Aptos Thread Lift

What Are Aptos Threads?

Aptos threads are innovative, minimally invasive aesthetic devices used to lift and reposition sagging facial tissues. These specially designed threads are made from biocompatible materials (75% Poly Lactide Acid + 25% Polycaprolactone + Hyaluronic acid) and feature unique bidirectional barbs that anchor into the skin tissue.

FDA approved

Health Canada Licensed and trusted in over 100 countries worldwide, Aptos threads represent the gold standard in thread lifting technology. Each thread is precisely engineered to provide optimal lifting capacity while ensuring patient comfort and natural-looking results.

How Aptos Threads Work

The Procedure

During an Aptos thread lift procedure, specialized threads are inserted beneath the skin using fine blunt needles. Once positioned, the threads are gently pulled and engaged to lift sagging tissues.

This minimally invasive procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes and requires only local anesthesia. The results are immediate, with further improvement as collagen production increases around the threads.

The Science Behind It

Aptos threads work through two mechanisms:

Immediate mechanical lifting: The bidirectional barbs anchor into the tissue, providing instant lift and repositioning.
Biostimulation: The threads stimulate collagen and elastin production around them, creating a supportive scaffold that improves skin quality and maintains the lifting and rejuvenating effect over time.

Benefits of Aptos Thread Lifting

Immediate Results

Visible lifting effect immediately after the procedure
Non-surgical alternative to traditional facelifts
Alternative to dermal filler in some cases
Natural-looking results without altering facial expressions
Minimal downtime – return to normal activities within days

Long-Term Benefits

Stimulates collagen production for improved skin quality
Results can last 18-24 months or longer
Gradual and progressive improvement over time
Can be combined with other treatments for enhanced results

Why Choose Michelle Shewchuk NP

Specialized Experience

Over 5 years of dedicated experience in thread lifting procedures
Certified Aptos Thread Lift practitioner
Nurse Practitioner with advanced medical and dermatological training
Continuous education in the latest thread lifting techniques
Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique facial anatomy

The Michelle Difference

Artistic eye for natural-looking results
Meticulous attention to detail
Comprehensive consultation process
Gentle technique for minimal discomfort

Why Aptos Threads Are Superior

When it comes to advanced aesthetic procedures like thread lifting, experience and expertise matter. Michelle Shewchuk NP brings unparalleled qualifications to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Aptos Lifting Threads

Health Canada Licensed with rigorous safety standards
Available in over 100 countries worldwide
Patented bidirectional barbs for superior lifting capacity
Longer-lasting results (18-24+ months)
Stimulates type 1 & type 3 collagen
Anti-inflammatory
After 12 months 45% of the implantation remains and after 24 month 9.48% remains.
Only 2-3 injection points bilaterally versus up to 30 with other threads.
40mg of hyaluronic acid (egaul to three syringes of hyaluronic acid)
200mg of PLLA more than contained in one vial of sculptra at 125mg.
Provides 2kg weight in lift and 190cm surface area of thread material per 10 threads
Advanced biocompatible materials with minimal inflammatory response
Specialized thread designs for different facial areas such as eyebrows, cheeks, jowls, upper neck.
Comprehensive protocol / technique for maximal lift.

PDO Threads

Shorter lifespan (6-9 months)
After 2 months 50% of the implant degrades and after 6 months, 100% of the implant degrades.
Not a biostimulator
Less effective lifting capacity
Unidirectional barbs with less tissue grip
Higher risk of thread migration
Less customization for different facial areas
Primarily rely on collagen stimulation rather than mechanical lifting

PLGA / Silhouette Threads

Cones rather than barbs may cause more tissue trauma
50% degrades in 3 months and 100% degrades after 8 months
Higher risk of visibility under thin skin
Less flexibility in adjustment after placement
Requires more injection points or skin openings (30 or more)
May require more threads to achieve similar results
Often more expensive for comparable results
More limited range of thread types

Pre-Treatment Instructions

To achieve optimal results and minimize the risk of complications, please follow these guidelines before your Aptos thread procedure:

Eligibility: You are not a good candidate if you are under 19 years old, pregnant, a poor healer, diabetic, or immunocompromised.
Avoid Smoking & Alcohol: Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol for at least 3 days before your procedure, as they can dehydrate the skin and hinder healing.
Medication & Supplements: Avoid omega fish oils, vitamin E, green tea, ginger, garlic, krill, ginseng, and other blood-thinning supplements for at least 2 days before the treatment.
Pain Relievers: Do not take Aspirin-based medications (Naproxen, Ibuprofen, Neurofen) for one week before and two weeks after the procedure to prevent excessive bruising and bleeding.
Facial Treatments: Reschedule any IPL, chemical peels, microneedling, radiofrequency treatments, or massage at least 8 weeks before and after the procedure.
Cold Sore Prevention: If you have a history of cold sores, notify your practitioner. A prophylactic antiviral such as Valtrex 500mg may be prescribed the day before and continued for 3-5 days post-treatment.
Arrive Clean: Ensure your face is clean, free from makeup, sunscreen, or skincare products before your appointment. Ensure your hair is tied back and off your face.

Post-Treatment Care Instructions

To promote healing and achieve the best results, follow these post-care instructions carefully:

Things to Do:

Avoid Makeup & Washing: Do not apply makeup or wash your face for 48 hours after the procedure.
Wound Care: Apply Polysporin to the injection sites using a clean q-tip twice per day for 3 days to prevent infection.
Take Tylenol as directed for pain. Tenderness to the treated areas is normal the first week.
Sleeping Position: Sleep on your back, face up, in an elevated position using pillows for 3-5 nights to minimize swelling and pressure on treated areas.
Gentle Cleansing: After 2 days, wash your face with a gentle cleanser without rubbing or massaging the skin for 14 days.
Sun Protection: Avoid direct sunlight exposure for 2 weeks and apply a non-chemical sunscreen like TIZO SPF every morning.
Follow-Up Appointments: Attend your scheduled follow-up visits at 1 week, 1 month, or sooner if you experience any issues.

Things to Avoid:

Physical Activity: Avoid sports, exercise, heavy lifting, or strenuous activities for 2 weeks.
Facial Contact: Do not massage, scrub, pull, or rub the treated area for 1 month.
Dental Appointments & Facial Massages: Avoid dental treatments and facial massages for 1 month to prevent thread misalignment.
Extreme Temperatures: Refrain from using saunas, hot tubs, and pools for 3 weeks.
Chewing & Straining: Avoid chewing tough foods, drinking through straws, and excessive facial expressions for 2 weeks.
Blood Thinners & Anti-Inflammatories: Continue to avoid Aspirin-based products for two weeks post-procedure.

Note: Mild bruising, swelling, and tenderness are normal and should subside within 1-2 weeks. If you experience increased pain, increased redness, increased swelling, discharge or thread displacement, contact your provider immediately.

By following these instructions, you will maximize the longevity and effectiveness of your Aptos lifting thread procedure. If you have any concerns, please reach out to your practitioner for further guidance.

Current Treatment Options

Option A: Mid and Lower Cheek Lift

Restore youthful contours to the mid and lower face with this targeted treatment. Ideal for addressing:

Nasolabial folds (smile lines)
Sagging cheeks
Marionette lines
Early jowl formation

This procedure creates a more defined jawline and lifted cheek appearance with natural-looking results.

Option B: Lower Cheek and Upper Neck Lift

Rejuvenate the lower face and neck area with this comprehensive treatment. Perfect for:

Jowls and jawline definition
Early neck laxity
Double chin improvement
Creating a more defined profile

This treatment restores a more youthful neck-jawline transition and improves overall facial harmony.

Option C: Eyebrow Lift

Elevate and reshape the eyebrows for a more awake, refreshed, less-tired appearance. Specifically designed to:

Lift drooping brows
Open up the eye area
Reduce hooding of the upper eyelids
Create a more alert, youthful look

This subtle yet effective treatment can rejuvenate the look of the eyes.