Thread lifts have gotten a lot of buzz lately. And deservedly so as they provide an outstanding non-surgical option for face lifts. But with the hype has come an overwhelming amount of information. Using our expertise in the industry, we’ve researched and selected one trusted provider, Novathreads. With their in-depth training and support, we know we can practice with confidence, and you know you can put aside all the chatter and look forward to the best results and safest outcome.
What Is A Thread Treatment?
Thread treatments are minimally-invasive skin lifts with immediate natural-looking results, little down time, and with continual improvements over four to six months. Absorbable, biocompatible suture threads made of Polydioxanone (PDO) are injected into the skin without cuts or incisions. With most of our thread treatments, the injected threads hold skin tissue in an elevated position for an immediate face-lift look. As your body absorbs the threads, the treated areas undergo natural, controlled healing, repair, and collagen building—leaving no scar tissue—just younger-looking, firmer skin.
We offer several types of PDO threads from which you and your practitioner may select during your complimentary consultation. We use 3/4 inch long, thinner-than-a-hair, thread which dissolves as your body’s natural foreign-body reaction promotes collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid production. These reactions improve skin elasticity, texture, and overall appearance. Options also allow you to select the amount of immediate lift you would like.
Our PDO threads are made in America, medical grade, and FDA-approved for surgical applications. Polydioxanone sutures have been safely used for various medical procedures for many decades, and although cosmetic use is new to the US, thread treatments have been performed internationally for years.
Typically three sessions are needed for optimal results.
Novathreads
Novathreads are preloaded into the cannula (needle) used to inject them. They are designed to exactly fit the size of the thin cannula, unlike other treads which are not optimized in this way.
This means Novathreads are thicker and so take longer to absorb, leading to longer-lasting effects.
We offer all four types of threads manufactured by Novathread and consider which to use based upon your goals, skin type, and treatment areas.
In all the decades PDO threads have been used in suturing, gynecological therapies, wound treatments, and other medical applications, there have been no reported cases of allergic reaction. Novathreads are completely non-toxic and safely absorbed by your body.
Which conditions can be treated?
• Lip lines
• Smile lines on cheeks
• Crows feet
• Crepey skin on abdomen, knees
• Sagging under chin
• Restoring volume to cheeks, nasolabial fold or marionette lines
• Under eye area
• Brows
Is a thread treatment right for me?
PDO threads are not an option for someone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or has an autoimmune disease, diabetes, or an infection. Some skin conditions, supplements, or medication may also exclude someone from this treatment.
Key benefits and typical results
Typically, your skin will be younger looking, firmer, and tighter for about a year after treatment (longer for our younger patients). Results vary because of age, your natural collagen levels, and your skin care regimen.
In comparison to a surgical facelift, a thread treatment is far safer and there’s nothing like the pain, swelling, redness, or other signs you’ve received a treatment.
How do I prepare for treatment?
Once you decide to move forward with PDO threads, we’ll provide comprehensive directions on treatment prep, which will include avoidance of alcohol, tobacco, and anything which may increase the risk of bleeding, such as some medications and green tea, for five days prior to the procedure. We may provide you with a numbing cream to apply 45 minutes before your appointment time.
What happens during treatment?
First, we clean the treatment area and then, depending upon the thread you’ll be receiving, apply a local anesthetic. Threads are inserted into the dermal layer during a procedure that will take 15 to 45 minutes depending upon the number of injections needed. Because the needles and cannulas used are so fine, and because threads are only inserted into the superficial layers of your skin where there are few nerve endings, discomfort is minimal.
Post-treatment care or downtime?
You’ll likely be able to return to your most of your regular activities immediately. Patients may experience mild bruising or swelling, but no pain.
Avoid rubbing your face, extreme temperatures, and alcohol. You’ll also need to avoid some esthetic treatments and sleeping on your side for a few weeks. Complete post-procedure care instructions will be provided at your appointment.
How long until I see results?
After any initial swelling subsides skin will be tighter. Over the next few weeks, you will notice development of a more even texture, plumper skin, and a more youthful appearance.
How long will results last?
Results will last from one to three years.
What’s the science?
PDO threads are inserted via blunt-tipped needles, called cannulas. By threading these thin 3/4 inch long dissolvable sutures underneath your skin, our expert practitioners are able to activate a process of natural protein synthesis which begins after about ten to fourteen days. The presence of these sutures in your skin triggers cells in your body, called fibroblasts, to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Over the subsequent weeks improvements will continue to take place, peaking at around six months and lasting for up to three years*.
The thread itself is completely biodegradable and dissolves within six to eight months, after which new collagen has formed around the thread to continue to support the skin’s matrix, helping maintain a smooth and supple skin texture. These polydioxanone sutures are FDA-approved and have been used in surgical procedures since the early 1980s.
*A small 2017 study by the National Institutions of Health suggested that the primary effect of a PDO thread procedure is skin appearing tighter and more structured. After a year, this effect begins to decrease. However, there was a secondary “rejuvenation” effect that stayed in place and was noticeable three years or more after the procedure.
FDA-Approval
NovaThreads are FDA-approved for “soft tissue re-approximation”. FDA-approval for esthetic thread treatments is expected by the end of 2022.
A Message from Thread-maker Novathreads
Our patented, US-made PDO threads are endorsed and highly recommended by key opinion leaders and experts throughout the aesthetic field. We continue to enhance and improve our devices based on constant research and development along with user feedback from our practitioners. With new threads being developed on a regular basis, our continuous innovation ensures that you, the artist, can focus on the craft and not the tools, by utilizing the most advanced PDO threads on the market.
