History of the Thread Face Lift
The first phenomenon in the ageing process of the face is ptosis (sagging), related to diminished support against gravity. Although ptosis has traditionally been treated by facelift, attempts to improve the signs of ageing without incisions were made over five decades ago.
In 1956, Buttkewitz reported his method of elevating tissue by means of subcutaneously applied nylon thread.
In 1999, Dr M Sulamanidze described a technique of lifting soft tissue of the face with barbed or notched threads, made from polypropylene, he called APTOS (Anti-PTOSIS) threads.
Dr Zurek thoroughly explored this concept, and as APTOS threads were not approved in Australia, he developed custom made, self-anchoring, bi-directional (barbed) threads using polypropylene (an approved suture material commonly used for many years in surgery). He trade marked the AGE Filamentsâ„¢ (Anti-Gravity Elevation filaments) in 2002.