For over two decades, surgical sutures have been used throughout the world to non-invasively lift and tighten tissue in an attempt to avoid facial plastic surgery. Various types of sutures of many shapes, sizes, and constitution have been used, coining the name of many techniques such as the thread lift. In the last decade at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, we have seen a huge boom in injectable facial fillers and non-invasive skin tightening devices that have enabled us to rejuvenate the face with low risk and downtime. Until recently, thread lifts became dormant for many years, if not obsolete, given their limitations compared to these other techniques. Despite all of our options for facial rejuvenation, there still exists a desirable niche for a safe, easy, low downtime lifting procedure that either fillers or tightening devices cannot accomplish.
Thread Lift
What Are Thread Lifts?
NovaThreads are synthetic absorbable surgical sutures composed of polydioxanone. PDO sutures have been used in cardiovascular surgery for years and are considered one of the safest materials that can be implanted in the body. In comparison to older permanent thread technology, your skin fully absorbs PDO threads in 6 months and will not leave scar tissue behind. Sutures, incisions, and risks are dramatically smaller than those of years prior.
How Do Thread Lifts Work?
During the thread lift procedure, your provider strategically places dissolvable sutures under the skin. These sutures gently pull the skin into a higher position, offering an immediate lifting effect. The threads used are biocompatible and gradually dissolve over time, leaving behind collagen scaffolding that maintains the skin’s lifted appearance.
Ideal Candidates for Thread Lift
Thread lifts are ideal for individuals experiencing early signs of aging, such as mild to moderate sagging skin. They are suitable for those who wish to achieve a more youthful appearance without undergoing a full facelift. The best candidates are typically in good overall health, with realistic expectations about the results.
Benefits of Thread Lifts
– Minimally invasive requiring no incisions, reducing scarring risk – Quick recovery allowing daily activities soon after – Natural-looking results with a subtle, refreshed lift – Collagen thread lift stimulation promoting long-term skin firmness
What to Expect During a Thread Lift Procedure
The technique Dr. Frank prefers is the NovaLyft which can provide a dramatic and immediate result by utilizing sutures that have ‘barbs’ or ‘cogs’ that grip and lift underneath the skin. Under local anesthesia, a small cannula similar to those used with fillers is inserted just under the skin in the trajectory of desired lift. Once the suture is in place, the skin is massaged and set in the desired lifted position. Singular or multiple threads can be used in any desired area depending on the needs and judgment of the physician. Popular areas include the neck, jawline, cheek, and brows.
Results and Recovery
Thread lifts require minimal downtime. Patients may experience slight swelling or bruising, which usually subsides within a few days. The results are immediate, with continued improvement as collagen production is stimulated. The effects of thread lifts can last from 12 to 18 months.
Before & After the Thread Lift Procedure
PFRANKMD Thread Lift In the Press
Are you looking for a non-surgical way to lift and rejuvenate your facial features? Contact us today to schedule your thread lift consultation at our conveniently located offices on 5th Avenue or in the West Village of NYC.
FAQs: Thread Lift by PRANKMD
About 12-24 months. It depends on the candidate and it depends on how many I put in. You don’t necessarily have to do the full thread lift all over again; you could do them individually and do a few at a time after the original lift.
The cost for a thread lift procedure can range from $2500 to $8500 depending on the areas of treatment and type of thread.
You absolutely can feel them for a few days which is a good thing because you want to really limit your motion a little bit. Once you’re healed you shouldn’t feel them in your face, it’s more the sensation of something there until it settles. In about a week you’re good.
You can complete superficial microneedling in your face, but definitely for a month after the procedure, we advise avoiding radiofrequency or ultrasound skin tightening as they can actually melt the thread.
Absolutely! There are no lasers or light involved, so the procedure is effective for all skin tones.
We advise patients see a practiced and licensed dermatologist or aesthetic healthcare specialist for a thread lift procedure.
While thread lifts may help, speaking with your provider will help you determine whether loose skin on the neck is caused by severe laxity and may need alternate procedures.
It depends what you’re eating. I always tell people for at least two days to limit aerobic activity and be careful eating things like steak or apples and everything upwards in terms of skincare on the face.
No, your face does not hurt for weeks. You may be a little tender or sore for a few days, maybe a week or so, but the procedure doesn’t interfere with daily activities whatsoever.