Aptos vs PDO Threads: What Is the Difference?

Both are absorbable lifting threads. Aptos tends to last longer and costs more; PDO is the common, lower-cost entry point. Here is the honest breakdown.

Aptos vs PDO Threads: What Is the Difference?

If you are comparing thread lifts in Toronto, the two names you will keep running into are PDO and Aptos. Both are absorbable threads inserted under the skin to lift sagging tissue and stimulate collagen, and both dissolve over time. The differences come down to the material, the barb design, how long the lift lasts, and cost. At Bar Beauty Medical we offer both PDO thread lifts and Aptos thread lifts, and we match the thread to your skin and goals at the consultation.

The Materials

PDO (polydioxanone) is a synthetic absorbable suture material used in surgery for decades. The thread itself dissolves in roughly 4 to 6 months, while the collagen-stimulating effect it leaves behind typically lasts around 9 to 12 months.

Aptos threads are made from a caprolactone and L-lactic acid copolymer. They dissolve more slowly than PDO, so the lift and the collagen effect generally last longer, often in the 12 to 18-month range, with more advanced barb engineering.

Lift Duration

PDO threads provide mechanical lift for around 6 months before the material fully absorbs, with the collagen benefit carrying the visible result toward the 9 to 12-month mark. Aptos threads hold their mechanical lift longer, commonly 12 to 18 months, because the copolymer breaks down more gradually. In both cases, the collagen your body builds around the threads extends the visible result beyond the point where the thread itself has dissolved.

Barb Design

PDO threads use simpler unidirectional or bidirectional barb patterns. Aptos uses a more complex barb design intended to grip tissue from multiple directions, which can mean better hold and less migration in areas that move a lot. For patients with more noticeable skin laxity, the Aptos design often performs better. PDO also comes in smooth (collagen-stimulating, no lift), barbed/cog (mechanical lift), and screw/twist (subtle volume) variations, so the right PDO choice depends on the goal.

Cost

PDO threads are usually less expensive per thread, which makes them an accessible entry point. Aptos threads cost more per thread but can require fewer threads in some cases, so for moderate concerns the total can land closer together than you might expect. We give you a clear, written quote at your consultation. For current pricing, see our price list.

Best Fit for Each

PDO suits early-stage laxity, patients in their 30s wanting a maintenance lift, those who prefer a shorter-acting and lower-cost option, and brow-lift work.

Aptos suits moderate skin laxity, patients in their 40s and up who want the longest-lasting non-surgical lift, jawline definition, and mid-face cheek lifting.

Thread Lift vs Facelift: Which Do You Need?

A thread lift is not a replacement for a surgical facelift, and it is not meant to be. A facelift removes and repositions tissue surgically and lasts many years, but it involves anaesthesia, incisions, and weeks of recovery. A thread lift is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment with little downtime that gives a subtler lift lasting months, not years. Threads are a strong choice for mild to moderate laxity, for patients who want a natural refresh without surgery, or as a way to delay surgery. If you have heavy jowls or significant skin redundancy, a thread lift may underdeliver, and we will be honest about that and suggest a surgical consultation instead.

Combining Threads With Other Treatments

Threads work best alongside Botox, which relaxes the muscles that pull tissue downward, and skin-tightening treatments such as Morpheus 8 or Aerolase. The threads provide structural lift while the other treatments address muscle movement and skin quality, so the overall result tends to look more natural and last longer.

Thread Lift Recovery Timeline

Hour 0 to 24

Visible insertion-point marks and mild swelling. Sleep on your back with your head elevated and avoid extreme facial movement.

Day 2 to 7

Possible bruising at the entry points. Avoid dental work, heavy chewing, and vigorous exercise. Soft foods are recommended.

Week 2 to 4

The threads anchor fully and the initial lift settles into its final position, with a more refined contour emerging.

Month 2 to 6

The collagen-building phase, with continued improvement beyond the initial lift.

Month 6 onward

The lift gradually softens as the material absorbs, with PDO fading sooner than Aptos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which lasts longer, PDO or Aptos?

Aptos. PDO gives a lift for roughly 6 to 12 months, while Aptos typically lasts 12 to 18 months. In both, the collagen stimulation outlasts the mechanical lift.

Are PDO threads cheaper than Aptos?

Yes, PDO is generally less expensive per thread. Aptos costs more upfront but can need fewer threads in some cases, so the gap narrows for moderate concerns. We confirm pricing at your consultation, and you can also check our price list.

Are threads safer than a surgical facelift?

It is a different risk profile rather than strictly safer. Threads carry lower surgical risk and downtime, but real complications can include thread migration, dimpling, asymmetry, or infection, which is why injector skill matters.

Is the procedure painful?

We use local anaesthetic at the insertion points and along the thread path, which makes it tolerable. Most patients rate it about 4 to 5 out of 10.

Can threads be combined with other treatments?

Yes. We often combine threads with Botox for muscle relaxation in dynamic zones and with HA filler for volume where it is needed.

Who is a good candidate for a thread lift?

Patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, usually between about 35 and 60, with reasonable skin elasticity. Heavy jowls or significant skin redundancy may be better served by a surgical consultation.

How quickly will I see results?

You will see an immediate lift at the end of treatment, which then settles into its final result over about 2 to 4 weeks as swelling resolves.

Can threads be used for a brow lift?

Yes. PDO threads in particular are often used to give a subtle lift to the brow, opening up the eye area without surgery.

Can I redo threads when they dissolve?

Yes. Most patients repeat at around 12 to 18 months for PDO and 18 to 24 months for Aptos, depending on how the result holds.

Will threads leave scars?

Placed properly, there is no visible scarring. Improper placement can cause dimpling, which usually resolves but occasionally needs a small intervention.

Is there an age limit?

There is no upper limit if your skin quality and general health are appropriate. The lower limit is usually around 35, since below that threads tend to add little.

What if I do not like the result?

Both threads are absorbable, so the effect reverses over time as the material dissolves, PDO within roughly 6 to 12 months and Aptos within 12 to 24 months.

Written by the Bar Beauty Medical clinical team. We are a medical aesthetics clinic at 46 Fort York Blvd in CityPlace, Toronto, serving clients since 2024. All treatments are performed by licensed nurses, doctors, or laser technicians. Information here is general; for advice specific to your skin and goals, book a free consultation.