Thread Lifts, Reinvented
Thread lifts have long been a popular non-surgical option for lifting and rejuvenating the face. But the technology has evolved—and Aptos threads, the originators of the modern thread lift, are leading the charge with enhanced precision, improved safety, and more treatment flexibility than ever before.
A Brief History of Aptos
Founded in Georgia in the 1990s by plastic surgeon Dr. Marlen Sulamanidze and later developed with his sons, Dr. George and Dr. Konstantin Sulamanidze, Aptos set out to change the thread lift landscape. The name “Aptos” comes from “anti-ptosis,” or anti-sagging; a nod to the technology’s lifting power. Their earliest innovation was the Aptos wire: a barbed thread designed to anchor tissue more effectively than previous thread technologies, which had high rates of complication.
Aptos threads introduced a much-needed refinement to early lifting methods, many of which were permanent, inserted blindly, and associated with issues like asymmetry, scarring, or thread migration. Their design helped shift thread lifting from risky to reliable.
What Do Aptos Threads Treat?
Thread lifts are best suited for those experiencing early signs of skin laxity or facial volume loss. Aptos threads are used to:
- Soften marionette lines and nasolabial folds
- Lift the cheeks, jowls, or brow
- Define the jawline
- Elevate drooping eyelids
- Tighten skin on the neck or body (select cases)
- Improve skin firmness and elasticity over time
Unlike filler, which adds volume, threads create a physical lift and then stimulate collagen production as they dissolve. thus giving you both an immediate result and long-term skin improvement.
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What Makes Aptos Different?
There are many thread lift brands available today, each with their own strengths. Aptos threads stand out for their technical quality, versatility, and long history of clinical use:
- Diverse range of threads: With over 30 thread types and 50 techniques available globally, Aptos provides solutions for various areas of the face and body. Threads come in both absorbable and non-absorbable formats.
- Technique-driven application: Aptos is not just a product, but a method. Providers undergo rigorous training on thread design, anatomical planes, and advanced lifting strategies.
- Collagen stimulation: As with other modern threads, Aptos threads help stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, improving texture and elasticity over time.
- Clinical legacy: Aptos has nearly 30 years of real-world application, research, and refinement. This kind of longevity and iteration gives providers confidence and gives patients safer, more predictable outcomes.
Aptos vs. InstaLift: What’s the Difference?
We’ve offered InstaLift at MD Beauty Clinic for years, and it remains a fantastic mid-face option. But each thread system has its strengths. Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Aptos Threads | InstaLift Threads |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in Georgia by plastic surgeons | Manufactured by Sinclair Pharma (U.S.) |
| Material | Absorbable (P(LA/CL)) or permanent | Absorbable (PLGA) |
| Lift Strength | Stronger, customizable | Moderate |
| Number of Thread Types | Over 30 types with tailored applications | One format |
| Treatment Areas | Face, neck, and selected body areas | Primarily mid-face |
| Longevity | 1.5 to 5 years depending on thread type | 12 to 24 months |
| Training Required | High—technique focused, global certification system | Less specialized |
| Collagen Stimulation | Yes—designed for biostimulation | Yes—via microcones |
Both options can deliver beautiful results, depending on the patient’s needs. InstaLift is ideal for those looking for a quick mid-face refresh. Aptos is better suited for more customizable lifts or long-term collagen stimulation.
Who Is a Candidate for Aptos Threads?
Aptos thread lifts are ideal for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity. They are especially helpful for those who want to avoid surgery but still want visible improvements. If you’ve already tried filler, radiofrequency, or other non-surgical treatments and want to enhance or prolong those results, Aptos threads may be a great next step.
Thread lifts are not a substitute for a full surgical facelift, but they can delay the need for one—and with the added bonus of collagen stimulation, you may see improvements in texture and firmness over time.
Why We’re Adding Aptos
At MD Beauty Clinic, we believe in offering the most effective, safest options in the aesthetic space. While InstaLift remains a valued treatment, Aptos opens up our capabilities, allowing for:
- Broader treatment zones (not just the mid-face)
- Stronger lift when needed
- Tailored plans for different skin types and ages
- More control over how long results last
By expanding our suite of thread technologies, we ensure each patient gets a treatment plan that’s thoughtfully aligned with their anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.
Curious if Aptos is right for you? Book a complimentary consultation with our experienced team today to learn more and explore your options.
