PFRANKMD
Thread Lift

For over two decades, surgical sutures have been used throughout the world to non-invasively lift and tighten tissue in an attempt to avoid facial plastic surgery. Various types of sutures of many shapes, sizes, and constitution have been used, coining the name of many techniques such as the Thread Lift. Dr. Frank has performed hundreds of Thread Lifts since 2001 working with several types of ‘threads’ over the years. In the last decade, we have seen a huge boom in injectable facial fillers and non-invasive skin tightening devices that have enabled us to rejuvenate the face with low risk and downtime. Until recently, Thread Lifts became dormant for many years, if not obsolete, given their limitations compared to these other techniques. Despite all of our options for facial rejuvenation, there still exists a desirable niche for a safe, easy, low downtime lifting procedure that either fillers or tightening devices cannot accomplish.

NovaThreads are synthetic absorbable surgical sutures composed of polydioxanone. PDO sutures have been used in cardiovascular surgery for years and are considered one of the safest materials that can be implanted in the body. In comparison to older permanent thread technology, your skin fully absorbs PDO threads in 6 months and will not leave scar tissue behind. Sutures, incisions, and risks are dramatically smaller than those of years prior. The technique Dr. Frank prefers is the NovaLyft which can provide a dramatic and immediate result by utilizing sutures that have ‘barbs’ or ‘cogs’ that grip and lift underneath the skin. Under local anesthesia, a small cannula similar to those used with fillers is inserted just under the skin in the trajectory of desired lift. Once the suture is in place, the skin is massaged and set in the desired lifted position. Singular or multiple threads can be used in any desired area depending on the needs and judgement of the physician. Popular areas include the neck, jawline, cheek, and brows.

NovaThreads for Sagging Neck Before and After photo by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank of PFRANKMD in New York City, NY

Treatment and recovery is quick and the downtime is similar to facial rejuvenation with neuromodulators and fillers. Over weeks and months, the body heals around the suture and builds tissue that persist beyond the body’s adsorption of the material. Results can last 1-2 years and often complement other treatments including injectable and tightening devices. Great for patients who want to avoid injectable treatments, as well. Ask Dr. Frank if you are a candidate for this exciting procedure.

ThreadLift Before and After photos by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank of PFRANKMD in New York City, NY

ThreadLift procedure video by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank of PFRANKMD in New York City, NY

FAQs

How long does a Thread Lift last?

About 12-24 months. It depends on the candidate and it depends on how many I put in. You don’t necessarily have to do the full thread lift all over again; you could do them individually and do a few at a time after the original lift.

How much is a Thread Lift?

I generally charge by thread- it depends on the type of thread, how many of them I need and it can range anywhere from $2500 to $8500.

Are you given anything to relax during the Thread Lift procedure?

It’s actually quite comfortable. You are anesthetized with local anesthesia that I infuse in. I generally don’t have to give patients something, but we offer all patients things to keep them comfortable.

I’m 60, can a Thread Lift still work on me?

It depends if you’re a good 60 or a bad 60. This is not a facelift, it’s a subtle but very significant result for people with mild to moderate elasticity.

What are the different types of threads used in a Thread Lift?

Generally, they’re all PDO threads made of absorbable suture material. Some of the threads are barbed, others have cones on them but I generally use the barbed threads.

How many threads do you typically use in a Thread Lift?

I rarely use more than 4 on the face. I tend to use 10-14 average.

Can the threads from a Thread Lift break?

They can and you’re supposed to follow certain instructions such as not eating steak for a day or two, not doing crazy facial motions, not rubbing your face in a circular motion. They can break, but if they do it’s not a big deal as they’re absorbable and often I can remove and replace.

What are the risks of a Thread Lift?

They can break, they can pop out, but they’re removable. If they do break or you can’t get it, they dissolve. I’ve never really seen an infection or any other major issues.

Do the threads from a Thread Lift create scar tissue?

Anything you do to the face, you’re creating scar tissue of some sort. The real question is will it interfere with other procedures like facelifts and the answer is no.

Can you do a Thread Lift for the upper eyelids?

You can’t. In terms of brows I don’t find it very predictable. There is an occasional patient that I find it works ok for but that sort of cat eye snatched isn’t as predictable as it seems.

Can you do a Thread Lift for the elbows?

I don’t think so.

Can you have a full facelift after a Thread Lift if needed?

Of course you can because eventually the law of decreasing returns so if you want surgery you can have it.

Will I be able to feel the threads in my face after a Thread Lift?

You absolutely can feel them for a few days which is a good thing because you want to really limit your motion a little bit. Once you’re healed you shouldn’t feel them in your face, it’s more the sensation of something there until it settles. In about a week you’re good.

Can you still have Microneedling done with threads from a Thread Lift in your face?

You can do superficial microneedling in your face but definitely for a month after you want to avoid radiofrequency or ultrasound skin tightening as they can actually melt the thread.

Can people with ethnic or darker skin tones receive a Thread Lift?

Absolutely! This is a color free issue. There’s no lasers or light and in fact darker skin tone patients tend to have thicker skin and they do really really well with this procedure.

Who can perform a Thread Lift procedure?

Generally any healthcare professional but you definitely want to see someone in the core specialties: dermatologist, plastic surgeons, and most importantly make sure it’s not something the “dabble” in.

Can you lift the “turkey wobble” neck with the Thread Lift technique?

“turkey wobble” sounds more like severe laxity so I’m not so sure. It doesn’t take a doctor to realize that if there’s skin hanging, it needs to be removed and shifting it a few millimeters won’t help.

Can you eat normally afterward a Thread Lift?

It depends what you’re eating. I always tell people for at least two days to limit aerobic activity and be careful eating things like steak or apples and everything upwards in terms of skincare on the face.

Does your face hurt for weeks after a Thread Lift? Can you eat and open your mouth?

No, your face does not hurt for weeks. You may be a little tender or sore for a few days, maybe a week or so but it really doesn’t interfere with daily activities whatsoever.

PFRANKMD Thread Lift