
If your skin feels a little less firm or defined than it used to, but you are not ready for surgery, a minimally invasive cosmetic option may be appealing. NovaThreads are absorbable PDO threads placed beneath the skin to support tissue and provide subtle structural improvement, with different thread designs available depending on the treatment goal. NovaThreads are made from polydioxanone, a material also used in absorbable surgical sutures.
At Upper West Side Dermatology, NovaThreads treatments are personalized to your anatomy, skin quality, and aesthetic goals. The practice’s board-certified dermatologists provide cosmetic care alongside medical, surgical, and pediatric dermatology, allowing treatment recommendations to consider both natural-looking rejuvenation and overall skin health.
What are NovaThreads?
NovaThreads, also known as PDO threads, are a type of cosmetic procedure used to lift and tighten sagging skin in the face and neck. During a NovaThreads procedure, fine, absorbable threads made of PDO material are inserted into the skin using a needle or cannula. These threads have small barbs or cones along their length, which grip onto the underlying tissue and provide a lifting effect when the threads are pulled tight.
How do you prepare for NovaThreads?
- Consultation: Schedule a consultation with a qualified healthcare professional to discuss procedures. During the consultation, discuss your goals, medical history, any medications you are taking, and any previous medical procedures you have undergone.
- Avoid certain medications. A healthcare provider may advise you to avoid certain medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, such as aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and blood thinners.
- Follow pre-procedure instructions: Your provider will give you specific instructions to follow before the procedure, such as avoiding alcohol and smoking, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive sun exposure. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Plan for recovery: While recovery from NovaThreads is usually minimal, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort after the procedure.
Why are NovaThreads performed?
NovaThreads are used to lift and tighten sagging skin in various areas of the face and neck. This can include lifting the cheeks, jawline, eyebrows, and neck, resulting in a more youthful and refreshed appearance. In addition to lifting and supporting sagging skin, NovaThreads can also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. By stimulating collagen production, the threads can improve skin elasticity and firmness, leading to smoother, more youthful-looking skin. NovaThreads offers a non-surgical alternative to traditional facelift surgery. While facelift surgery involves more invasive techniques and longer recovery times, NovaThreads are minimally invasive and typically require little to no downtime. One of the benefits of NovaThreads is that results can be seen immediately, with continued improvement over time as collagen production increases. While the effects are not permanent, they can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual factors.
What can you expect during NovaThreads?
- Preparation: Before the procedure, your provider will give you specific instructions to follow, such as avoiding certain medications, alcohol, and smoking.
- Procedure: The NovaThreads procedure is typically performed in-office and usually takes less than an hour to complete. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the treatment area to minimize discomfort. Your provider will insert the PDO threads into the skin using a needle or cannula, targeting areas where lifting and tightening are desired, such as the cheeks, jawline, or neck.
- Immediate results: You may see some immediate improvement in the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles following the procedure. However, the full results will develop gradually over the following weeks as collagen production increases and the threads dissolve. While the effects of NovaThreads are not permanent, they can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on individual factors such as skin quality and lifestyle habits. Some people choose to undergo touch-up treatments to maintain their results over time.
- Recovery: Recovery from NovaThreads is usually minimal, with some mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort possible in the days following the procedure. You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and to sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling. Most people are able to resume their normal activities within a few days.
What is the followup and recovery like for NovaThreads?
Recovery from NovaThreads is usually minimal, with some mild swelling, bruising, or discomfort possible in the days following the procedure. You may be advised to avoid strenuous activities and to sleep with your head elevated to minimize swelling. Most people can resume their normal activities within a few days. Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress and ensure that you are satisfied with the results. They can also address any concerns you may have and provide further guidance on skincare and maintenance.
What are the potential costs for NovaThreads?
The cost of a NovaThreads procedure can vary widely depending on several factors. The cost of a NovaThreads procedure can vary depending on the specific areas being treated. For example, treating larger areas such as the cheeks or neck may require more threads and therefore be more expensive than treating smaller areas like the eyebrows. The total number of threads used during the procedure will also impact the cost. More extensive treatments or treatments targeting multiple areas may require a higher number of threads and therefore cost more. Some providers may include additional services or complementary treatments as part of the overall package, which can affect the total cost.
What are the potential risks for NovaThreads?
- Bruising and Swelling: It’s common to experience some pain, discomfort, bruising, and swelling after the treatment. These side effects typically subside within a few days but can persist for up to a week in some cases.
- Infection: Although rare, there is a risk of infection following any procedure that involves the insertion of foreign material into the skin. Proper sterilization techniques and post-procedure care can help minimize this risk.
- Visible or Palpable Threads: In some cases, the threads may become visible or palpable under the skin, particularly if they are placed too superficially or if the skin is thin. This can result in an uneven or unnatural appearance and may require additional treatment to correct.
- Allergic Reaction: While rare, some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to the PDO material used in NovaThreads. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies or sensitivities before undergoing the procedure.
- Migration or Misplacement: There is a risk that the threads may migrate or become displaced from their intended position over time. This can result in suboptimal results or asymmetry and may require additional treatment to correct.
- Scarring: While uncommon, there is a risk of scarring at the insertion sites, particularly if the skin is prone to keloid formation or if proper post-procedure care is not followed.
Are there related procedures to NovaThreads?
- Facelift Surgery: While NovaThreads offer a less invasive alternative to traditional facelift surgery, it’s essential to understand the key differences. Facelift surgery involves surgically lifting and tightening facial tissues, often providing more dramatic and longer-lasting results compared to thread lifting.
- Dermal Fillers: Dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, are commonly used alongside thread lifting procedures to add volume to specific areas of the face, further enhancing results. Fillers can address wrinkles, folds, and hollow areas that may not be effectively treated with thread lifting alone.
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) Injections: Botox injections are frequently used in conjunction with NovaThreads to complement the lifting effect by relaxing muscles and reducing the appearance of dynamic wrinkles, such as crow’s feet and forehead lines. Botox targets wrinkles caused by muscle movements, while NovaThreads primarily address sagging skin and tissue laxity.
- Skin Resurfacing Treatments: Procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy can improve skin texture, tone, and pigmentation irregularities, enhancing the overall results of thread lifting.
- Skin Tightening Treatments: Various non-invasive skin tightening treatments, such as radiofrequency (RF) therapy, ultrasound therapy, or infrared light therapy, can complement the effects of NovaThreads by stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity.
Why Choose Upper West Side Dermatology for NovaThreads
At Upper West Side Dermatology, thread treatments begin with an individualized assessment of your facial structure and the changes you would like to address. Because NovaThreads are available in different configurations, careful treatment planning helps determine whether PDO threads are appropriate and which approach best fits your goals.
Upper West Side Dermatology’s board-certified dermatologists bring broad experience across cosmetic, medical, and surgical skin care. Patients receive compassionate, personalized treatment within a comprehensive dermatology practice, with recommendations designed around the individual rather than a one-size-fits-all aesthetic plan.
Refresh Your Natural Contours With NovaThreads in Upper West Side, NY
NovaThreads can offer a minimally invasive approach for patients interested in subtle support and rejuvenation without traditional surgery. Call Upper West Side Dermatology at (212) 769-0069 to schedule a consultation.