Removal of Facial Soft Tissue Ptosis With Special Threads

Tissue Reactions to Cog Structure and Pure Gold in Lifting Threads: A Histological Study in Rats

“…[1][2][3][4] Various types of threads with special designs have recently been invented to attain more reliable and sustained effects or enable minimally-invasive access to the implant. [5][6][7][8] Among the most frequently-utilized materials are cog-type-or barbed-threads (eg, APTOS, Kolster Methods Inc., Corona, California), which have short "wings" projecting from the thread stalk and extending throughout the thread. The durability of each cog thread is thought to result from mechanical force as well as tissue reactions (eg, capsule formation) around the implanted thread.…”

Barbed Polypropylene Sutures for Midface Elevation

“…13 Their results were not as favorable overall as those in the study by Sulamandize et al, 10 as they rated as good to fair the results In all, 52 of the 350 patients required some type of revision but the authors stated that revision became less frequent with increased experience. At the 36-month follow-up visit, original results were maintained in 60% of the patients.…”

“…7 Multiple techniques have been described to address midface descent, including the Hamra composite lift, deep-plane face-lift, endoscopic elevation of the midface, suture plication of the malar fat pad, and, more recently, percutaneous suture meloplication. [8][9][10] We describe an additional technique of percutaneous suture meloplication that can be performed in an open or closed approach to provide rejuvenation to the aging midface in a minimally invasive fashion.…”

“…after using and modifying the APTOS thread (KMI Inc) first developed by Sulamanidze and associates. 10 One end of the Isse Endo Progressive Facelift Suture is provided with unidirectional barbs to grab and secure the soft tissue that needs to be elevated or repositioned. The other end is smooth and can be sutured to the deep temporal fascia in standard fashion.…”

“…Sulamandize and associates 10 were the first to describe the APTOS suture, also made of polypropylene, but with "cogs" or barbs on the entire length of the suture. These authors describe using the APTOS suture for brow-lifts and in the submental area in addition to addressing midface ptosis.…”