During our thirties and forties connective tissue begins to thin and collagen and elastin fibres break down. Along with the sagging of the tissues, folds and deep wrinkles start appearing reflecting subtle to significant changes in the skin support structures. And, it is not just women who experience these changes; men also start to see connective tissues thinning and collagen and elastin fibres breaking down.
A Thread Lift is an innovative non-surgical procedure for the rejuvenation of the face and neck. The Aptos absorbing revitalizing threads have a unique design and utilize specially developed soft cogs that attach to the surrounding skin tissue (just like Velcro) to hold the skin in place and achieve the desired revitalizing effect. The new generation threads are also available as absorbable threads with the advantage of reabsorbing slowly over 2 years leaving the desired result in place for several years to come. Other threads available in Australia reabsorb rapidly over 6-9 months. This leads to decreased collagen stimulation and a much shorter time that the results are seen. A thread lift can give an air of freshness reducing that tired look that so often accompanies the ageing process. Areas that are best suited for threads include the brow, cheekbone area, jowls and neck.
Aptos™ threads are primarily made from a biodegradable polymer that is biocompatible with the human body. This works on the deeper layers of skin, gradually and naturally regenerating the skin and giving it a more youthful lift and shape. Not only will your face have a more shapely appearance, but your skin will be noticeably smoother and more toned.
*Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
The new generation Aptos™ absorbable revitalizing threads are very different to the older type of threads. These new absorbable threads have the advantage of reabsorbing slowly over 2 years, yet still maintaining the revitalizing effect for several years to come before another procedure is considered. The other advantage of these new generation threads is the unique design utilising specially developed and patented soft barbs (also known as cogs) that attach to the surrounding tissue (just like Velcro) helping to hold the skin in place to achieve the desired lift. A revitalizing thread lift with these new generation absorbable threads is an effective and cost-conscious way to achieve the desired result without scarring and to no downtime.
How long have these absorbable threads been available?
The new absorbable threads have been available for 12 months in Australia and New Zealand. However, they have been available overseas for a number of years. The Aptos excellence visage and the range of Aptos revitalising threads have been voted the best absorbable thread available for the last four years. Although new, the material from which the absorbable threads are made from is the same material that has been used in conventional dissolvable sutures that have been used in surgery for many years.
Your doctor will advise you as to your suitability for an Aptos Revitalizing Thread Lift. For those patients who are candidates, the Aptos™ threads are ideal for helping to delay the ageing process and address sagging areas such as:
Your doctor will advise you on the specific areas where you will achieve maximum benefit.
The revitalizing threads have a unique design and utilise specially developed and patented soft barbs (also known as cogs) that attach to the surrounding skin tissue (just like Velcro) to hold the skin in place and achieve the desired lift effect . The resulting beneficial effect can be achieved quickly and without any scars with minimal to no downtime. Your doctor may also choose the absorbable Aptos™ threads; these threads reabsorb slowly over 2 years but still maintain the revitalizing effect for several years before another procedure is considered.
This depends on the number of threads being used in the procedure; however most procedures take 45 to 60 minutes. The procedure is done with just local anaesthetic and and as a result feel little if any discomfort. The important point is that this procedure does not require hospitalization and patients can drive home immediately after the procedure. Your doctor will give you specific guidelines at the time of consultation.
The majority of patients resume normal social activities the next day. Your doctor will advise you on this point as there are some follow up requirements to ensure the best result.
Occasionally some local discomfort or light pain may occur; this can be treated with oral analgesics. Sometimes local bruising may be evident. Cold compresses are recommended for the first 2 hours after the procedure. Your doctor will explain more fully at the time of consultation.
It is not uncommon to have this procedure combined with other cosmetic procedures such as Botulinum toxin to reduce facial muscle activity; Dermal fillers such as hyaluronic acid or fat to enhance skin volume; and laser for example CO2 laser or Spectra to improve skin texture and collagen formation. Ask your doctor for more information.
Yes, Aptos™ threads have some unique properties that sets them apart from other threads, however they utilise the same principles that have been used in medicine for many years.
The Aptos™ threads have a unique design that offers superior grip on the surrounding tissues to achieve the revitalizing effect. Unlike conventional thread that are smooth, Aptos™ threads have small soft barbs (also known as cogs) that are double spiked which provide a superior grip on surrounding tissues – just like Velcro. The Aptos™ threads are also available as absorbable threads meaning that the threads absorb slowly over 2 years compared with other threads available in Australia that dissolve quickly over 6 to 9 months but leave the skin in place for several more years before another procedure is considered. Aptos™ threads offer a revitalizing lift that can be achieved quickly with a minimum of downtime and without any scars.