Thread Lift (APTOS)

Thread lift is a modern non-surgical lifting technique for sagging on the face, neck and body, using fully absorbable specialty threads. Significant rejuvenation without surgery — and a very short recovery — has made it an increasingly preferred approach.

The Biology of Thread Lift

Threads are made of biocompatible materials that fully resorb in the body: polydioxanone (PDO), polycaprolactone (PCL) or poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). They act by two mechanisms. First, on insertion they mechanically reposition tissue upward — an immediate lift. Second, more importantly, the thread material signals fibroblasts over time, stimulating new collagen and elastin synthesis. Even while the threads dissolve, biological rejuvenation continues.

PDO threads dissolve in 6–9 months; PCL in 12–18 months; PLLA threads are the longest-lasting. Because of the collagen scaffold left behind, total effect duration can far exceed the thread's lifespan — 18–24 months in many patients.

Areas of Application

The mid- and lower-face — drooping cheekbones and jowl formation along the jawline — is the most common indication. Brow lift opens the gaze by releasing orbicularis-driven brow descent. "Nefertiti" threads soften neck banding and sharpen the jawline. Inner-arm and thigh laxity, and abdominal skin, are also addressed successfully with thread techniques.

Thread Lift in Facial-Palsy Sequelae

Peripheral facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt, post-acoustic-neuroma surgery, traumatic facial nerve injury) frequently leaves permanent facial asymmetry: dropped oral commissure, effaced nasolabial fold, lower brow, lower-eyelid ectropion and asymmetric smile. This affects patients socially and psychologically.

Thread lift is a valuable tool in non-surgical or post-surgical adjunctive management of facial-palsy sequelae. PDO or PCL cog threads lift the dropped commissure and cheek along an upward-outward vector, using the healthy side as reference. Unilateral brow elevation and frontal mono-threads provide static support. The fact that the procedure is done under local anaesthesia and without surgery is a major advantage for older patients or those declining surgery.

Optimal results come from a combined protocol: "balancing Botox" to the strong side (zygomaticus, depressor anguli oris, frontalis at selective doses) restores apparent symmetry; mesotherapy supports skin quality; filler restores any volume loss. This multi-component approach serves as a non-surgical alternative — or a bridge — to plastic-surgical static slings. Most patients achieve noticeable resting symmetry and more balanced smile dynamics.

The Procedure

Pre-session planning maps where, what type and how many threads will be placed. Under local anaesthesia, threads are introduced through fine cannulas or needles along the planned vectors. Average time: 30–60 minutes. Mild swelling and tenderness for a few days; rarely, small bruises — fully resolved by 5–7 days. Heavy lifting and intense exercise should be avoided for 2 weeks.

Durability and Maintenance

Best outcomes come from combining thread lift with Botox, fillers or biostimulators. A refresher session at 12–18 months prolongs and amplifies the collagen scaffold.