Thread skin lifting is one of the most popular methods of cosmetic correction today. Using thread methods, you can significantly improve your appearance, both in the face and in areas of the entire body.
In many cases, the thread lifting procedure allows you to correct various imperfections, for example, remove nasolabial folds, crow's feet, jowls, improve the oval of the face and give it a fresher, more youthful appearance. Thread lifting of the face can be an excellent alternative to plastic surgery if it is correctly selected according to the skin type and in accordance with the patient’s problems.
Thread skin lifting can be performed using absorbable (for example, mesothreads) and non-absorbable threads (for example, Spring Thread). Which option will be optimal for you is decided only by a cosmetologist, since the choice of threads will depend on your age, skin type, as well as aesthetic problems.
general description
Threads from the Aptos cosmetology line are used to correct signs of aging on the skin of the face, décolleté and other areas. The composition includes a whole complex of compounds that stimulate the synthesis and production of collagen and elastin.
The positive clinical effect increases over time, this is explained by the gradual resorption of biothreads.
Implantation of threads is simplified as much as possible, which is a definite advantage. A doctor who does not have many years of experience is able to perform the procedure with high quality.
The principle of operation of threads
The introduction of threads is aimed at enhancing the supporting function of the dermis and tightening the face.
After the procedure, the connective tissue framework is strengthened, the structure of which has changed due to insufficient synthesis of collagen and elastin. The material contains absorbable components that affect metabolic processes. These compounds increase the rate of cell division, epithelial restoration, and stimulate the natural production of hyaluronic acid.
Thanks to this mechanism, the rejuvenating effect lasts a long time, the skin looks toned, young, and healthy.
When using Aptos threads in combination with proper cosmetic care, the result lasts 3-5 years.
Efficiency
Experts say that the use of Aptos threads is advisable in cases where it is too early to perform plastic surgery, and other, more delicate techniques no longer give the desired effect.
Thread lifting is now the most popular; patients often seek a lift for preventive purposes.
Results of the procedure:
- elimination of the impending eyelid, eyebrows;
- smoothing wrinkles;
- relief leveling;
- tightening the oval of the face.
The effect is visible almost immediately, the recovery period is short. After some time, as metabolic processes are stimulated, the tissue changes its structure, the skin becomes moisturized and elastic.
Features of face and neck lift with Aptos threads
Aptos thread lifting technologies have been popular among aesthetic medicine specialists for 20 years. This demand is due to the high quality and effectiveness of Aptos thread rejuvenation methods.
The use of Aptos threads is always a natural result, minimal trauma, maximum safety and a quick visible lifting effect that lasts for a long time.
The Excellence Visage technique makes it possible to effectively tighten the tissues of the face and neck, in the absence of significant excess skin.
| Sulamanidze Marlen Andreevich, plastic surgeon, Member of the Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Russia, Georgia, IPRAS, Honorary Member of the National Society of Aesthetic Surgeons of France, Honorary President of the Japanese Society of Liposuction, Member of the American Society of Dermatosurgeons. |
| Sulamanidze Georgy Marlenovich, plastic surgeon, candidate of medical sciences, full member of the Russian Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, as well as the Japanese Society of Liposuction. |
| Sulamanidze Konstantin Marlenovich, plastic surgeon, dermatovenerologist, member of the International Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (IPRAS). |
Aptos threads:
- indications for lifting with Aptos threads using the Excellence Visage method;
- contraindications to lifting with Aptos threads using the Excellence Visage method;
- face and neck lift technology using Aptos threads using the Excellence Visage method;
- how Aptos threads work for face and neck lifting;
- histological examination of tissues when installing a smooth thread.
You may be interested in: “The history of soft tissue lifting with threads”
Indications and contraindications
In the recommendations and patient instructions, the manufacturer indicates several indications for use. The list looks like this:
- sagging skin;
- age-related changes in the soft tissues of the face;
- ptosis;
- the appearance of jowls (“bulldog cheeks”);
- formation of facial wrinkles;
- change in facial contour, development of a double chin;
- asymmetry.
Aptosis threads are not suitable for all patients. All contraindications are divided into absolute and relative.
The first group includes:
- severe tissue disorders that cannot be corrected;
- pregnancy;
- breastfeeding period;
- autoimmune disorders in the stage of decompensation;
- growth of malignant neoplasm, chemotherapy;
- inflammatory pathologies of ENT organs, oral cavity;
- infection with HIV, hepatitis viruses;
- previous implantations with non-absorbable materials;
- diabetes mellitus type 1 and 2 in the stage of decompensation;
- allergic reaction, risk of hypersensitivity;
- diseases associated with blood clotting disorders.
List of relative contraindications:
- hypertension above the second degree;
- coronary heart disease from functional class 2 and higher;
- use of antiplatelet agents (Aspirin), anticoagulants (Heparin);
- xerosis – excessive dry skin;
- moderate tissue atony;
- dermatoporosis – general thinning of the skin against the background of atrophic processes;
- hyperkinesis - involuntary muscle contraction;
- history of keloid scar formation.
Buyanov Sergey Yurievich (Expert Doctor):
Temporary contraindications also include the period of menstruation, during which the risk of interstitial bleeding is increased.
Thread lifts: endotin plates
This technique for tightening the soft tissues of the face does not, of course, apply to thread lifts. Nevertheless, it deserves attention as a low-traumatic modern way of “fighting” ptosis. Endotine is made from polylactic and glycolic acids, a natural polymer that is identical to the human body and does not cause allergic reactions or rejection. This is the first plus. The second advantage of this material is that its resorption takes a fairly long period - from 4 to 6 months. And after the endocrine plates are reabsorbed, the connective tissue formed around them holds the tissues in the desired position. US medical scientists spent ten years and several tens of millions of dollars on the development of this material, the methodology itself, and clinical trials.
In 2003, Coapt Systems (USA) launched the first product in the Endotin forehead implant series onto the US market. Today, there are already 4 types of similar devices for lifting all areas of the face. In Russia, this method was registered and approved for use a little over a year ago.
Endotin plates are thin plates of various shapes with tiny teeth (3.5-4.5 mm).
- Endotine TransBleph - intended for eyebrow lifting;
- Endotine Midface - for tightening the cheeks and cheekbones;
- Endotine Forehead - for forehead lift;
- Endotine Ribbon – for neck and face lifting
Through mini-incisions, and in some cases using endoscopic technology, after detachment of soft tissue from the periosteum, these devices are installed and attached to the bone with special absorbable screws. After which the tissues are pulled in the desired direction and “pressed” onto the teeth of the plate.
It should be noted that one Endotine micro-board allows you to lift a large area of the face at once. Previously, to achieve this effect, it was necessary to introduce a large number of fixative threads under the skin with a point application.
According to reviews of Russian surgeons working with the Endotine technique, these plates fix tissue better than various types of threads. It is clear that the level of “work” of the plates is much deeper, unlike the threads. In addition, the obligatory detachment and movement occurs as a single block. This means that the effect of the operation should be longer, hopefully.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any cosmetic procedure, a facelift with Aptos threads has both positive and negative sides. Details in the table.
| pros | Minuses |
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Thread lifts: Happy Lift threads
Happy Lift threads are polydiaxone (PDS) threads treated with polylactic acid. The validity of these threads is limited to two years. The design is similar to APTOS - counter notches are applied to the thread from the periphery to the center. The thickness of the thread according to the metric system is 2/0 (about 2-2.5 times thicker than a hair). Polylactic acid stimulates a pronounced tissue reaction with the formation of a connective (fibrous) membrane, while the thread itself dissolves quite quickly (on average in 6-9 months). And the function of the thread is taken over by the formed fibrous tissue, the destruction of which ends by one and a half to two years. The threads are installed in a parallel direction, which eliminates the risk of generalization in case of inflammatory reactions (infection). Just as when installing other threads, it is not advisable to perform the procedure on patients with “heavy” faces, severe ptosis and excess skin. You should expect a slight tightening effect and improved skin properties from the procedure. Installation of threads is usually performed under local anesthesia and takes 30-40 minutes.
Varieties
Depending on the area of correction, the age of the patient and his wishes, non-absorbable and absorbable threads are used.
Non-absorbable
Made of polypropylene (a classic suture material that has been known to surgeons for more than 50 years). Most relevant for the formation of jowls and a double chin.
The group is represented by one type - Aptos Surgical threads. The product is designed specifically for correcting facial contours in patients over 50 years of age.
The result lasts for more than 5 years; if necessary, an additional procedure is performed.
Absorbable
The composition is more complex, it includes L-lactic acid and caprolactone. With gradual splitting, the natural renewal of the skin is activated, and the appearance improves over time.
The list of products includes:
- Aptos Excellence Visage . Make-up is recommended for young people (after 30 years). Suitable for eliminating wrinkles on the neck and mouth area. Created specifically to prevent pronounced signs of skin aging.
- Aptos Light Lift . Intended for patients over 35-40 years old. In a short time, facial deformities are removed, unnecessary folds on the neck, and ptosis (drooping eyelids) are eliminated. Additionally used to smooth out nasolabial folds.
- Aptos Nano . Relevant for correcting delicate areas of the skin, for example, the periorbital area. The resulting effect lasts for about two years.
Each category has its own gradation based on the design features of the ligatures. Absorbable threads Aptos Light Lift can be presented in 2G, Soft, Blunt options.
How do Aptos threads work for face and neck lifts?
Aptos Nano threads are threads made of absorbable material that do not have fixing elements, but when not installed subcutaneously they have a weaving form.
3 weeks after installation, such a thread unravels, lifting the tissue above itself. It is much thinner and is not intended for tightening, but for reinforcing the skin. The method is intended mainly for dermatocosmetologists.
Histological studies conducted at the Russian Scientific Center for Surgery named after. B.V. Petrovsky, showed that when installing absorbable braided, figured, or notched threads, the following occurs:
- There is an increase in the number of microvasculature vessels compared to areas located further from the thread.
- The vessels of the microvasculature look full of blood, that is, they have an open lumen. Considering that this phenomenon occurs at all periods of observation, we can talk about the phenomenon of persistent hyperemia at the sites of implantation of Aptos threads. Presumably, we can talk about improving the trophism of these areas.
- Fibroblasts of loose connective tissue are in a functionally active state: the volume of nuclei and cytoplasm is increased, the chromatin is finely dispersed.
- When stained with toluidine blue in the loose layer of connective tissue where the Aptos thread is located, the number of mast cells increases, and according to localization, mast cells are concentrated in the prevascular spaces of the microvasculature.
- mast cells in their granules contain hyaluronic acid - a complex polysaccharide, which is found as a structural unit in the papillary layer of the dermis, granular layer of the epidermis, as well as along the vessels and appendages of the skin.
- It has been proven that a decrease in the amount of hyaluronic acid negatively affects the immune status of the skin, and its intradermal injection improves its structure.
Carrying out the procedure
Lifting with threads consists of classic three stages: preparation before manipulation, the procedure itself and the healing period with subsequent care. Let's look at each period in more detail.
Preparation
There is no special preliminary preparation. The patient is required to:
- choose a good doctor;
- take blood tests (immunological for HIV and hepatitis viruses, clinical);
- warn the doctor about the presence of chronic pathologies;
- Tell us about your current medications.
For some pathologies, consultation with specialized specialists may be required.
5-7 days before the procedure, it is necessary to stop taking antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants, biologically active additives that affect blood clotting. If they are prescribed according to indications, you should contact your doctor for possible correction of therapy.
How to install threads
Installation of threads involves four stages: cleansing, anesthesia, contouring and insertion of material.
Cleansing of the skin is carried out with special cosmetic solutions, removing dirt, cosmetics, and sebaceous gland secretions.
To reduce discomfort, the doctor applies a cream or gel with an anesthetic. After 2-5 minutes, the remaining product is removed.
Next, the surface of the face is treated with an antiseptic to eliminate the risk of infection of the punctures.
For ease of work, the doctor draws a contour along which the Aptos threads will be inserted. Then a puncture is performed with a guide needle to a depth of 3-5 mm, the thread is inserted into the desired area and in a given direction, and a frame is created.
Installing threads
A cannula with a thread is inserted subcutaneously through a prepared puncture and passed subdermally into the subcutaneous fatty tissue along a pre-made marking. Having brought the cannula to the intervention border, the tissue is lifted in the lateral direction and upward, and the cannula is removed. The bent end of the thread clings to the soft tissue with its protrusions, and the thread remains standing under the skin, fixing the tissue in a raised state. Excess thread is cut off. Fixing the thread itself is not required.
Thus, on each side of the face, depending on the indications, 5-10 threads are installed. The use of a cannula allows to reduce soft tissue trauma to a minimum, as a result of which the swelling that usually develops after the reinforcement procedure is noticeably reduced.
During the first three days after the installation of the threads, there is a slight increase in swelling, which completely disappears within a week. The rehabilitation process occurs quite comfortably, without pain, and most importantly, on the day of the procedure, patients can wear makeup, which easily helps them hide the traces of the intervention and not fall out of their usual life schedule.
Typically, the effect of thread placement lasts from one and a half to 2 years. To obtain a more vivid result and long-term maintenance, you should additionally use various injection methods of cosmetological correction. We always combine several methods individually for each patient, which helps us achieve maximum aesthetic effect.
Healing period
Lasts about 10-14 days. To improve the result and speed up tissue restoration, cosmetologists recommend:
- plasma lifting;
- microcurrent therapy and similar procedures;
- after 14-21 days - hardware cosmetology;
- after 2-3 weeks - biorevitalization, administration of botulinum toxin if necessary.
Swelling, small hematomas, mild discomfort are normal symptoms that go away on their own on the second or third day.
During the rehabilitation period, asymmetry, swelling, unevenness, bruising, and retractions are also observed. Such manifestations can last from a week to two months.
Aftercare
A good doctor, after all the manipulations, should describe in detail recommendations for skin care.
Basic advice from cosmetologists is as follows:
- over the next two days, apply cold to the place where the threads are inserted;
- if discomfort persists, it is allowed to take painkillers in accordance with the instructions for use;
- to reduce swelling, microcurrent therapy can be performed after a few days;
- For three days, the puncture area should be treated with an antiseptic; you may need to take antibiotics.
You should not use decorative cosmetics for the first week. The issue of applying nourishing and moisturizing creams should be discussed with your doctor on an individual basis.
Aptos threads – rehabilitation period
If after the procedure of bioreinforcement with Aptos threads you can go to work almost immediately, then after lifting you will need several days to recover. In rare cases, this period extends to 1.5 weeks. At this time it is observed:
- Some “gathering” of the skin, which gradually straightens out and the visual tubercles along the threads disappear;
- Small hematomas (especially in women who smoke due to the fragility of the vessel walls). They also pass within a few days;
- Pain that can be relieved with prescribed medications;
- Feeling of skin tightness.
No post-operative procedures or compression bandages are provided. Sudden facial movements and massage are contraindicated for two to three weeks. During this time, cosmetic procedures are also prohibited.
Back to the beginning of the article
Precautionary measures
For the first day after the procedure, it is forbidden to drink hot drinks or eat hot food.
It is better to refrain from flying for seven days due to the difference in atmospheric pressure. For 1-2 months you should avoid facial massage, myostimulation, visiting the sauna, bathhouse, beach and solarium.
There is a ban on active physical activity for two to three weeks due to possible facial deformation. For the same reason, the patient will have to sleep exclusively on her back with her head raised.
For 14 days you must not drink alcohol or smoke.
Combination of thread lifting with other procedures
After an Aptos lift, intense warming activities are prohibited for a month, as well as bipolar and monopolar RF. At the same time, RF needle lifting can be done almost immediately.
It is completely worth abandoning such popular manipulations in cosmetology as cosmetic massage procedures, especially deep ones. Only relaxing and superficial massages are allowed.
Ultrasonic smas-lifting (Altera, Ultraformer) is allowed only after 8–12 months, since heating the tissue to 60°C can cause damage to the thread.
Superficial non-ablative resurfacing is possible because it is performed above the level at which the threads are located.
Radiesse vector lifting can be performed at the site where the threads are attached no earlier than six months after the insertion of the threads. At the same time, Radiesse injections are allowed in other techniques (volumetric modeling, mesoradiesse) after 1.5 months.
Side effects
Undesirable consequences occur extremely rarely and, once formed, can be corrected if you consult a doctor in a timely manner. There may be:
- hematomas;
- slight facial asymmetry;
- swelling of tissues;
- contour irregularities.
An emergency situation is the formation of pronounced bruises, contouring of threads, strong retractions of the skin in the area of injection of the material.
Buyanov Sergey Yurievich (Expert Doctor):
If any of the complications occur, even if the side effects are severe, you should immediately contact a cosmetologist.
Cost of the procedure in salons
The cost of introducing Aptos threads depends on the pricing policy of the medical center or beauty salon, the specialist, the region where the patient lives, and the amount of material used. Details are below.
| City | Price in rubles |
| Nizhny Novgorod | 17000-35000 |
| Tula | 20000-40000 |
| Moscow | 25000-55000 |
| Chita | 17000-40000 |
| Tomsk | 12000-35000 |
| Ufa | 20000-33000 |
| Krasnoyarsk | 20000-43000 |
| Permian | 18000-37000 |
| Ekaterinburg | 17000-40000 |
| Tyumen | 20000-40000 |
| Krasnodar | 25000-35000 |
Duration of thread lifting
The duration of the result depends on the material used and the individual characteristics of the patient’s body. With good tissue displacement and the use of stitching threads, you can achieve rigid fixation that will last quite a long time: non-absorbable threads - up to five years, absorbable threads - up to two years. The number of procedures in each case is determined by the doctor individually.
You can check the prices for the Aptos facelift and make an appointment with the specialists of our clinic by calling the phone number in Moscow listed on the website.
Comparison with analogues
Aptos threads were created in Russia, the authors of the methods are domestic surgeons.
The quality of the material meets all requirements and standards and is in no way inferior to foreign analogues. The product is respected and appreciated for its diversity and the ability to select an individual approach to the patient.
Cosmetologists also use:
- French Spring Thread, Resorblift;
- Italian Happy lift;
- Spanish Silhouette Lift, Silhouette Soft;
- South Korean Kogi mesothreads;
- Japanese analogues.
It is impossible to say with 100% certainty which material is better. Products differ in composition, capabilities, indications for use and other nuances. The selection of threads is carried out exclusively by a cosmetologist.
Our doctors
Apchel A.V. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Head of the Cosmetology Department. Cosmetologist, dermatologist, plastic surgeon
Panchulidze T. T. Cosmetologist, dermatologist
Gerberg A.E. Body esthetician, massage therapist.
Andrievskaya M. V. Master of nail service, manicure, pedicure, podiatrist
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Opinion of cosmetologists
On forums, experts share their opinions about this procedure. Here are some reviews about Aptos threads regarding effectiveness and rules of use:
