One of them is APTOS resorbable threads, a modern and safe solution to the problems of ageing skin, using thread technology to restore the skin’s attractive appearance, correct facial and body imperfections, and alleviate recent or pronounced signs of ageing.

Sagging skin, wrinkles and changes in facial shape due to sagging soft tissues are common signs of ageing. At the Rogaška and Maribor Derma Center, we use APTOS resorbable threads made of polylactic acid, caprolactone and hyaluronic acid to address these signs of ageing. Their composition is an important added value, as once they are inserted into the skin, they begin to break down by the body’s own mechanisms, stimulating the formation of new collagen and capillaries. In addition to the lifting effect, the latter prolongs the action of the threads, smooths the surface of the skin, fine lines and wrinkles, unifies the tone and strengthens the skin tone.

Resorbable APTOS threads are a minimally invasive rejuvenation procedure, however in certain cases, they can give the effect we are used to witness after surgical procedures. The type of threads and the method of application will be presented to you by your doctor during your examination, considering your age and the degree of difficulty. The duration of the effect of resorbable threads is 2-3 years, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient, lifestyle and compliance with the instructions for skin care after the procedure.

10 advantages of rejuvenation with APTOS resorbable threads

Find out the benefits of rejuvenation with APTOS resorbable threads:

1. double effect: lifting and rejuvenation of the skin (new collagen and capillary formation),
2. a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anaesthesia,
3. a short procedure lasting between 15 and 40 minutes,
4. a safe procedure using threads made from proven materials that do not cause irritation, allergy or other effects,
5. brief rehabilitation after the procedure, associated with tolerable discomfort,
6. in some cases, the effect of the procedure is comparable to surgery,
7. immediate effect, which intensifies up to two months after the procedure,
8. minimal chance of side effects,
9. long-term effects (resorbable threads: 1.5-2.5 years),
10. natural look after the procedure.

Who is the procedure suitable for?

APTOS resorbable threads are a collection of several series of thread types (Nano, Excellence and Light Lift) used for different purposes and with several approaches. Choosing a specific thread type and combining them in a meaningful way brings the best skin rejuvenation effect.

APTOS resorbable threads can be used to strengthen the skin and subcutaneous tissue on the face, neck, arms, chest, décolleté, knees or abdomen in suitable candidates for surgery, in addition to lifting structures, rejuvenating the skin and adding volume where necessary.

The effect is visible immediately after the procedure and improves over time due to the new collagen and capillary formation in the skin. After about two months, a maximum effect can be observed, which lasts for several years.

The main changes that can be solved using APTOS resorbable threads are:

• sagging skin with weakened skin tone,
• loss of cheek tone and the appearance of a sagging, round face,
• drooping and lowering of the outer part of the eyebrows,
• lack of volume,
• the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,
• drooping eyelids,
• wrinkles around the eyes,
• accentuated wrinkles around the nose and mouth,
• drooping corners of the mouth,
• persons with thin lips,
• sagging facial asymmetry,
• weakened tone and wrinkles on the neck and/or décolleté,
• changes in the surface of the skin (unevenness and wrinkles),
• the reappearance of weakened skin tone a few years after a face and/or neck lift,
• people with facial asymmetry,
• the appearance of dry skin on the face due to ageing,
• chin,
• loss of skin tone on the abdomen,
• sagging skin above the knees.

Before the procedure, you will need to be examined by a doctor, who will determine the indications and whether there are any contraindications to the procedure. The doctor will explain the procedure and the rehabilitation process, mentioning possible transient side effects.

Recovery after surgery

The recovery period after the procedure lasts up to two weeks. Following your doctor’s recommendations for post-procedure skin care will reduce discomfort and the chance of complications. Minor swelling and/or bruising may occur in the area where the procedure was performed. Less frequently, mild asymmetry and pain may be observed. All of the above are normal during the recovery process after a minimally invasive procedure

After the procedure, you will also receive written instructions on how to take care of your skin after the insertion of the APTOS resorbable threads, which will help you during your recovery.

Who is advised against the procedure?

The APTOS procedure is not suitable for people with the following conditions:

• a known allergy to plastic materials, implants or permanent fillings,
• inflamed acne or other inflammation of the skin at the thread insertion sites,
• a tendency to develop keloids,
• auto-immune diseases, scleroderma, sarcoidosis, amyloidosis, etc.,
• treatment with anticoagulants (Marevan, Aspirin, Pradaxa, etc.),
• haemophilia,
• unregulated high blood pressure,
• unmanaged diabetes with complications,
• connective tissue diseases (systemic lupus, dematomyositis, etc.),
• neurological and psychiatric diseases,
• menstrual cycle (week 1),
• pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• cancer and chemotherapy,
• hepatitis B & C, HIV,
• porphyria,
• previously inserted permanent implants.

Myths and prejudices about APTOS resorbable filaments

Facelift, neck lift and skin tightening on the trunk and thighs with APTOS resorbable threads is one of the most advanced non-surgical aesthetic procedures that meets modern standards and patient expectations. APTOS threads have been successfully used worldwide for more than 25 years. They are a safe and effective method that can be used to improve moderate signs of ageing and skin imperfections. Nevertheless, there are still prejudices about resorbable threads (in general, not only for APTOS), which are due to ignorance of this extremely effective method of skin rejuvenation.

The most common myths associated with the thread rejuvenation procedure are:

Myth 1. After the procedure, large bruising and swelling may occur. 

The truth: any intervention on the skin and subcutaneous tissue causes minimal swelling and, in some cases, minor bruising, which quickly fades. Larger bruises may occur in rare cases due to damage to small blood vessels or due to individual characteristics – a tendency to bruise, taking certain medications or dietary supplements.

Myth 2. Applying APTOS threads has the effect of restricting facial expressions. 

The truth: APTOS resorbable threads do not contain botulinum toxin or other substances that temporarily affect facial muscle function. The insertion procedure has no effect on the activity of the facial muscles, except during the recovery period immediately after the procedure, when it is recommended to limit expressive facial expressions, which could affect the movement of the threads and reduce their effect. After a few days, when the threads are finally placed in the subcutaneous tissue, facial expressions no longer influence their position.

Myth 3. After the effect of resorbable threads fades away, they must be removed from the skin.

The truth: there are two main groups of threads: resorbable and non-resorbable.

At the Derma Center Maribor/ Rogaška we use APTOS resorbable tread, which are composed of materials that gradually disintegrate and resorb using the body’s own mechanisms over a period of about a year. In this process, a band of collagen is formed, which replaces the thread, so the lifting effect and the rejuvenating effect on the skin lasts for a longer period of time, up to three years. The duration of the effect depends on the physiological characteristics of the individual, the lifestyle and the adherence to the recommendations during the recovery period after the procedure. There are also significant differences in performance and duration of effect compared to cheaper resorbable polydioxanone threads (so-called PDO threads) from other manufacturers which do not stimulate collagen formation.

Myth 4. The use of resorbable threads for face and neck lifting is a barrier to performing a surgical facelift.

The truth: the presence of resorbable APTOS threads is not a contraindication to surgery or other aesthetic procedures. Before a planned aesthetic procedure, you should inform your doctor of any previous skin procedures, including threads.

Myth 5. Bumps and bumps can appear after facial thread lift.

The truth: a few days after the procedure, you may experience minor bruising, unevenness, mild asymmetry and minor swelling. These signs are not a cause for alarm as they disappear within one to two weeks. If they are visible for more than 3 weeks, we recommend a follow-up examination with your doctor.

Myth 6. Thread outlines can be seen under the skin. 

The truth: after a procedure in which the threads have been inserted correctly, they cannot be seen as they are located 3-5 mm below the surface of the skin.

The main risk factors for complications during or after the procedure are:

• The doctor’s qualifications and experience. The doctor performing the procedure must have been trained in the procedure by APTOS experts and be certified accordingly.
• Individual patient characteristics: if the doctor is not aware of your medical history (past and/or present illnesses, medications, interventions, etc.), the outcome of the APTOS resorbable threads procedure may be unpredictable.

If you have not had a clear discussion with your doctor about your expectations and the expected effect of the threads, the latter may have a negative impact on the perception of the effect of the resorbable threads.