THE NEW GENERATION OF APTOS THREADS, VISAGE, HERALDS A MAJOR ADVANCE IN LIFTING SAGGING SKIN WITHOUT SURGERY.

The rise and rise of minimally and non-invasive procedures has dramatically changed the aesthetic surgery landscape. Over the past 20 years, facial rejuvenation has seen a gradual shift from surgical treatments to minimally invasive procedures. Today’s patients are well informed about their choices and many are attracted to less invasive options that offer a minimum of downtime without the risks and costs associated with traditional surgery.

Thread lifting is one such procedure that can be used as a non-surgical alternative to facial lifting and tightening in the right candidate. The use of absorbable threads offers a natural-looking lift to enhance the facial contours without scarring, with a minimum of downtime and, importantly with some threads offering long-lasting results.

It is only the Aptos threads that have long-lasting results. Aptos threads dissolve within 18-24 months. Other threads for example Silhouette dissolve within 12 months and PDO threads dissolve within 2-3 months. The unique benefit of Aptos threads is the long-lasting lift effect as a result of the Aptos thread dissolving over a longer period of time (18-24 months) compared to other threads.

RESURGENCE OF THE THREAD LIFT

While the original thread lift (Aptos) came out in the late 1990s by Georgian plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Dr Marlen Sulamanidze, there has been a revival of interest in thread lifting, primarily due to the introduction of absorbable threads and advancements in absorbable thread technology.

Gaining significant traction in the Aptos range are the new Excellence Visage threads. These threads, distributed by Mara Aesthetics, are 15cm in length, with each pack containing 10 threads with multidirectional barbs. The barbs are distributed evenly along the entire length of the thread to ensure a reliable fixation of the tissues.

Excellence Visage can be used for lifting and reinforcement of face and neck areas. One of the most important benefits of Excellence Visage is that the thread is preinstalled in a special cannula with a rounded tip, allowing for easier and more comfortable insertion.

The threads consist of L-polylactic acid in combination with Σ-caprolactone (P(LA/CL)) in a 3:1 ratio. The main component L-polylactic acid is responsible for the rejuvenation effect. It stimulates the natural revitalisation of tissues and helps prolong the ageing process.

During thread biodegradation L-lactic acid is released into surrounding tissues, stimulating neocollagenesis and their rehydration. Σ-caprolactone, the second component of the thread, slows down its biodegradation, increasing the duration of the tightening effect, and serves as a lactic acid delivery system to surrounding tissues.

The tissues react to the implantation of the P(LA/CL) threads by formation of collagen type 1 and type 3, and by development of a fibrous capsule, resulting in plumper skin and improved skin colour, texture, tone and hydration.

Longer lasting results are now available with Aptos absorbable threads, with threads dissolving over a period of 18-24 months. The stimulation of collagen to support the skin, improve skin colour, texture, tone and hydration lasts for many years after reabsorption of the threads.

Results are immediately evident after a thread lift procedure, with continued improvement over the coming months. The bene ts of a thread lift can last for several years depending on the areas treated, individual response and the type of thread used. Thread lifting can also be used in combination with other treatments such as dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle injections depending on each patient’s specific requirements.

Not all threads are created equal Since 1996 Aptos has produced unique threads for plastic and aesthetic surgery that have gained world recognition and are now available in more than 50 countries. Aptos has the largest range of threads and thread lifting methods in Australia.

Dr Marlen Sulamanidze
Dr Marlen Sulamanidze

Today Aptos is still led by thread lifting pioneer Dr Marlen Sulamanidze, together with Drs George and Konstantin Sulamanidze, and has more than 11,000 doctors certified in the use of Aptos threads and thread lifting methods.

With over 30 different threads and available in 51 countries, Aptos is recognised as an international leader in thread lifting. Over the past three years Aptos has also won a host of international awards, including the Anti-aging and Beauty Trophy 2018- 19 presented by EuroMediCom and WOSIAM and has been awarded in the nomination of The Best Tightening Thread for three years in a row. AMP


For more information contact Scott Ross on 0410 640 437 or visit www.maraaesthetics.com

Training in APTOS Threads and methods

Training in APTOS thread lifting methods is essential to ensure the best results. It is not just the thread that produces successful results; it is the method by which the thread is inserted that is equally important. Thread lifting is not a generic procedure, as it’s tailor made for each individual patient.

In Australia, Mara Aesthetics runs regular Aptos training workshops with local Australian trainers from the Mara Aesthetics training centre South Pacific Cosmetic Academy. To find out about Aptos workshops visit www. maraaesthetics.com under the heading South Pacific Cosmetic Academy.

Don’t use threads that are not compliant with the TGA

Don’t risk using lifting threads that are not compliant with the Australian Therapeutic Goods Act – you could be breaking the law.

Only thread lifting products that are listed in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) can be lawfully supplied in Australia. It is an offence under Section 14 of the TGA Act 1989 to import, supply or export therapeutic goods that do not comply with Australian Regulations. Additionally, the use of non-listed medical devices may void your medical practice insurance.

If you are offered a lifting thread from any supplier you should request confirmation that it is included on the ARTG. All ARTG medical device inclusions can be viewed at www.ebs.tga.gov.au under ‘public Information’, then Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.

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