NovaThreads, a leading brand of polydioxanone (PDO) threads, offer a minimally invasive approach to lifting and rejuvenating facial tissues without surgery. Backed by recent clinical studies, PDO thread lifts have become a preferred option for patients seeking subtle, natural-looking improvements in skin laxity and facial contours with minimal downtime.
What Are and How Do PDO Thread Lifts Work?
NovaThreads are absorbable sutures made from polydioxanone (PDO), a biocompatible material long used in surgical procedures. When inserted beneath the skin, these threads provide immediate mechanical lifting and stimulate the body’s natural production of collagen and elastin, leading to gradual skin tightening and improved texture over time (J Clin Aesthet Dermatol, 2023; JDD, 2017).
Clinical Evidence: Efficacy and Safety of NovaThreads
Latest Research Findings (2023–2025)
- Synergistic Effects: Combining PDO threads with Botulinum Toxin A has shown a 90% patient-reported improvement in skin texture and brightness at four months, with only mild, transient swelling and no major complications (PubMed, 2025).
- Collagen Stimulation: PDO threads promote dermal thickening and new collagen formation, resulting in firmer, rejuvenated skin (PubMed, 2023).
- Longevity: High-quality absorbable PDO cog threads can provide visible lifting and collagen regeneration for 1–2 years, with thicker threads offering enhanced fibroblast stimulation (PMC, 2024).
- Safety Profile: Complication rates are low (<5% for I-shaped threads), with most adverse effects being mild and transient, such as swelling or bruising. U-shaped suspension threads offer stronger lift but carry slightly higher risks of bleeding (15–20%) and dimpling (12–18%) (PMC, 2025).
- Combination Therapies: Integrating PDO threads with other modalities (e.g., lower blepharoplasty, neurotoxins) can enhance wrinkle reduction and patient satisfaction, particularly when ultrasound guidance is used for precision (PubMed, 2024).
Foundational Studies (2017–2022)
- Patient Satisfaction: Early studies reported high satisfaction rates (up to 87%) for NovaThreads in mild to moderate facial sagging, with results lasting 6–12 months (JDD, 2017).
- Low Downtime: PDO thread lifts are associated with minimal downtime and low morbidity, making them a popular alternative to surgical facelifts (PubMed, 2022).
- Quality Matters: Thread quality significantly impacts safety and results; lower-quality threads are linked to increased side effects (PubMed, 2019).
Mechanism of Action: How NovaThreads Improve Skin
PDO threads act through two primary mechanisms:
- Immediate Mechanical Lift: Threads physically reposition sagging tissues for instant contour improvement.
- Biostimulation: Over several months, the presence of PDO threads triggers fibroblast activity, leading to new collagen and elastin production. This enhances skin firmness and elasticity even after the threads are absorbed (PubMed, 2023).
Safety, Risks, and Limitations
- Common Side Effects: Mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness are most common, typically resolving within days.
- Rare Complications: Dimpling, thread migration, or minor bleeding may occur, especially with certain thread types. Proper technique and high-quality threads minimize these risks (PMC, 2025; PubMed, 2021).
- Long-Term Data: While short- and mid-term safety is well established, long-term data is still emerging. Most studies report sustained benefits for 1–2 years, but individual results may vary (PMC, 2024).
- Technique Matters: The field lacks standardized evaluation tools for thread placement, underscoring the importance of experienced, credentialed providers (Wiley, 2023).
The NovaThreads Procedure at Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa
At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, all NovaThreads procedures are performed by certified expert injectors under the direct supervision of Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD—a board-certified physician with over 25 years of experience and national recognition in nonsurgical aesthetics. The procedure involves:
- Local anesthesia for comfort.
- Precise thread insertion using advanced techniques to minimize trauma and maximize lift.
- Use of high-quality, FDA-cleared PDO threads for optimal safety and efficacy.
- Individualized treatment planning for natural, proportional results.
Benefits of NovaThreads
- Nonsurgical, minimally invasive: No incisions or general anesthesia required.
- Immediate and progressive results: Visible lift with continued improvement as collagen forms.
- Low downtime: Most patients resume normal activities within days.
- Customizable: Suitable for various facial areas and degrees of laxity.
- Synergistic with other treatments: Can be combined with neurotoxins, fillers, or skin tightening for enhanced outcomes (PubMed, 2025).
Limitations and Considerations
- Best for mild to moderate laxity: Not a substitute for surgical facelifts in cases of severe sagging.
- Temporary: Results typically last 12–24 months, depending on thread type and patient factors.
- Technique-dependent: Outcomes rely heavily on provider skill and thread quality.
NovaThreads vs. Other Nonsurgical Facial Rejuvenation Options
| Feature | NovaThreads (PDO Thread Lift) | Dermal Fillers | Neurotoxins (Botox, etc.) | Surgical Facelift* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Mechanical lift + collagen | Volume replacement, contouring | Muscle relaxation, wrinkle softening | Excision, tissue repositioning |
| Invasiveness | Minimally invasive | Minimally invasive | Minimally invasive | Surgical |
| Downtime | 1–3 days | 0–2 days | None | 2–4 weeks |
| Duration of Results | 12–24 months | 6–24 months (varies by product) | 3–6 months | 5–10 years |
| Best For | Lifting, tightening | Volume loss, contouring | Dynamic wrinkles | Severe laxity, excess skin |
| Collagen Stimulation | Yes | Some (biostimulators only) | No | No |
| Customization | High | High | Moderate | High |
| Performed at Medspa? | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
*Note: Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa does not perform surgical facelifts.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for NovaThreads?
- Adults with mild to moderate facial sagging or skin laxity.
- Those seeking nonsurgical, low-downtime facial rejuvenation.
- Patients with realistic expectations regarding subtle, natural-looking results.
- Not suitable for individuals with severe skin laxity, active infections, or certain medical conditions. A consultation with a certified provider is required to determine candidacy.
Aftercare and Recovery
- Mild swelling or bruising may occur; cold compresses and gentle care are recommended.
- Avoid strenuous activity, facial massage, and excessive facial movements for several days.
- Most patients return to daily activities within 24–72 hours.
- Results improve progressively over several months as collagen forms.
Why Choose Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa for NovaThreads?
- Procedures are performed by certified injectors under the full-time supervision of Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD, a board-certified physician and national trainer in advanced injection techniques.
- The practice is recognized as a Top 250 Allergan provider in the USA, reflecting a commitment to safety, innovation, and patient-centered care.
- All treatments are customized for natural, proportional results, with a focus on minimizing discomfort and downtime.
For more details or to schedule a consultation, visit the NovaThreads procedure page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are NovaThreads made of?
NovaThreads are composed of polydioxanone (PDO), a biocompatible, absorbable material widely used in surgical sutures.
How long do NovaThreads results last?
Results typically last 12–24 months, depending on thread type, placement, and individual patient factors. Collagen stimulation may provide longer-lasting improvements.
Is the NovaThreads procedure painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort due to local anesthesia and advanced techniques. Mild swelling or tenderness may occur post-procedure.
What are the risks or side effects of NovaThreads?
Common side effects include mild swelling, bruising, and tenderness. Rare complications include dimpling, thread migration, or minor bleeding. Choosing an experienced provider minimizes risks.
How soon will I see results from NovaThreads?
Some lifting is visible immediately, with continued improvement over several months as collagen forms.
Can NovaThreads be combined with other treatments?
Yes. NovaThreads can be safely combined with neurotoxins (e.g., Botox), dermal fillers, or skin tightening procedures for enhanced results (PubMed, 2025).
Who should not get NovaThreads?
Individuals with severe skin laxity, active skin infections, bleeding disorders, or certain medical conditions may not be candidates. A consultation is necessary to determine suitability.
What areas can be treated with NovaThreads?
Common areas include the cheeks, jawline, neck, brows, and midface. Treatment is customized to patient needs.
How do NovaThreads compare to dermal fillers?
NovaThreads primarily lift and tighten, while fillers restore lost volume and contour. The two can be complementary depending on patient goals.
Is there downtime after NovaThreads?
Downtime is minimal. Most patients resume normal activities within 1–3 days, though some swelling or bruising may persist temporarily.
For more information or to book a consultation, visit the NovaThreads procedure page or contact Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa in Sherman Oaks, CA.
References
- Synergistic facial rejuvenation with PDO threads and Botulinum Toxin A for aging skin (2025)
- Pre- and Post-Procedural Considerations and Thread Types for Thread Lifting (2025)
- Thread Lifting Materials: A Review (2024)
- Effect of PDO facelift threads on facial skin tissues (2023)
- Lifting the Lower Face With an Absorbable Polydioxanone (PDO) Thread (2017)
- Polydioxanone Threads for Facial Rejuvenation: Analysis of Quality Variation in the Market (2019)
- Minimally Invasive Techniques for Facial Rejuvenation Utilizing Polydioxanone Threads (2022)
- Experiences of barbed polydioxanone (PDO) cog thread for facial rejuvenation (2021)
- Using PDO threads: A scarcely studied rejuvenation technique (2023)
For a full list of services and additional information, explore our other procedures and treatment areas.
Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD
Board-Certified Physician | National Trainer | Medical Director, Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa