Aptos Thread Lift

The Aptos thread lift is a minimally invasive non-surgical facial lifting procedure that uses absorbable threads infused with hyaluronic acid to mechanically lift and simultaneously hydrate sagging facial tissue. At AV Aesthetics, MUDr. Anežka Vochtová inserts the Aptos threads through tiny entry points under local anaesthesia, repositioning the SMAS layer and deeper tissue upward without any incision. The threads' barb structure grips the tissue firmly on insertion, providing an immediate, visible lift. Over the following months, the threads are slowly absorbed by the body while stimulating collagen production along their path, maintaining and extending the lifting effect. Results are visible immediately and typically last 1.5–2 years.

Thread lifting predates the modern injectable era as a minimally invasive alternative to surgical face lifting, but the introduction of absorbable, biocompatible thread materials has made the technique significantly safer and more predictable than the early non-absorbable thread procedures. Aptos threads are made from a biodegradable copolymer combined with hyaluronic acid — the latter providing hydration and volumising properties in addition to the mechanical lifting the thread barbs create. The procedure at AV Aesthetics takes approximately 30–40 minutes for the thread insertion phase, with the overall clinic visit around 1 hour. Patients are provided with disposable clothing and cold compresses before the procedure begins. Local anaesthesia is administered at each entry point, after which MUDr. Vochtová introduces the Aptos threads using a fine cannula or needle. The threads are positioned beneath the skin in the target tissue layer — typically at the level of the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) for facial lifting, or within the subcutaneous layer for less-deep repositioning. Once inserted, the barbs along the thread engage the surrounding tissue; gentle upward traction is then applied to reposition the tissue, producing the lift. Entry points are tiny and do not require suturing. The immediate result is visible: a lift of the jowl area, midface, brow, or neck depending on the thread placement. Over the following weeks to months, the body mounts a healing response around each thread, laying down collagen along the thread's path. As the threads gradually absorb (over 12–18 months), this collagen scaffold continues to support the repositioned tissue. Results typically last 1.5–2 years. The treatment is suited to patients who have begun to notice facial sagging, drooping of the midface or jowls, loss of jawline definition, tissue asymmetry, or general skin dehydration — but who are not yet candidates for or who prefer to avoid surgical lifting. Preparation: an individual consultation is required. Discontinue blood-thinning medications 1 day before the procedure. Post-treatment: apply cold packs to the entry sites for 2 days. Avoid vigorous exercise, facial massage, and direct sun exposure for 14 days. Limit exaggerated facial expressions during the initial healing phase. Contraindications include severe skin laxity (better addressed surgically), obesity, very coarse or resilient skin texture, allergy to plastic or biological materials, active skin infections in the planned area, autoimmune diseases, pregnancy, breastfeeding, active hepatitis B or C, HIV, and active cancer.