Seamless Face-Lift with Aptos Thread: The Belo Medical Group Experience

Introduction: Aging is manifested on the face as loss of normal volume and contour in all dimensions. The classic methods of face lifting normally leave unsightly scars, especially on Asian skin. In 1999, M. A. Sulamanidze used Aptos thread to lift soft tissue in both the subcutaneous muscular aponeurotic system and in the supraorbital area, restoring the normal contours of the face with excellent results. Aptos threads are polypropelene sutures with dents or cogs along their surface. Here, we present the results of a study using the device introduced by Sulamanidze on patients in the Belo Medical Group. Materials and Methods: Our study group consisted of 257 patients ranging in age from 28 to 73 years. Women made up 91.5% of the population. The population was 98% Asian. From November 2002 to November 2003, surgical procedures using Aptos threads were performed on 257 patients, and 27 patients had additional procedures at the same time. Results: The immediate postoperative period was mostly uneventful. Most cases showed excellent improvement in the ptotic tissues. In 9 cases (3.5% of patients) a “blue pimple” was observed 2–3 weeks postoperatively. These were noted to be thread edges sticking out of the skin and required minimal trimming. In 1 case, the patient developed persistent infection at the puncture site. Wound exploration and removal of implanted thread was performed and antibiotics were shifted to a broader spectrum, which addressed the problem quickly. Five cases (1.9%) required unilateral or bilateral implantation of additional threads. Discussion: The earliest outcome was seen on the operating table. Rehabilitation time was as short as 5–7 days and, if patients comply with elementary recommendations (abstaining from abrupt mimicking and chewing movements, avoiding facial massages for 2–3 weeks), the lifting effect is expected to remain for a considerable length of time. Conclusion: Using the Aptos thread technique was as successful in treating facial ptosis in 257 patients at The Belo Medical Group facility as it was in the Russian study. It proved to be a simple, quick, safe, conservative, and time-saving procedure that did minimal tissue damage and left no visible scars, even on Asian skin.