Aptos Thread Lifting
minimally invasive a patented formula
At Real You Clinic, the APTOS Thread Lift offers a minimally invasive, non-surgical solution to lift, firm, and contour the face and neck. Using advanced, absorbable threads made with biocompatible materials, this treatment repositions sagging skin, enhances definition, and stimulates collagen production, all without the need for surgery or extended downtime. Dr Kathryn uses her expert technique to deliver natural-looking results that restore youthful structure and improve skin quality over time.
Please note that previously published articles may contain outdated pricing information. For the most accurate and up-to-date prices, please refer to the treatment pricing page on our website.
About
What is Aptos?
APTOS is an advanced, minimally invasive thread lifting treatment designed to lift, tighten, and rejuvenate the skin without the need for surgery. The threads are made from a combination of non-absorbable polypropylene and absorbable materials such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and caprolactone, which are well known for their biocompatibility and safety. These threads are expertly placed under the skin to reposition sagging soft tissues, restoring facial contours to their more youthful position.
What sets APTOS apart is its dual-action approach: it provides an immediate mechanical lift, while also stimulating collagen production over time. This means not only do you see instant improvements in firmness and shape, but your skin continues to improve in tone, elasticity, and hydration in the weeks and months that follow.
APTOS threads are carefully selected and placed by Dr Kathryn to match the natural movement and structure of your face or body, ensuring results that are subtle, natural-looking, and long-lasting. Whether used for the face, neck, or body, APTOS is ideal for clients who want to rejuvenate their appearance with minimal downtime and maximum safety.
APTOS threads are especially beneficial for those seeking a minimally invasive lift, collagen stimulation, and natural facial rejuvenation, without extended downtime.
Treatment Areas
Sagging Facial Contours
Lifts and redefines the jawline, cheeks, and mid-face
Sagging Eyebrows
Elevates drooping brows for a refreshed, open-eye look
Under-Eye Bags & Neck Laxity
Improves mild puffiness and tightens sagging skin
Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Smooths superficial ageing signs on the face and neck
Loss of Tissue Volume
Restores structure and supports natural facial definition
Facial Asymmetry
Improves balance by repositioning sagging or uneven skin
Thinning Lips
Enhances volume and definition subtly without filler
Mild to Moderate Skin Ptosis
Ideal for early signs of sagging without surgery
Skin Dehydration & Dullness
Boosts skin tone and texture by stimulating collagen
Previous Facelift Relapse
Refreshes results by correcting minor skin laxity
Ageing Hands, Arms, Thighs, or Abdomen
Firms and smooths areas of loose skin
Procedure Time
30 minutes
Downtime
1-2 weeks
Results
1 month onwards
Duration of Results
Long term
The science
How do Aptos sutures work?
Dr Kathryn has been trained by Aptos specialists in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Aptos threads have specially designed barbs that softly grip the surrounding tissues. Once inserted, they provide support to sagging skin, and as the thread dissolves naturally, the body produces more collagen for a longer-lasting result. Patients see an improvement in skin tone, texture, colour and hydration.
Ideal Candidates
The APTOS Thread Lift is ideal for men and women experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity, particularly in areas like the jawline, cheeks, brows, and neck. It’s perfect for those who want to address early signs of ageing—such as drooping skin or a loss of definition—without undergoing invasive surgery. If you’re looking for a discreet, collagen-boosting lift with subtle but noticeable results, this treatment may be right for you.
What to Expect Post-Treatment
After an APTOS Thread Lift, you may experience mild swelling, tenderness, or slight bruising, which typically settles within a few days. Some tightness or a “pulling” sensation is normal in the first week. Most clients return to normal activities within 24–48 hours, although it’s advised to avoid strenuous exercise and facial massage for around 1 to 2 weeks. Results are often visible immediately, with continued improvement as new collagen forms over the following months. The lifting and firming effects typically last 12 to 18 months.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take?
In most cases, Aptos thread lifting can be completed within around 20-30 minutes, depending on the areas to be treated. Dr Kathryn will discuss approximate treatment time with you at your consultation.
Are there any side effects?
Side effects of Aptos thread lifts include pain, swelling, rippling or dimpling, bruising, inflammation, temporal asymmetry, skin irregularity. These are normal and you should expect them to disappear a few days after your treatment. Dr Kathryn will explain the possibility of side effects at your consultation and answer any questions you may have.
How long will the results last?
As will all aesthetic treatments, results vary from patient to patient. You can expect your Aptos thread lift to last from 1.5 to 2 years, although some patients do report the effects lasting even longer!
Click to see the full list of Real You Clinic treatments
| Acne Acne scarring Anti-Ageing B12 Injections BioIdentical Hormones Brown Spot Removal Collagen Stimulation Crepey Skin Dermal Fillers Earlobe plumping Ellanse® Facial Redness Facial Thread Veins Hands Rejuvenation Hay Fever Injections IPL Treatments Jaw Sculpting Labial Puff |
Laser for Vascular Lines and Wrinkles Lip Enhancement Lipstick Lines Masseter Reduction Melasma Menopause Testing Mesotherapy Micro Needling Mole and Skin Tag Removal NDYag® Treatments Neauvia® Range Non-Surgical Nose Job Nordlys Light&Bright® Obagi NuDerm® Pigmentation Brown Spots Pores Treatment Profhilo® Profiloplasty |
PRP Restylane® Rosacea Sculptra® Silhouette Soft® Thread lift Skin Boosters Skin Peels Skin Resurfacing Skin Tightening SkinAde® Spring Threads SuneKOS® Sweat Reduction Thread Lifts Turkey Neck Under Eye Wrinkles Vaginal Rejuvenation Vitamin D Injections Weight Management |
How can I make an appointment?
Book a 10 minute complimentary initial consultation with Dr. Kathryn over a phone call, Facetime, or WhatsApp video.
Contact us at info@realyouclinic.com or call 020 8050 6444 to schedule your appointment.
What will happen during my consultation?
Before your treatment, Dr. Kathryn will take time to understand your health, concerns, and goals. She’ll carry out a thorough assessment to ensure the treatment is right for you. Your plan will be tailored to your individual needs, and if you choose a course of treatments, she’ll continue to monitor your progress and adapt the approach to achieve the best possible results.
Where is the Real You Clinic?
Dr Kathryn’s clinic is situated in a brand new state of the art purpose built premises in a discrete location in friendly St Margarets, just a 30 minute train journey from London Waterloo.
Who is Dr Kathryn?
Dr Kathryn Taylor-Barnes is a highly accomplished, forward-thinking, published and research award-winning Aesthetic Medicine Specialist with over 27 years of medical experience. A fully qualified doctor from RCSI Dublin, she brings extensive expertise in Hospital and General Practice Dermatology to her thriving CQC-registered clinic, Real You Clinic, established in 2004 in Richmond Upon Thames.
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So glad I found Real You clinic!I was looking at 2 other clinics in London which I didn't feel comfortable using - their … More communication felt very factory like and impersonal, not to mention their expensive quotes for the under eye vein removal treatment I wanted.As soon as I got in touch with Real You, it was a different feeling. I managed to get an appointment shortly after. Dr Kathryn is kind and welcoming, she gives background on herself and her clinic. The clinic itself is very cute, fresh and more of a boutique style set up.Dr Kathryn took the time to explain the treatment, take in depth photos, explain what would happen .etc. I'm very happy with the results and will be going back for other treatments. Highly recommend.
Start with a free 10-minute consult via phone or video (FaceTime/WhatsApp)
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Monday-Tuesday
10:00am - 7:00pm
Wednesday
Closed
Thursday-Friday
10:00am - 7:00pm
Saturday
Sunday
10:00am - 3:00pm
Closed
All photos feature original work by Dr. Kathryn Taylor-Barnes and may not be reproduced without written permission. Results and treatment experiences vary based on individual factors such as age, lifestyle, and medical history.