Thread lifting (VENUS V-Line, Aptos®, Silhouette®)
Facelift without a scalpel - minimally invasive
Basics of thread lifting
Thread lifts are modern lifting methods that leave no visible scars.
Only small punctures under local anaesthetic are required, through which special threads are inserted under the skin. The threads are either provided with small barbs or coines or are textured in a special way so that they can fix and tighten the skin from the inside and thus ensure a lifting of the sagging skin. At the same time, the stimulation of the connective tissue leads to the formation of new collagen with an additional tightening effect.
Thread lifting can be used to correct facial and neck contours, upper arms and the abdomen. One or more regions can be treated during one procedure.
Which treatment areas are suitable for a thread lift?
A thread lift can generally be used on the entire body. It is most commonly used to tighten facial contours such as the cheeks, chin and jawline. It is also often used on the neck to achieve a more youthful appearance.
Thread lifts are also suitable for the upper arms and abdomen to reduce slight sagging skin and tighten the abdominal wall. This method makes it possible to treat several areas at the same time during one procedure.
Brief overview of thread lift:
Duration of treatment:
30-60 minutes
Anaesthesia:
Local anaesthesia, if necessary with twilight sleep
Follow-up treatment:
Cooling
Load restrictions:
1-2
Associated terms:
Thread lifting, thread lifting, Venus V-line, PDO threads, Aptos lifting, soft lifting, Happy Lift, Ancorage Lift
Are there different procedures?
There are various names for this relatively new lifting procedure:
„VENUS V-Line PDO threads" The VENUS V-Line Softlifting needles contain biocompatible, fully absorbable sutures made of polydioxanone (PDO), a material that has been used worldwide for decades as a surgical suture material in operations.
"Aptos threads" is what the inventor of this method, Moscow doctor and surgeon Prof. Dr Marlen A. Sulamanidze, called his lifting threads. He derives "Aptos" from the technical term "antiptosis", "ptosis" means sagging, "antiptosis" therefore counteracts sagging. It lifts, it lifts. Aptos and lifting are therefore words with similar meanings. We do not use this procedure.
"Soft Lifting" describes a major advantage of the new procedure: gentle and careful therapy "Thread lifting" indicates that fine special threads are inserted into the skin to lift the skin.
At the Happy Lift and the Aptos Lift degradable (absorbable) sutures can be used, which are effective for approx. 18 months.
With the Aptos Lift, on the other hand, there are also non-degradable threads and a kind of hybrid form (Silhouette Threads Lift) with polypropylene threads (non-degradable) and degradable cones that hook into the subcutaneous tissue. The "lifting effect" lasts for approx. 18-36 months.
Which threads do we use?
We use Venus and Silhouette threads.
What is the procedure for a thread lift?
Treatment with Threads proceeds as follows:
- The doctor marks on the face which areas are to be lifted and how the stitches are to run
- Local anaesthesia
- A fine cannula is guided along the marked line through the lower fatty tissue
- The cannula is hollow inside and the doctor then inserts a lifting thread
- The cannula is carefully pulled out again, leaving the lifting thread in the tissue
- The doctor pulls first on one and then on the other protruding end of the lifting thread to create the lifting effect
- The thread ends are cut off and the threads disappear invisibly under the skin
Aftercare
Cooling for 1-2 days, the treated area must not be massaged for about six weeks.
Advantages of thread lifting
- Immediately visible lifting effect
- No incisions, just tiny needle punctures: Practically no scars remain
- No general anaesthetic
- Getting up immediately after treatment: no bed rest, no hospitalisation
- Very rarely pain after the treatment, if it does, relief with the usual painkillers
- Low risk of inflammation
- Fast healing
- Additional effect through the formation of new connective tissue
Risks and side effects
As with any surgical procedure, there are also risks involved in lifting with stitches, although these are very rare:
- More or less severe burning sensation during and after treatment
- Infection and/or reddening of the treated areas
- Incompatibility reaction to the material used
- Uneven or irregular result
- Swelling and bruising after the treatment, but this subsides after a few days
However:
If it is really necessary, the stitches can also be removed again.
Whether lifting with stitches is the optimal method in each individual case can only be determined after a careful examination and consultation.
What can speak against a thread lift?
Contraindications and restrictions for a thread lift
A thread lift is a minimally invasive method of skin tightening that can achieve impressive results in many cases. However, there are certain situations and conditions in which a thread lift should not be performed.
Health reasons
There are several health reasons that speak against a thread lift:
- Chronic diseases: Patients with serious illnesses such as heart problems, diabetes or autoimmune diseases should avoid thread lifting.
- Blood clotting disorders: People with coagulation disorders or on blood-thinning medication have a higher risk of bleeding.
- Infections/inflammations: The procedure should be postponed in the event of acute infections or inflammation in the treatment area.
Skin texture and condition
The condition of the skin and the individual skin condition also play an important role:
- Skin that is too loose / too thin: Another method might be more suitable.
- Tendency to keloids / excessive scarring.
Allergies and material intolerances
Another important point is possible allergies or intolerances. If there is an intolerance to the thread material, a thread lift should be avoided and an alternative material or another method should be chosen.
Psychological considerations
In addition to the physical reasons, there are also psychological aspects that need to be taken into account. Patients who have unrealistic expectations of the results of thread lifting are often not satisfied with the results, even if the procedure was technically successful. Comprehensive counselling is essential here.
What does a thread lift cost?
The cost of a thread lift can vary greatly depending on the clinic providing the treatment, the material used and the extent of the procedure. On average, prices range between 1,000 and 3,500 euros. Factors that influence the price include
- Experience of the doctor
- Quality of the material used
- Scope of the interventionThe more threads required, the higher the costs.
It is important to pay attention not only to the price, but also to the qualifications and experience of the doctor to ensure a satisfactory result. Comprehensive counselling and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process are essential in order to make an informed decision.
What should you look out for when choosing a doctor / clinic?
When choosing a specialist, make sure that you use the term Specialist in Plastic and Aesthetic Surgery. Other designations such as beauty doctor, cosmetic surgeon, etc. are unprotected and not a sign of qualification (more on "What should you consider when choosing a specialist?„.
Make sure that you receive a comprehensive preliminary examination and information about the course of treatment, possible risks and the healing process.
Why should you come to us?
Extensive experience, maximum hygiene and infection protection, continuous further training and maximum care are the basis of our practice. This is also reflected in the large number of positive patient reviews, our seals and awards.
Benefit from our many years of experience. Dr Michaela Montanari has been a member of the board of the German Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (DGÄPC) since 2021.
Do you have any questions?
Our specialists for plastic and aesthetic surgery
Specialist for
Plastic and aesthetic surgery
Specialist for surgery
Specialist for
Plastic and aesthetic surgery