Title : Lift or not to lift? Do threads hinder future surgery?
Abstract:
The rising popularity of absorbable thread lifts, particularly those composed of poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) [P(LA/CL)], has transformed the aesthetic landscape by offering minimally invasive facial rejuvenation with collagen-stimulating benefits and minimal downtime. As patient demand for early intervention increases, thread lifts are increasingly used in younger demographics and as a bridge or complement to future surgical procedures.
However, as thread lifts become part of routine aesthetic protocols, a growing question arises in surgical circles: Do threads hinder future surgical facelifts? Concerns include the formation of fibrotic capsules, unpredictable tissue planes, difficulties in dissection, and compromised vascularization—issues that could potentially complicate rhytidectomy techniques or outcomes.
This presentation will explore the current state of evidence and expert opinion on the surgical implications of prior thread lifting. Drawing upon data from a Delphi consensus survey conducted among leading plastic surgeons and dermatologic surgeons worldwide, we will present levels of agreement on key questions including: optimal waiting periods before surgery post-threads, whether threads complicate SMAS or deep-plane approaches, and surgical techniques that may mitigate potential risks.
Aptos, with over two decades of thread lifting innovation and real-world data, has collaborated in initiating this investigation to address surgeon concerns with transparency and scientific rigor. Early findings suggest that absorbable threads, when placed correctly and with appropriate patient selection, do not preclude future facelifts and may, in some cases, enhance tissue quality and surgical planning through neocollagenesis and controlled tissue repositioning.
As aesthetic medicine continues to evolve toward a continuum of care—from non-invasive to surgical—this presentation aims to guide clinicians in integrating thread lifts into long-term aesthetic planning while preserving surgical freedom and optimizing patient outcomes.
