Safety of Thread Lifting With APTOS and Energy-Based Technologies Under Artificial Intelligence-Guided High-Frequency...

Area of Science:

• Aesthetic medicine and dermatological procedures.
• Medical device technology and imaging.
• Biomaterials science in cosmetic surgery.

Background:

• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) suspension threads are key for nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.
• Precise placement in the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) is critical for safety and efficacy.
• AI-assisted high-frequency ultrasound offers potential for improved procedural accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the safety of APTOS PLLA/PCL threads placed using AI-guided ultrasound.
• To evaluate the safety of combining thread lifting with same-day energy-based treatments.
• To analyze outcomes in a real-world aesthetic practice setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 246 patients undergoing facial thread lifting.
• Procedures utilized APTOS Excellence Visage sutures with real-time ultrasound guidance.
• A subset of patients received concurrent energy-based treatments (ultrasound, radiofrequency, CO₂ laser).

Main Results:

• Overall adverse event incidence was under 5%, with no serious complications.
• Minor events included transient pain (4.1%), ecchymosis (2.0%), hematomas (0.8%), and granulomas (1.6%).
• Ultrasound confirmed accurate SMAS placement; no infections or thread issues occurred.

Conclusions:

• AI-assisted ultrasound guidance ensures safe and precise placement of PLLA/PCL threads.
• Combining thread lifting with same-day energy modalities is safe and does not increase adverse events.
• This approach offers a favorable safety profile for facial rejuvenation procedures.