Introduction
As we grow older, the supporting tissues of the face start to sag, or excessive exposure to sun takes its toll, many women and men alike want to regain their youthful appearance. Some may desire only subtle changes that would rejuvenate a tired appearance without changing natural features of the face. Nevertheless, most people are afraid of undergoing surgery, especially under general anaesthesia. Aesthetic medicine and surgery however is constantly developing more sensitive and less invasive procedures. One of these is Aptos Lift.
Am I a suitable candidate?
Supposing your state of health is good, you are mentally stable, your expectations are realistic and you do not suffer from nay serious illness and at the same time you wish to rejuvenate your face and neck, you are likely to be a suitable candidate for the Aptos lift procedure. Nevertheless, it is important to know that the best candidates are people between 30 and 55 years of age with indication for aesthetic surgery.
What does the surgery involve?
The surgery is performed in the surgical ward. After previous drawing of the procedure and disinfection, the threads are inserted into the underlying tissue through a thin needle. The thread endings are cut off, which means you see no threads after surgery. Sometimes these endings are tied together in the eyebrow and hairy region of you head. These tiny knots are kept for 3-5 days, then they are removed, leaving no trace.
What type of anaesthesia is used?
The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia.
How long does the procedure take?
It depends on where the threads are inserted. Generally, the surgery takes between 20 and 50 minutes.
What happens after the surgery?
Brow and forehead lift involves wrapping a dressing around the top of the head, whereas a facelift does not. Antibiotic and anti-inflammatory treatment is required for a week following surgery. Try to avoid as much speaking and smiling as possible for the first at least 24 hours after surgery and eat liquid or semi-liquid food (never hot or boiling) so as to minimise motion of the facial muscles. For the following three nights you should sleep with a neck collar in order to prevent injuring areas where the thread was applied. Do not massage the treated areas and do not forcibly remove your make-up. Make-up and creams are all right, even immediately after surgery, but try and apply them gently and touch your skin only with sterile products.
What kind of after effects shall I expect?
Occurrence of haematoma and swelling might be expected in the places where the thread was inserted. These are however temporary and are reabsorbed over time. In addition, tension may be experienced in the day of surgery, particularly in the the temporal area.
How much pain is involved?
The surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, which is administrated through a fine needle. The patient experiences mild pain in the area of application. After that, while inserting threads you feel no pain. Following the operation you might feel tension in the place where threads were introduced, but it is not pain.
What could go wrong?
All surgery carries certain risk. When surgery is performed by a qualified, well-trained plastic surgeon, the complications are usually infrequent and minor. Still, individuals vary greatly in their anatomy, physical reactions, and healing abilities, and what is more, in this specific case the final outcome is dependent upon careful following postoperative instructions. Potential complications include mild bruising and tiny pits in the skin where the threads where inserted, but these are temporary and subside with time. The presence of infection is extremely rare. It occurs in the areas where the thread endings were placed, however it is minor and usually happens as a result of ignoring prescribed medical therapy. Such a complication is usually controlled with local or general administration of antibacterial agents. Very occasionaly may the infection follow the thread and in this case removal of the thread will be required. Fortunately, our patients have not experienced this complication yet.
What are the scars like?
There will be no scars left.
How long before I can get back to normal?
The patient does not need to stay at home after surgery, it depends entirely on the individual. It is however important not to strain the treated areas in any way in the first days following surgery. You can gradually resume your normal daily activities within 2 to 3 weeks and after this period you will be able to take up light sports activity. It is also advisable to avoid doing anything strenous (swimming, jogging etc.) for 45 days after surgery.
How long does the Aptos Lift effect last?
4 to 6 years, depending on many factors: age at the time of the first surgery, life style and the quality of food the patient consumes, whether he is a smoker or not, sufficient or insufficient sleep, genetic heritage, the amount of stress etc.
Summary
Aptos Lift method is considered the most natural alternative to a classic facelift procedure (not a replacement, though), thanks to its minimally invasive nature, non-traumatic consequences, simplicity and long lasting aesthetic effect. The effects will gradually improve within 2 to 15 months after the fibrous effect has settled, and the Aptos lift effect will finally be stabilised; tissues will be revitalized and the structure of your complexion will visibly improve. This is a visible effect of the increased amount of hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin, naturally produced by the body itself, and fibrosis, provoked by a specific shape of the implanted threads.