Aptos Threads

Lift and Support Without Surgery

What It Is

Aptos threads are dissolvable, barbed threads inserted beneath the skin to physically lift and reposition sagging tissue. Made from a blend of polylactic acid and caprolactone, they provide immediate structural support while stimulating your body’s natural collagen production over time.

What It Does

You’ll see a visible lift straight after treatment, with results continuing to improve over the following 2 to 3 months as collagen builds along the thread placement. Skin becomes firmer and more defined, particularly around the cheeks, jawline, and lower face.

The Approach

Thread placement is carefully mapped to your facial anatomy, targeting areas where lift and support will have the most impact. The procedure takes 20 to 40 minutes under local anaesthetic, with threads positioned to respect your natural proportions and movement.

Are Aptos Threads Right For You?

Aptos threads work best for clients experiencing mild to moderate sagging who want a non-surgical alternative to a facelift. Ideal if you’ve noticed loss of definition in your jawline, cheeks, or lower face and want a treatment that lifts and tightens while stimulating collagen for ongoing improvement. Best suited to those with reasonable skin tone who value subtle, natural-looking results.

THE TREATMENT PROCESS

Immediate Lift With Progressive Collagen Stimulation

After applying local anaesthetic, Dr Etok inserts the threads beneath the skin using a fine cannula. The barbed threads are then gently repositioned to lift sagging tissue and restore definition to the treated area. The entire procedure typically takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on how many threads are placed and which areas are being addressed.

Some swelling, mild bruising, or a slight pulling sensation is normal in the days following treatment, and most clients return to their usual activities within a few days. The initial lift you see on the day will continue to improve as collagen forms along the threads over 2 to 3 months. Results typically last 12 to 18 months, with some clients seeing benefits for up to two years.

Lower face and jawline showing firm, lifted contours and structural support
Illustrative image only

Answers to Common Questions About Your Treatment

Find helpful guidance on what to expect before and after your appointment. These answers are based on real questions from clients just like you.

Aptos threads are made from a combination of polylactic acid and caprolactone, which tends to last longer than standard PDO material. They also feature multidirectional barbs that allow for stronger, more controlled tissue repositioning. The result is a more precise lift with longer-lasting support compared to many other thread types.

This varies depending on the areas being treated and the degree of lift required. Some clients need just a few threads focused on one area, while others benefit from a more comprehensive approach across the cheeks, jawline, and lower face. Dr Etok will assess your facial structure during consultation and recommend the right plan.

You’ll see a visible lift immediately after treatment. Over the following weeks, this settles into a more natural position as any swelling subsides. The full result develops over 2 to 3 months as collagen builds along the thread placement, creating firmer, more defined contours.

Results typically last 12 to 18 months, with some clients experiencing benefits for up to two years depending on their skin quality, age, and lifestyle factors. The threads dissolve naturally over time, but the collagen they stimulate continues to provide support. Maintenance treatments can extend and build on your results.

Most clients take a day or two to rest, though many return to normal activities sooner. Expect some mild swelling, tenderness, or light bruising in the treated area for the first few days. A slight pulling sensation is normal and typically settles within one to two weeks as the threads integrate with your tissue.

Local anaesthetic is applied before treatment, so the insertion itself is well-tolerated. You may feel some pressure or a tugging sensation as the threads are positioned, but this is generally mild. Any post-treatment discomfort is usually manageable and subsides within a few days.

Yes, thread lifts work well as part of a broader treatment plan. They can be combined with bio-stimulators like Sculptra or Radiesse, skin-quality treatments like Profhilo, and energy-based treatments like NeoGen Plasma. Dr Etok will advise on the best combination and timing during your consultation.

Aptos threads have been in clinical use for over 20 years and have won multiple international awards for thread lifting technology. They are CE-marked and used by trained practitioners in over 75 countries. As with any procedure, there are minor risks such as temporary swelling or bruising, which Dr Etok will discuss with you during consultation.

Ready to Explore Aptos Threads?

Book a consultation to discuss whether Aptos threads suit your goals. Dr Etok will assess your facial structure, explain realistic outcomes for lifting and contouring, and recommend a treatment approach tailored to your needs.