Facial aging results from a combination of external factors like sun exposure, smoking, skin dehydration, and intrinsic factors such as volume loss, skin laxity, and gravitational tissue ptosis.

Over time, we observe the appearance of nasolabial folds and loss of facial contour definition.

Thread lifts offer a non-surgical solution to counteract sagging. This innovative technique, used in aesthetic medicine and surgery, was developed by Dr. Sulamanidze (plastic surgeon, Moscow, APTOS© threads inventor) to simply and effectively treat early facial and neck sagging.

Performed under local anesthesia, thread suspension is relatively quick yet effective. Some bruising may occur. Minor tingling sensations might be felt for 5-10 days before subsiding.

How does this technique work?

It involves inserting barbed threads (suspension threads) under the skin with local anesthesia to reposition tissues affected by aging. This tissue repositioning creates a natural lifting effect on specific facial structures.

Also known as “filting,” “APTOS© thread lift,” “barbed threads,” “suspension threads,” or “threadlift.”

SPRING THREAD© BARBED THREADS

Spring Thread© barbed threads are elastic threads with micro-cones that combat facial sagging. These next-generation threads combine soft, elastic silicone with polyester to distribute tension evenly along their length (about 32cm), ensuring natural suspension without slippage or facial expression restriction. They’re biocompatible and non-absorbable, providing very natural-looking results by grasping and repositioning sagging areas.

Who is this treatment for?

Indications include:

• Correcting brow tail drooping or overall brow ptosis with slight upper eyelid lift
• Treating cheekbones and nasolabial folds
• Restoring facial oval contour and eliminating jowls

No skin excision or tissue detachment is required.

Complementary techniques:

• CO2 fractional laser resurfacing – most effective for wrinkles, acne scars, and some pigmentation while restoring skin elasticity
• Lipofilling (autologous fat grafting) to restore facial volume
• Double chin liposculpture using micro-cannulas reduces submental fat with slight skin retraction (cf. Dr. Y-G Illouz, Paris)

Frequently Asked Questions About Thread Lifts

1. Origin of Thread Lifts?
Developed by Russian physician Dr. Sulamanidze to simply treat early face/neck sagging.

2. Advantages?
A genuine alternative for those wanting facial volume correction without surgery:

• Minimally traumatic
• Little/no postoperative pain
• No general anesthesia
• 5mm scars hidden in hairline
• Minimal social/professional downtime

3. Ideal candidates?
Primarily mature patients (men/women) wanting to correct facial sagging.

4. When to consider thread lifts?
For moderate lower face ptosis, cheek/temple drooping, and neck laxity:

• Loss of facial oval contour
• Nasolabial folds
• Cheek repositioning
• Brow lifting

5. Can threads combine with other techniques?
Yes – completely compatible with injectables (hyaluronic acid, Radiesse©, botulinum toxin) and skin treatments (peels, resurfacing).

6. What technique is used?
Various thread types all feature surface textures for tissue anchoring.

7. Procedure details?
After antiseptic facial cleansing and marking, local anesthesia is administered. Threads are inserted through tiny incisions, positioned, then trimmed and buried. Dressings are applied.

8. When to expect results?
Immediate improvement evolves over weeks as skin forms a fibrous capsule around threads. Final results appear after 3 months, lasting typically 2-4 years.

9. Any risks?
Beyond expected bruising/redness, temporary tightness and limited movement may occur for few days. Avoid hot drinks, vigorous chewing, and exercise initially.

PHOTOS
While treatment result photos are widely available online, their display is now prohibited by Belgian medical regulations. During consultation, we’ll provide personalized visual references to help evaluate potential outcomes.

Want customized advice? Schedule a consultation.