Thread lifting has become a very popular and even common aesthetic medicine procedure today. What was once a rare alternative to traditional facelifts and other procedures such as fillers, thread lifting has evolved immensely in the last 10 years.
There are many reasons that this has happened, including the relative cost savings, the great results and the much shorter downtime/recovery time. In fact, thread lifting has become so popular that there have been many new types of threads that have hit the market in recent years.
PDO threads were one of the first threads to be used in aesthetic medicine procedures. They have been around the longest — used in other medical applications even before lifting was possible — and as a result have the most in-depth use cases.
But, new types of threads have popped up onto the market recently, including PCL threads and Aptos threads.
Today, we’ll look at what the differences are between PDO threads and the newest thread on the market — Aptos threads.
Makers of these threads say that by combining PCL and PDO threads in one, patients are getting the best of both worlds. They are supposedly getting longer-lasting results (up to three years) with some extra versatility to be used in different types of procedures. However, they are quite expensive. Compared to PDO threads, they can be double or even triple the price. In addition, they haven’t been around a while, which means they haven’t been properly tested — at least not nearly as much as PDO threads have.
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Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 11/4/2024
What is a Thread Lift?
A thread lift is a minimally-invasive procedure in which thin threads are inserted into your skin using a preloaded cannula. They are a great alternative to a traditional facelift, as they don’t require surgery and general anesthesia.
No matter what type of threads you use, your provider will simply numb the treatment area before the procedure and then insert the threads to achieve the desired result. The threads work by grabbing onto part of the skin and lifting it up or shaping it, based on what work you are having done.
For instance, threads can be used to mimic the traditional facelift look, and they can also be used to give definition around eyes and lips, or help with wrinkles in the forehead and neck area.
The great part about threads is that the body will break them down over time naturally, meaning that they do not have to be removed. And this natural process also generates extra collagen, which helps the results be long lasting and allows your skin to have a smoother, plumper and more youthful appearance.
What are PDO Threads?
PDO threads have been used as dissolvable sutures in surgical procedures for more than 50 years. In the last 20 years or so, they started to be used in thread lifting procedures.
The fact that they have been around for so long is one of the main advantages that they offer over other threads that are on the market. There has been plenty of time to study the effects of PDO threads and how they react with the body to know that they are completely safe.
These threads are made from a synthetic polymer called polydioxanone, which is 100% biodegradable and biocompatible. This means that not only will the body naturally break down the PDO threads over time, but that there is very little chance that there will be negative reactions from it.
Learn more about what PDO Threads look like
Compared to other types of threads on the market, PDO threads are considered the most affordable option — many times much cheaper than either PCL or Aptos threads.
The effects of the procedures typically last for 12 months or more, and they can be used in a number of different procedures.
What are Aptos Threads?
Aptos threads are one of the newest types of threads to hit the market. They are actually a combination of PCL thread and PDO threads in one.
Aptos threads are made in many different shapes, which are supposed to be for different uses throughout the face. They have barbs on the end of them, like some PDO threads do, which helps to grab onto parts of the skin and lift it up after they’re inserted.
Makers of these threads say that by combining PCL and PDO threads in one, patients are getting the best of both worlds. They are supposedly getting longer-lasting results (up to three years) with some extra versatility to be used in different types of procedures.
There are a few major downfalls of Aptos threads, though.
First, they are quite expensive. Compared to PDO threads, they can be double or even triple the price. That’s a significant difference, and something that could price certain people out.
In addition, they haven’t been around a while, which means they haven’t been properly tested — at least not nearly as much as PDO threads have. This means that it’s possible that some ill-effects of the threads could pop up at some point in the future.
Opt for a Thread Lift with V Soft Lift PDO Threads
Aptos threads are a newer type of thread that has hit the market. While they promise a lot of great benefits over PDO threads or PCL threads — since it’s a combination of both — they haven’t been on the market nearly as long to prove that they work and are completely safe.
Not only that, but Aptos threads are much more expensive than PDO threads are, which can be prohibitive to get the procedure done.
That’s why if you’re interested in a thread lift procedure, it’s best to choose one with PDO threads provided by V Soft Lift.
We have created many different types of threads that can be used for specific procedures and specific skin types, which ensures the best results possible.
For more information, contact us today.
