NovaThreads – PDO Sutures

Our faces start out with a healthy V-shape; however, as we age, loss of collagen and other factors cause the V-shape to invert or diminish. NovaThreads uses “controlled healing” to help your body create new collagen to fortify tissues and help maintain a V-shape.

NovaThreads (PDO threads) is a non-invasive treatment that improves the look and feel of loose and saggy skin. It’s especially effective in challenging areas to treat with fillers, giving you an instant non-surgical facelift!

What Is a NovaThreads (PDO Threads) Lift?

NovaThreads are fully absorbable surgical sutures composed of polydioxanone (PDO). PDO threads are one type of suture thread used commonly in lifting procedures. Polycaprolactone (PCA) and Polylactic acid (PLA) are the other two suture types. 

PDO threads are made from colorless polyester that dissolves in your body in four to six months using a natural process called hydrolysis. 

When your body senses foreign PDO sutures in your skin, it triggers cells called fibroblasts to stimulate collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and provides elasticity and structure for your skin. Losing collagen is one of the main reasons people encounter aging skin. 

Through its controlled healing technique, NovaThreads can:

• Smooth your cheeks and mid-face area
• Lift your brows
• Tighten your neck
• Lift your jowls
• Firm up body areas

What Are the Types of PDO Sutures?

Polydioxanone has been proven safe and has been used for biomedical applications, particularly cardiothoracic surgery, for more than 60 years.

PDO sutures can be split into three categories depending on their use, screw threads, cog threads, and mono threads:

• PDO twist threads: Made up of one or two intertwined threads, trist threads restore volume to sunken areas of your skin.
• PDO barb threads: Barb threads use barbs that hook into your skin, providing lift and support to areas of your face.
• PDO smooth threads: Smooth threads are smooth sutures that stimulate collagen production, giving you revitalized skin.

What Should I Avoid Before My NovaThreads Procedure?

One week prior to your NovaThreads treatment, be sure to avoid over-the-counter blood thinner medications because they can complicate the procedure. These medications include Aleve, Motrin, and aspirin. 

You should also avoid supplements such as Vitamin E, Omega-3 Capsules, and Garlic. Also, take arnica capsules and consume pineapple, including pineapple juice, to help reduce the chances of swelling and bruising.

What Happens During a NovaThreads Procedure?

Once the treatment area is numbed, a cannula pre-loaded with thread is inserted into your skin. The NovaThreads are expertly placed to stimulate collagen in areas with volume loss or folding skin. It can also be placed in a position to pull and tighten skin on the neck or brows, for example.

After the cannula is removed, the PDO thread is cut and left beneath your skin. You’ll typically see an immediate lift or glow in the areas treated. Within one to two months, new collagen will grow between the threads, and you’ll see further lift and skin tightening. 

After four to six months, your skin will have fully absorbed the threads, leaving behind no scar tissue. Procedure times will vary depending on the size and location of your treatment area, but it can typically take about 60 minutes.

How Long Will NovaThreads (PDO) Sutures Results Last?

The PDO sutures from NovaThreads gradually dissolve in your body; however, the resulting lift and skin tightening will remain on average for another nine to 12 months. 

A commentary published by an experienced thread lift surgeon in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal claimed that he had witnessed thread lifts lasting as long as nine years. However, younger individuals can usually achieve results lasting three to four years. 

People with poor elasticity or skin volume may see thread lift benefits lasting about one to two years.

PDO NovaThreads Recovery and Aftercare

Recovering from your NovaThreads procedure is minimal. You may experience bruising and swelling for the initial 24 to 48 hours. Yet you can immediately return to much of your daily routine. 

During the week after your procedure, refrain from rubbing your face, which could dislodge the thread. Also, consider propping your head on a pillow to prevent yourself from accidentally rolling on your face during the night.

Your doctor or physician associate may tell you to avoid other activities during the first few weeks, including:

• Visiting saunas
• Sleeping on your side
• Pursing your lips
• Drinking through a straw
• Smoking
• Intense exercise
• Facial massages
• Eating large, strenuous food items

Bruising and pain at the insertion points are normal. Use oral and topical arnica to help with bruising. If, after two weeks, if you’re still in pain, contact a Glow Aesthetic Center and speak to a practitioner.

Contact Glow for a Free NovaThreads Consultation

At Glow, all of our service consultations are free. This way, you’ll know precisely what to expect when you come in for your treatment. Additionally, at Glow, we understand that every body is unique. That’s why we design plans customized to your individual needs.

For more than 30 years, Glow Aesthetics Center has been the San Fernando Valley medical spa of choice. So get to know us today by booking a no-risk consultation appointment for your NovaThreads procedure!