Desert Bloom Skincare

Aptos Threads in the USA

Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD
Dec 2, 2023 · 2 min read FAQs
Woman in her 40s exploring non-surgical facial rejuvenation options, Desert Bloom Scottsdale

Hello, I'm Natalia Borakowski, a naturopathic doctor. I'm excited to share with you my recent journey to Georgia, where I discovered a remarkable beauty technology at a master class with Dr. Murat Tsintsadze. Allow me to introduce you to aptos thread lift —extraordinary threads with no equals worldwide.

Aptos Threads and Thread Lifting

Understanding the Aptos Thread Lift. This advanced thread lift procedure offers facial rejuvenation without invasive surgery. It is designed to tighten sagging skin, effectively combating skin laxity, and smooths out wrinkles to promote a more youthful appearance.

Our approach prioritizes your comfort, using local anesthesia and very small entry points. As a forefront aesthetic procedure, it is a harmonious blend of simplicity and efficacy. This method differs from other aesthetic procedures by offering a non-surgical alternative that integrates with your natural contours for a refined, rejuvenated look.

Aptos Thread Lift at a Glance

Procedure
Non-surgical thread lift
Thread types
Absorbable & non-absorbable
Results last
2–5 years
Anesthesia
Local
Downtime
Minimal

Dr. Marlen Sulamanidze’s Inventive Journey with Aptos Threads

Dr. Marlen Sulamanidze, PhD — inventor of the Aptos thread lift technique

In 1996, Dr. Marlen Sulamanidze conceived the idea of Aptos Threads, designed to redefine beauty enhancement without extensive surgery. Focused on a minimally invasive approach, these threads are made from specialized absorbable material that gently lifts and rejuvenates the skin, subtly enhancing facial contours. By securing a patent for his threads, Dr. Sulamanidze gave them a unique place in aesthetics, and they have since become a hallmark of thread-lift procedures worldwide.

The Aptos Threads, inserted with precision, dissolve naturally over time, promoting collagen growth while maintaining the natural aesthetics of the face. This inventive approach revolutionized cosmetic treatments, offering a gentler yet effective alternative to traditional methods.

Aptos Threads — Non-Surgical Aesthetic Excellence

Dr. Natalya Borakowski training with Dr. Murat Tsintsadze in the Aptos method

My recent trip to Tbilisi, Georgia, was a transformative experience where I trained under Dr. Murat Tsintsadze in the Aptos thread lifting method. This training equipped me to perform advanced non-surgical face, neck, and brow lifts. The Aptos thread — a unique blend of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) with caprolactone and hyaluronic acid particles — has revolutionized minimally invasive procedures.

The non-absorbable Aptos threads already hold FDA approval, attesting to their safety and effectiveness, and I am eagerly awaiting FDA approval for the dissolvable Aptos threads. I am committed to offering non-surgical alternatives for aesthetic enhancement and tailor every treatment plan to your aesthetic goals.

Thread Composition: Absorbable vs Non-Absorbable

Aptos offers two thread families. The right choice depends on the degree of laxity and how long you want results to last.

Non-absorbable (insoluble)

Material
Polypropylene — a classic medical suture material
How it works
Mechanical lift via a special guide needle
Results last
Up to 5 years on average
Best for
Brow ptosis, cheek contouring, nasolabial folds, asymmetry

Absorbable (soluble)

Material
Copolymer of L-lactide and Ɛ-caprolactone
How it works
Stimulates collagen at the cellular level
Results last
Typically 2–3 years
Best for
Mild to moderate sagging of face, neck, and body

The Exceptional Benefits of Aptos Threads

Dr. Natalya Borakowski with Aptos thread lift certification

Tiny hyaluronic acid particles deeply hydrate the tissue and support volume, enhancing collagen and elastin in the soft tissues for profound rejuvenation. Because the threads dissolve at a controlled pace, results are evident immediately and last for a prolonged period.

Beyond hydration, the threads actively boost collagen production — this double action of hydration plus collagen stimulation creates both a youthful appearance and a genuine lifting effect. The multiple-thread technology also significantly reduces the risk of skin fibrosis, keeping the skin soft and natural.

  • Ideal for areas with loose or sagging skin, aiding facial-aging reversal
  • Particularly effective in the outer eyebrow area and for lip definition
  • Minimal swelling and downtime, designed around blood-thinner safety
  • Complements other anti-aging procedures for comprehensive results

How Long Do Results Last?

The longevity of these threads is influenced by your skin type, lifestyle, and personal response to treatment. Most people enjoy the benefits of this non-surgical treatment for a prolonged period, though the effect gradually decreases with natural aging. The right time for a touch-up usually coincides with a noticeable reduction in the initial lifting and tightening, which varies from person to person.

What to Do If Changes Appear

If you notice the treatment’s effect easing — returning laxity or new wrinkles — don’t hesitate to reach out. The lift can be refreshed or complemented with other aesthetic procedures, and patients with good baseline skin tone or minor laxity often maintain results well with timely adjustments. Monitoring your results and communicating any changes is the key to lasting rejuvenation.

Contraindications, Side Effects, and Recovery

Before thread lifting, it’s essential to understand the factors that might limit its use. Contraindications include pregnancy and lactation, acute infectious diseases, oncology, inflammatory processes in the treatment area, bleeding disorders, and the use of anticoagulants. These precautions keep the procedure safe and minimize potential risks.

While thread lifting is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure, like any aesthetic intervention there may be side effects. Patients may experience temporary redness, swelling, or bruising at the insertion points, which usually subside quickly. A defining feature of thread lifting is the minimal downtime, allowing most people to resume daily activities shortly after treatment.

Ambassador for Aptos Threads

Aptos thread lift procedure demonstration

My training as an Aptos ambassador deepened my understanding of how this technique targets the signs of facial aging — particularly effective for wrinkles and descended eyebrows. My training in Georgia deepened my understanding of how the procedure interacts with soft tissues to refine the contours of the cheek and jawline.

The procedure involves carefully inserting multiple threads under local anesthesia for comfort. The unique thread composition blends with the body’s natural structure, promoting the collagen and elastin that are vital for healthy skin tone and elasticity — a significant shift from traditional surgical methods toward less invasive, yet impactful, rejuvenation.

Advanced Facial Rejuvenation Techniques

Aptoslift training with Dr. Natalya Borakowski — advanced thread technique

Aptos threads are regarded as a top-tier option alongside non-surgical facelift methods such as dermal fillers and laser treatments. This approach effectively tightens sagging skin — particularly around marionette lines, crow’s feet, and sagging cheeks — without the need for extensive surgery.

The benefits are manifold: it smooths wrinkles and skin irregularities, promotes new collagen growth for healthier skin tone, and delivers results that are evident immediately. Local anesthesia keeps you comfortable, recovery time is minimal, and the method suits patients with relatively good skin tone seeking an effective solution to facial aging and skin laxity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the composition of the threads used in the procedure?
The threads are made from either polypropylene (non-absorbable) or a copolymer of L-lactide and Ɛ-caprolactone (soluble).
Do the threads dissolve naturally over time?
Yes. Soluble threads are engineered to dissolve naturally over time, and as they do they aid the production of collagen, enhancing the skin’s rejuvenation.
What does the procedure involve?
The procedure involves inserting fine threads into targeted areas to lift and tighten the skin, then withdrawing the introducer needle.
What can I expect immediately after the procedure?
You can anticipate immediately evident results, with visible improvement in the appearance of the treated area, plus possible mild redness or swelling.
Is there any special consideration for patients on blood-thinning medication?
It’s important to consult your healthcare provider, as you may need to pause certain blood-thinning medications before undergoing the procedure.
How does the treatment affect the jawline and neck area?
Through precise thread placement, the treatment can improve the appearance of slight jawline bags and enhance the contour of the neck.
Are there any post-treatment precautions to be aware of?
Patients are advised to avoid direct sunlight and overexposure and to follow any specific post-treatment care instructions given by their doctor.
Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Natalya Borakowski, NMD

Founder, Desert Bloom Skincare

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