Aptos Thread Lift, What's the Difference? From Principles to Lifespan

Aptos thread lifting is a minimally invasive non-surgical lifting procedure that physically pulls up sagging tissue by inserting medical threads with fine protrusions (cogs) into the subcutaneous layer. Over time, the threads gradually dissolve, continuously inducing collagen production, ensuring that the elasticity improvement effect persists even after the threads have disappeared. Think of it as a treatment where two mechanisms—immediate pulling and long-term skin regeneration—work simultaneously.

The maintenance period is roughly 1 year and 6 months to 2 years based on absorbable threads. This is longer than general PDO thread lifting, which averages 6 to 8 months. The procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes, and swelling and bruising usually subside within 1 to 2 weeks. However, in cases of severe sagging or a lot of excess skin, there are clear limitations that cannot be fully addressed with threads alone. Let's delve into this step-by-step below.

🧵 What is Aptos Thread Lifting?

Aptos is a thread lifting brand and treatment system developed in the late 1990s by Russian plastic surgeon Marlen Sulamanidze. The name itself is widely known to originate from 'Anti-Ptosis', meaning 'preventing sagging'. It is currently used in more than 90 countries worldwide.

One point worth clarifying: Aptos is a specific brand name, not a term that represents all thread lifting. There are various thread products on the market, and Aptos is just one family of products.

The working principle is simpler than you might think. Fine protrusions on the surface of the thread—structures called cogs or barbs—physically hook and pull the tissue. The nature of the pulling varies depending on the direction these protrusions hook (unidirectional or bidirectional). The threads are primarily positioned in the layer near the SMAS (superficial muscular aponeurotic system), making the depth and vector of insertion the critical variables that dictate the outcome.

📌 Key Summary: Aptos is a branded thread lift that hooks and pulls tissues using threads with cogs (protrusions), and 'all thread lifting = Aptos' is not true.

🔬 What ingredients is it made of?

The distinguishing factor of Aptos threads lies in their material composition. It combines PLLA (Poly-L-lactic acid), PCL (Polycaprolactone), and HA (Hyaluronic acid) so that each layer plays a different role.

• PLLA: Strongly induces collagen production. This is the component that serves as the foundation for long-term elasticity improvement.

• PCL: Responsible for durability due to its slow dissolution rate. Absorption periods vary by material.

• HA: Coated on the surface of the thread using NAMICA technology, it is gradually released after the procedure to aid in hydration and skin condition.

The differences are clear when looking at the absorption period of each material in the body. PDO takes about 6 to 8 months, PLLA about 12 months, and PCL about 12 to 24 months. This explains why Aptos, being based on PLLA and PCL, lasts relatively longer.

NAMICA is an Aptos-exclusive technology that coats the surface of the thread with HA for a slow-release effect. It is introduced as the basis for the so-called 'bio-lifting' concept, going beyond simple pulling to take care of skin texture as well.

📌 Key Summary: The material characteristics of Aptos include a composite composition of PLLA (collagen induction), PCL (durability), and HA (hydration), enhanced by NAMICA HA coating technology.

⏳ How long does the effect last?

Based on absorbable threads, it is described as lasting an average of 1 year and 6 months to 2 years. However, there is a point that is easy to misunderstand here.

'The maintenance period of the threads' and 'the duration of the visible lifting effect' do not necessarily match. This is because even after the threads are physically absorbed, the collagen and elastin tissues formed around the threads continue to act as a support structure. Conversely, if the aging process is rapid or if lifestyle habits do not support it, the perceived effect may be shorter.

The timeline can be summarized as follows: immediate physical lifting appears right after the procedure, and collagen synthesis becomes active starting about 1 to 2 weeks post-treatment. Additionally, the most natural final result settles in around the 2nd to 3rd month after the procedure. Any initial awkwardness or excessive pulling softens around this time.

📌 Key Summary: It is maintained for an average of 1 to 2 years, but the lifespan of the threads differs from the perceived effect, and thanks to collagen remodeling, the final result is completed around the 2nd to 3rd month.

⚖️ How does it differ from other lifting treatments?

Lifting methods vary in their principles and levels of invasiveness. They are compared in the table below.

HIFU and RF (Thermage class) have the advantage of short recovery times because they use energy to stimulate collagen without incision or thread insertion. On the other hand, thread lifting differs in its approach as it is a physical lift that directly pulls up sagging tissue. Therefore, combining thread and energy treatments is a common design.

Facelift surgery is considered a powerful alternative in terms of effectiveness when sagging is severe and there is a lot of excess skin. However, as it is an incisional surgery, the burden of invasiveness and recovery is high. Onlif Clinic does not perform incisional surgeries and prioritizes a non-surgical dermatological approach for improvement. This involves combining thread lifting, ultrasound HIFU/radiofrequency RF, fillers, skin boosters, etc., to match the nature of your concerns. The decision for surgery should be made after direct inspection of your condition.

📌 Key Summary: Thread lifting is physical pulling, while HIFU/RF is energy stimulation. Since their principles differ, they are commonly combined, and non-surgical approaches are often preferred unless sagging is severe.

🩹 What is the procedure and recovery like?

The procedure is performed primarily under local anesthesia, with sedation combined if necessary. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Returning to light daily activities is typically expected within the next day to 3 days.

There are things to observe during the recovery period, as the initial phase of public thread placement is important.

• Avoid exaggerated facial expressions and facial massages

• Refrain from saunas, sweat rooms, and strenuous exercise

• Avoid chewing hard foods (for at least 1 to 2 weeks)

• Postpone dental treatments that require opening the mouth wide until after recovery

Additionally, starting 1 week before the procedure, it is recommended to consult with your medical staff to adjust the intake of medications and supplements that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, Vitamin E, and Omega-3. Consult with them instead of stopping arbitrarily.

📌 Key Summary: Takes 30 to 60 minutes under local anesthesia, return to daily life in 1 to 3 days. It is safe to avoid exaggerated expressions, massages, saunas, strenuous exercise, and hard foods for 1 to 2 weeks.

⚠️ What are the side effects and who should be cautious?

With any procedure, risks exist. Commonly reported side effects with Aptos include bruising, swelling, skin irregularities (dimpling/indentations), and asymmetry, with infection or nerve-related symptoms occurring in rare cases. Most of these recover with time, but to achieve stable results, the insertion layer, vector design, and the practitioner's anatomical understanding and proficiency are crucial.

Special caution is advised in the following cases:

• Keloid constitution

• Autoimmune diseases

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

And call your clinic immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Skin discoloration or severe pain

• Nerve-related signals such as asymmetry around the corners of the mouth or eyes, or abnormal movement

• Changes suspected of infection, such as swelling accompanied by heat

📌 Key Summary: Bruising, swelling, dimpling, and asymmetry are common side effects, and caution is needed for keloid/autoimmune conditions or during pregnancy. Nerve symptoms or severe discoloration must be reported to medical staff immediately.

🌿 Onlif's Perspective on Lifting

The goal of a lift is not to transform your face into someone else's. It is closer to restoring contours that have become blurred due to aging back to their original placement.

Onlif Clinic operates under this philosophy: Because you are precious, we do not change you. Rather than plastic surgery that alters the shape of the eyes, nose, or mouth, our approach clears away skin concerns that obscure your natural beauty, such as sagging and loss of elasticity. Doing so naturally, without going overboard, so the results are seamless.

It is difficult for a single doctor to perform every procedure equally well. Therefore, we adopt a system where each expert takes charge of the procedure they excel at. Even for thread lifting alone, the type of thread, insertion depth, and pulling direction must be designed differently for every face. If necessary, we combine ultrasound HIFU/radiofrequency RF, fillers, skin boosters, and Botox to draw natural improvements across three pillars: 'texture, balance, and signals of youth.'

📌 Key Summary: Onlif's approach is a non-surgical path that restores your natural beauty by alleviating skin concerns, rather than changing your features through plastic surgery.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Aptos and general PDO thread lifting?

While PDO threads have an absorption period of about 6 to 8 months, Aptos is based on PLLA and PCL, explaining its longer average duration of 1 year and 6 months to 2 years. Also, its differentiating factor is the addition of a moisturizing effect through NAMICA technology that coats HA.

Does the lifting effect disappear immediately when the thread dissolves?

No. Even after the thread is absorbed, the collagen and elastin tissues formed around the thread take over the supporting role, maintaining the effect for a certain period. However, the perceived duration varies depending on an individual's aging speed and lifestyle habits.

Is it possible to go back to work immediately after the procedure?

Returning to light daily activities is typically possible within the next day to 3 days after the procedure. However, since swelling and bruising can persist for 1 to 2 weeks, it is recommended to allow some buffer time if you have important schedules.

My face looks uneven right after the procedure; is this normal?

Mild irregularities or dimpling in the early stages often resolve as the threads settle in. However, if it persists or is severe, you must contact the clinic where you received the procedure to check your condition.

Can Aptos thread lifting replace a facelift?

It can be a non-surgical alternative if sagging is not severe. However, in cases of severe sagging with plenty of excess skin, thread lifting has clear limitations, and and appropriate method must be determined through an accurate diagnosis.

Can it be done together with Botox and fillers?

Yes, this is a combination that is frequently designed together. They complement each other: thread lifting pulls up the sagging, fillers restore volume and address wrinkles, and Botox coordinates muscle movement. The sequence and intervals are determined through consultation.

Are there any contraindications for this procedure?

Caution is required for those with a keloid constitution, autoimmune diseases, or who are pregnant/breastfeeding. It is safe to fully inform the medical staff of your medical history and current medications before the procedure.