time.  In my technique, I use both the running suture and the interrupted.  The running suture is removed in 4 to 5 days and the interrupted in removed in 7 to 8 days.  I feel that this produces the best looking scar.  I hope this is helpful.  Good luck with your procedure.

The type of stitch used and the technique is very surgeon dependent. Each person has a protocol and so my best advice is to relay your concern to your surgeon and follow his/her advice.