Aptos Thread - Cosmetic Surgery Manuka

Is the Aptos Thread suitable for you?

As we age, gravity can create a drooping effect to the face in various areas such as the brow, cheeks, jowls and corners of the mouth and neck. The Aptos Thread is ideally suited for younger and middle age patients whose skin tone has become lax with the toll of time or simply from the sun. Patients are assesed individually for their particular needs and the suitability of APTOS Threads as an appropriate treatment.

What does the procedure involve?

The procedure is usually performed quite comfortably under local anaesthesia in the our outpatient room, however if required, the procedure can be performed under light sedation.

The placement of the Aptos threads is extremely important to ensure the correct amount of elevation for the individual patient's facial structure. Once the threads have been positioned through the tiny puncture sites, the threads are then gently tightened and secured to the facial tissue and skin. There is no need for any dressing to the face as the tiny holes close over within 1 to 2 days.

As the threads are very fine, they are vulnerable for the first few weeks until the body develops a tissue reaction around the fibre, which then strengthens and holds the facial tissue into its new position.

The procedure takes approximately an hour depending on the number of areas being treated and the number of threads used. One treatment per area is usually all that is required to achieve the desired results. The threads leave no obvious scars as they are introduced through tiny puncture sites.

What will I look like after the procedure?

After the procedure you can be slightly swollen and bruised for 4 to 10 days depending on the number of areas that have been treated. After 2 days, patients are usually able to apply camouflage make-up to hide any of the pale bruising.
In most cases, bruising and swelling is mild, however bruising and swelling can take up to 10 days to resolve.

Will the thread be uncomfortable?

During the procedure, there should be little if any pain as local anaesthesia is used to provide patient comfort. After the procedure, there can be some discomfort where the thread has been introduced and secured.

Pain relief medication such as Panadol and Panadeine can be taken, and discomfort usually settles after 24 hours.

Some patients state they feel a 'pulling' or 'tightness', but this usually lessens over the next few days or weeks.

Are there any scars from the threads?

The threads are introduced with a fine needle so the puncture sites heal very quickly, usually without any marks.

What happens to the loose skin?

As there are multiple threads used in any one area, any looseness of the skin appears to be naturally tightened with little, if any puckering of the skin. If any puckering does occur, it usually settles over time.

Will the threads stop my face from showing signs of drooping?

The threads can last for years and will help to strengthen the skin in the area it has been placed. However, over time the threads may loosen and the face may show signs of ageing. If this occurs, more threads can be placed to once again support the skin.

Once an area has been treated it does not restrict that same area being treated later in time.

What if the threads are too loose or too tight?

It is normal for the threads to feel tight initially after the procedure, however with time and as the initial swelling to the underlying tissue settles, the threads will no longer feel abnormally tight. This usually occurs some weeks after the introduction of the threads.

If a thread is too tight and does not relax into place, the thread may have to be removed or be replaced with another looser thread.

If the threads are too loose, additional threads can be positioned to tighten the area.

What if I don't like the look of the skin after the procedure?

Threads may be removed or more threads may be added to create a look you may prefer. Because the threads do not become fixed in position until 4 weeks or so, the threads may be removed if necessary with minimal tissue harm.

Are there any complications or risks associated with the Aptos Thread?

The Aptos Thread is a unique and comparatively non-invasive procedure with only a few risks associated with it. These risks are not dissimilar to any other procedure that is performed to the facial structure. Nevertheless, there are various potential complications that the patient must be aware of.

These include:

	Infection - Infection is rare, but patients are required to take a course of antibiotics to prevent any complications.
	Asymmetry - Facial structure is very rarely symmetrical to begin with, however adjustments can be made to the threads on either side of the face to correct or minimise any asymmetry.
	Bleeding or bruising - With any procedure, bleeding and bruising is normal, however avoiding Aspirin and some vitamins will minimise the risk of excessive problems.
	Threads are too tight or too loose - Threads may be removed or replaced to correct any difficulty. If any looseness is caused from a thread breaking, new threads can be replaced.
	Puckering or skin irregularities - If puckering occurs along the thread, it may be eased with massage. If the puckering occurs below the insertion site, this usually settles with time. Any skin irregularities are usually temporary, but may last for either days or a few weeks.
	Feeling or seeing the threads - Although rare, it is occasionally possible to feel the threads near their insertion point. It is rare to either see or feel the threads on the face, as they are placed deep into the skin's underlying tissue base.
	Puffy cheeks - Some fullness in the cheeks is common if the threads are placed in the cheekbone area. This usually settles in a few weeks.

Following the procedure the patient is usually slightly bruised for 4 to 7 days and may have minimal swelling. Care must be taken to treat the skin and underlying facial tissue gently when applying or removing either make-up or concealer. Make-up can usually be applied very gently after 48 hrs when the puncture sites have healed over.

Care must also be taken to reduce excessive facial movements in the first few weeks to ensure the threads are maintained in their original position. Patients are required to follow the instructions given by Dr Lopez to allow the necessary recovery.

Complications are very rare if the instructions are followed but can include the thread moving or breaking, or the thread puckering or being felt under the skin. Skin irregularities, and not liking the end result, are also possibilities. Infection, excessive bruising and swelling are also rare.

In most cases, the patient is usually ready to return to work the following day, however much depends on the individual, their occupation, and lifestyle.

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