Skin can begin to lose some of its elasticity starting in your mid to late 20’s. The speed at which this process occurs depends on any number of factors including genetics and lifestyle choices such as sun exposure, hydration and proper skin care. Less elasticity in your skin may translate to unwanted looseness around the jowls and/or lower face as well as a general lessening of vitality in your appearance. Until about a decade ago, the only option for lifting loose skin was a surgical facelift. And while this certainly may be the right procedure for some, many younger patients are looking for something to restore a more youthful visage without the downtime and/or expense associated with a facelift. For them, a thread lift can be an excellent option.
A thread lift is a non-surgical procedure in which specially designed threads are placed under the skin in order to restore your tissues back to a higher position. Furthermore, this placement safely “injures” your skin and tissues, inducing the body’s natural healing response which is to produce more collagen and elastin. Over time, the threads themselves dissolve and you are left with a tighter, smoother looking face. Requiring minimal downtime, the positive effects of a thread lift may last anywhere from 8 to 12 months. It is also a procedure that can be performed multiple times with potentially increased collagen benefits.
Thread Lifting Consultation
Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sean Doherty is adamant about offering his Boston area patients the latest innovations in aesthetic procedures, but only if they are truly effective. For thread lifting, his choice is NovaThreads, also known as PDO threads, as he has found this technique to deliver superior results. The key, however, to an excellent result is matching the right procedure to the right patient. This is why it is critical to schedule an in-person consultation.
During your meeting, Dr. Doherty will listen closely to what bothers you about your appearance. He will ask about your medical history, family history and any other aesthetic work you may have had done, including injectables, as well as how your body reacted. He will then perform a thorough physical exam to ascertain:
- Skin tone & texture
- Areas and degree of skin laxity
- Excess fat, if any
- Volume loss
- Location and degree of fine lines & wrinkles
Together, you will discuss the best treatment plan for achieving your desired outcome.
Benefits of a Facial Thread Lift with PDO Nova Threads
Facial Thread Lift Before and After Pictures in Boston, MA
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary
Ideal Patient for a Thread Lift
The ideal patient for a thread lift is any man or woman in good overall health, who is bothered by mild to moderate laxity in the lower face and neck, and who:
- Is not ready for a surgical facelift
- Does not want to deal with the downtime of surgery
- Has a medical condition that prevents a surgical procedure
- Does not have heavy jowls or neck tissue
It is best for patients who are just beginning to notice some slight “jowling” around the mouth, or have lost that crisp delineation at the chin/neck juncture. A thread lift is more effective on patients who have good skin quality, and who have not begun to develop a turkey neck.
Men, in particular, seek out a thread lift as they tend to shy away from surgical procedures and typically prefer a more subtle result. In general, a thread lift is ideal for a patient in his or her 40’s to early 50’s who is realistic about what to expect in terms of an end result. This is not a surgical facelift so the less you ask of a thread lift, the happier you will be. A NovaThreads procedure can also be a nice option for former facelift patients who are looking to refresh their results.
What is a Thread Lift with NovaThreads?
NovaThreads is a device that is pre-loaded with an absorbable surgical suture material made of polydioxanone (PDO). This biodegradable polymer has been safely used in surgery for decades. During your thread lift procedure, Dr. Doherty will strategically place the threads beneath your skin. The insertion device is then removed, leaving the threads behind. The thread is pulled into place and trimmed flush at the skin No knots are created or left behind.
The goal of a thread lift is to restore a more youthful V shape to your face. This is something that we all lose with age. In addition to lifting mildly loose skin, your body perceives the threads themselves as a foreign entity that needs to be “healed” by ramping up your skin’s production of collagen and elastin. These are the bedrocks of youthful looking skin and tissues. Completely safe, NovaThreads are re-absorbed by your body in 4-6 months. The end result of a thread lift is a more youthful looking you with minimal downtime, no anesthesia, and no scars. Dr. Doherty will often combine a thread lift with some kind of filler to the nasolabial folds and/or lips, Botox®, and proper skin care in order to maximize your overall facial rejuvenation.
What is the Recovery from a Thread Lift?
Since a thread lift has minimal downtime, it can be a great procedure to have prior to a big event such as a wedding, reunion or birthday. It is important, however, to give yourself enough time for any swelling to diminish. One of the reasons that Dr. Doherty takes so much time discussing your body’s reaction to prior procedures is to establish a baseline for how your skin and tissues heal. Everyone is different.
Generally, you can expect some slight bruising and swelling for 7-10 days following your thread lift. It may feel a little achey where the threads were inserted. This is easily managed with an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. Dr. Doherty typically recommends that you give yourself 2-4 weeks between your thread lift and any big event just to err on the side of caution.
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So, if your reflection in the mirror is not looking as peppy as you feel, schedule an appointment to come in and discuss whether or not a thread lift with NovaThreads could be right for you. To find out more about a thread lift, or any other surgical or non-surgical procedure with Dr. Sean Doherty at his Boston or Brookline office, contact us today or call (617) 450.0070 to schedule a consultation.
FAQs about Thread Lifting
The longevity of results varies by individual, but this is not a permanent rejuvenation tool like a surgical facelift. In general, thread lift results will last anywhere from 8 to 10 or 12 months. However, there is no downside to having this procedure done multiple times.
Most patients find a thread lift to be an extremely tolerable procedure. Performed in the office under local anesthesia, you will feel a small prick from the lidocaine, but that’s it. Afterwards, you may be sore — similar to how you might feel after dental work. This discomfort can be easily managed with an over-the-counter pain medication and generally resolves within 2-3 days.
One of the many benefits of thread lifting is that there is minimal downtime. You can get back to your normal life immediately although I would suggest no marathons for the first few days.
Yes. My male patients love this procedure. While a thread lift works very well on both men and women, men in particular appreciate its low fuss nature. Unlike a surgical facelift, a thread lift doesn’t require downtime for recovery, or any of the tell-tale signs that someone has had “work”.
NovaThreads are made from a material that has been used in surgery for decades. It is extremely safe and the risk of an unexpected allergic reaction is slim to none.
Generally, a thread lift will run between $2,000 and $3,000. The overall cost is going to depend on how many areas we treat — the face with the neck and jawline is going to cost more than either area alone. I am very cost conscious and can give you a realistic idea of how expensive your thread lift procedure will be after I examine you in person. Additional procedures like Botox® and filler also come at an additional cost.
With a thread lift, I can position the skin in multiple directions. This enables me to deliver a natural looking lift without any “wind tunnel” pulling.
If you live in the state of Massachusetts, Dr. Doherty offers a thread lift among his services. For a full list of services, please visit our Locations page.