For years individuals looking to treat wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, and lost facial volume had two possible routes: surgical or nonsurgical. The surgical route included facelifts and other major procedures that involved invasive methods and came with significant recovery time. The nonsurgical route—Botox, collagen injections, and dermal fillers—were faster and easier, but came with more temporary results. NovaThreads is a relatively new treatment that finds a happy medium between these two types of facial procedures.
What Is NovaThreads?
NovaThreads uses a technique called “thread lifts.” Thread lifts are absorbable sutures that are injected into the skin. These sutures then work within the dermis by pulling up the facial tissue and creating tighter, more voluminous cheeks, chins, and jawlines.
But NovaThreads actually function in another way, too. The injection of the thread or suture in the patient’s face triggers a healing response from the body. The response? Sending large quantities of collagen to the injection site. Collagen is a protein critical to facial, skin, and muscle tissue. By forcing the body to direct additional collagen to the location of the suture, the procedure effectively doubles its impact. The suture itself lifts facial tissue, while the body’s natural healing response produces the collagen that adds volume and thickness to the face.
Do the Sutures Stay In Your Face Permanently?
Thankfully not. While earlier versions of thread lifts used sutures that stayed in the face permanently, NovaThreads utilizes an absorbent material called polydioxanone. The body is able to fully absorb polydioxanone within six months.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
NovaThreads have the advantage of working on a patient’s facial tissue through two distinct phases. The first phase, during which the injected suture lifts the skin area, lasts between four and six months. But even once the sutures start to dissolve, the collagen response and its visible impact continues. In all, the effects of NovaThreads can last for a year, sometimes even longer.
Why Choose NovaThreads over a Traditional Facelift?
NovaThreads treatment has a few clear-cut advantages over the more traditional facelifts. Thread lifts are a short, minimally invasive procedure—patients are able to drive themselves home right after the treatment. Recovery time afterward is also much briefer compared with facelifts, and patients risk far fewer side effects. In fact, even the slightest scarring or bleeding is quite rare. Last, and perhaps most important, NovaThreads is a substantially more affordable option than a facelift.
Contact our office today and schedule an appointment. When you meet with Dr. McCullom, you’ll discuss this treatment option and others to determine which is best for you.
