This is a nonsurgical in office procedure designed to create a tighter and more youthful appearance of the face and neck. A Thread Lift is an alternative or complement to hyaluronic acid and dermal fillers for aesthetic facial and neck rejuvenation.
Stony Brook Dermatology uses NOVAthreads, a brand of suture designed specifically to dissolve under the skin. The thread, otherwise known as a suture, is colorless, is crystalline, and is a synthetic polymer like nylon or polyester fabricated for the use of restructuring areas where there is fat loss, skin laxity or loss of skin elasticity. NOVAthreads are made in the USA following the highest manufacturing and sterilization standards which is why we have chosen this brand over others; patient safety is paramount. PDO threads are absorbable sutures made of the safest implantable materials for the body without creating any scar tissue. They are broken down naturally over time through hydrolysis (chemical breakdown due to reaction with water) and present the narrowest risk of infection due to their singular thread-like composition.
The PDO referred to in the Thread Lift procedure is simply the biologic name for the suture known as polydiaxanone. Now patients have an option to enjoy the benefits of a more youthful appearance without the invasive undermining of a surgical facelift with lower risk, no downtime, and at a fraction of the cost and time investment. There are thread types associated with different desired results e.g. plumping in areas where aging has caused fat loss to restore a more youthful appearance and lifting where there is modest to moderate skin folding or puckering secondary to loss of elasticity.
Common areas treated with PDO threads are the lips, eyes, cheeks, jaw, and neck. In a study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, a surgeon with 16 years of thread lift experience says he has seen results last anywhere from 1 to 9 years. Younger people tend to have results that last 3 to 4 years. Older people with poor skin volume or elasticity tend to only see benefits for 1 to 2 years.
Our board certified dermatologists sub-specializing in aesthetic correction and rejuvenation are trained experts in assessing facial anatomy to determine which treatment or combination of treatments (complementary pairs) to help one achieve his/her desired results with realistic expectations. We pride ourselves in delivering honest feedback to appropriately manage expectations in our overarching goal to deliver excellence and beautiful outcomes. Our partnerships with our patients to restore and refresh visage while replenishing self-confidence in face to face interactions is an important part of what motivates us!
