Exploring the Impact and Evolution of Aptos Lift in Thread Lifting - 美容整形・美容外科｜船橋中央&青山セレスクリニック　美容整形・美容外科｜船橋中央&青山セレスクリニック

The Revolutionary Arrival of Aptos

For the past three decades, face lifting surgeries were the mainstream solution for addressing facial sagging. However, the extensive nature of these surgeries, accompanied by swelling and long recovery times, made many hesitant. In the late 1990s, a breakthrough came with the birth of the Aptos Lift, a thread lifting method that revolutionized the field of cosmetic surgery. Developed by Russian plastic surgeons, the Sulamanidze family, its effectiveness and safety were evaluated in 2000 on 300 patients by a Russian Ministry of Health committee. In 2004, a study by Lycka reported successful facial rejuvenation in 348 out of 350 cases. Introduced in Japan in 2001 and presented at the Japanese Society of Aesthetic Surgery in 2002, Aptos Lift and thread lifting experienced an exploratory phase in the early years but have since advanced, offering safe thread lifting options to many patients.

About Aptos Lift Threads

The polypropylene threads used in Aptos Lift are highly regarded for their safety in medical applications. These non-absorbable threads are designed with unique barbs to hold subcutaneous tissue while contracting the skin for a lifting effect. The 12cm threads have special serrations running from both ends towards the center, effectively pulling the skin towards the thread’s midpoint.

Technique and Effectiveness of Aptos Lift

Aptos Lift is a minimally invasive procedure using special needles and threads to lift sagging skin without incisions. It is particularly effective for cheek sagging, reducing nasolabial folds, and restoring cheek firmness. Immediate improvement in sagging is noticeable post-treatment, with further lifting effects expected 2-4 weeks later due to the fibrous tissue formed around the threads.

Aftercare and Risks of Aptos Lift

Post-treatment swelling and bruising can occur but are typically alleviated with at-home cooling. Makeup can be applied immediately after. The lifting effects are said to last for several years, especially effective for mild sagging in individuals under 45 years old.

Procedure of Aptos Lift

●Consultation: Assessing the patient’s condition and suitability for the treatment.

●Local Anesthesia: Administering anesthesia at the designated thread insertion sites.

●Treatment: Inserting the Aptos threads under the skin using special needles.

●Post-Treatment: Minimal swelling is typical, with needle marks disappearing within a few days. Washing and makeup application can resume the next day.

Common Questions About Aptos Lift

●Feeling of Threads: Initially, there may be some discomfort, but this fades as the threads adapt.

●Safety of Threads Remaining in the Body: There are minimal risks of infection or other issues with polypropylene threads.

●Effectiveness of Aptos Lift: Initially hailed as a groundbreaking technique, Aptos Lift gained popularity in the early 2000s. Subsequent improvements in threads have somewhat overshadowed it. Being non-absorbable, it’s expected to have longer-lasting effects compared to absorbable threads like VOV Lift. However, its structure, where the thread loops back in the middle and is anchored in the soft fat layer, leads to a decrease in lifting effect over time. Effective thread lifts should have one end anchored in a firm fascia. Furthermore, the lack of contractility in polypropylene threads can lead to visible irregularities at the insertion site, causing postoperative issues. Nowadays, “Spring Thread,” a superior non-absorbable thread lift made of silicone, is preferred, offering better results and longer sustainability, often exceeding three years.

Conclusion: Aptos Lift’s Relevance Today

Once revolutionary, Aptos Lift has been surpassed by newer thread technologies. When considering a thread lift, it’s crucial to determine whether absorbability or longevity is a priority. However, it’s important to note the existence of doctors who claim to be specialists in thread lifting or facelifting without adequate knowledge or experience. Thorough consultation with a true expert is essential before undergoing any treatment.

Written by Kenta Motogami, M.D.

Director of Funabashi Chuou Clinic (Chiba Pref. Japan) ana Aoyama Celes Clinic (Tokyo)

English is available at these clinics.

thread lift

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