APTOS Professional Course & A.X.A Forum: HERA's 2026 Thread-Lift Training
On this page
Between April and June 2026, HERA's two directors — Dr. Kim Jong-sun and Dr. Lee Jong-hoon — completed the official APTOS Professional Course at the manufacturer's headquarters in Georgia, and were then invited to present at the Aptos Xperts Alliance (A.X.A) Forum in Seoul. Both are thread-lifting events, and both are the kind of thing a patient rarely hears about — so here is what actually happened, and why it matters if you are considering a thread lift.
Why training at the manufacturer matters to you
Thread lifting is a technique-dependent procedure. The same thread, placed at a different depth or along a different vector, produces a different result — and a different risk profile. Training run by the company that develops the threads is the closest thing to learning the method from its source: the anatomy of the product, what it is designed to do, and equally important, what it is not designed to do.
We mention this not as a credential to impress you, but because it is one of the few things you can actually verify when choosing a clinic abroad.
APTOS Professional Course — Georgia, 20–21 April 2026
The course is an invitation-only programme; only a small number of physicians from Korea are selected each round. It ran for two days at APTOS headquarters and was taught by the company's core faculty.
Day one opened with a tour of the production facility, followed by lectures and a live demonstration by Dr. Murat Tsintsadze covering the clinical principles and method mastery of the APTOS Full Face Solution. The afternoon moved to an intensive hands-on workshop on anatomical models. The day closed with an open discussion with Dr. George Sulamanidze, the inventor of APTOS threads, and a dinner at the APTOS wine cellar.
Day two went deeper into safe thread-lifting technique with Dr. Tsintsadze — further lectures, another live demonstration of the Full Face Solution, and more model work. The programme ended with a formal certificate ceremony.
A.X.A Forum — Seoul, 20 June 2026
Two months later both directors were invited to the Aptos Xperts Alliance (A.X.A) Forum at Oakwood Premier COEX Center in Seoul. It is a closed forum: attendance is limited to APTOS's principal domestic partners and leading physicians who shape the brand's clinical direction in Korea.
Rather than a general lecture, the directors presented from their own case records: which products and techniques they prefer for which areas, single-procedure cases, before-and-after clinical outcomes, and cases where thread lifting was combined with other treatments. The purpose of the session was practical — to help establish thread-lifting standards suited to Korean patients and to test those standards against real clinical data.
The cases presented there are being compiled into a HERA APTOS before-and-after record.
What this means if you are travelling to Seoul
It means the doctor who assesses your face has trained on the method at its source and has had their own case work examined by peers who do this at a high level. It does not mean a thread lift is right for you — that depends on your anatomy, your skin, and what you actually want to change, and we will tell you honestly if a different treatment, or doing less, would serve you better.
If you would like to see what thread lifting has looked like for other patients here, our patient case gallery holds before-and-after records from treatments performed at HERA. The clinical detail of the procedure itself is set out on our Custom Thread Lifting page.
Visiting HERA in Gangnam
- Booking: enquire and reserve before you arrive so your slot is confirmed.
- Interpreter: an on-site English interpreter joins your consultation and treatment.
- Same price: international and local patients pay exactly the same — there is no foreigner markup, and you receive an itemised written estimate after the consultation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Q1What is APTOS?
APTOS is a thread-lifting brand whose threads and methods are developed at its headquarters in Georgia. The company runs official training for physicians on how its threads are designed to be placed and used.Q2Is the Professional Course open to any doctor?
No. It is invitation-only and a small number of physicians from Korea are selected each round. HERA's Dr. Kim Jong-sun and Dr. Lee Jong-hoon completed the two-day course at APTOS headquarters on 20–21 April 2026.Q3What is the A.X.A Forum?
Aptos Xperts Alliance is a closed forum limited to APTOS's principal domestic partners and leading physicians in Korea. It was held at Oakwood Premier COEX Center in Seoul on 20 June 2026, and both HERA directors presented from their own case records.Q4Does this training mean a thread lift will suit me?
Not by itself. Training tells you how the doctor learned the method; whether the procedure suits you depends on your anatomy, skin condition and goals. We will say plainly at the consultation if a different treatment — or doing less — would serve you better.Q5Can I see real thread-lift results at HERA?
Yes. Our patient case gallery holds before-and-after records from treatments performed at HERA, filterable by treatment type. The clinical detail of the procedure is set out on the Custom Thread Lifting page.
HERA Journal
Keep reading
FillersNose Filler in Korea: What It Can and Cannot Do
A non-surgical way to raise a low bridge and define the tip — and, just as importantly, the cases where I tell patients it is the wrong tool.
5 minRead →
InjectablesBotox Before and After: What Honest Results Look Like
Before-and-after photos are the most requested and most misread thing in my clinic. Here is how to read them properly.
4 minRead →
Skin boostersMicroneedling with Exosomes: Why the Two Are Combined
Exosomes applied to intact skin mostly sit on the surface. The needling is what gets them where they need to go.
4 minRead →
On TikTok
TikTok
Is morning the best time for upper eyelid fillers? 🤔 Our doctor explains why the timing of your appointment can make a difference during your consultation. Watch until the end to learn why. ✨
@gnheraclinic_en
Can one thread lift improve both lifting and skin quality? 🤔 Our doctor explains how the key components of the Aptos Thread Lift work and what makes it different from traditional threads. Watch until the end to learn more. ✨
@gnheraclinic_en
Thinking about a thread lift? 🤔 Aptos is more than just a PDO thread. Our doctor explains what makes it different and why it's become a popular lifting option. Watch until the end to learn how it works. ✨
@gnheraclinic_en
Would you choose sedation for Ultherapy? 🤔 Our doctor shares why he personally wouldn't recommend it—even for his own family. Watch the full explanation before making your decision. ✨
@gnheraclinic_en
HIFU or RF — which one does your face actually need? They both lift your skin — but in completely different ways. Which one is right for your face? Explained by a Korean aesthetic doctor. Save this before getting a lifting treatment.
@gnheraclinic_en
Noticing drooping mouth corners after 40? A small change can make a big difference. Lip filler + corner Botox ✔ Restore lip volume ✔ Lift the mouth corners ✔ Brighter smile 📍Gangnam HERA Clinic – Seoul Korea Follow @gnheraclinic_en
@gnheraclinic_en
Re2O vs Rejuran Which skin booster is right for your skin? Korean aesthetic doctor explains the difference.
@gnheraclinic_en
HIFU = Hollow Cheeks? Depends on your face type. Slim faces + strong HIFU can cause volume loss. Customized treatment is key.
@gnheraclinic_en
Jaw Botox mistake? Here’s why some faces look “peanut-shaped.” Placement matters. Save this before your next appointment.
@gnheraclinic_en
Want a smaller-looking face? It’s about placement. Save this.
@gnheraclinic_en
One treatment I’d recommend for parents? You might be surprised.
@gnheraclinic_en
✨ Under-Eye Filler Correction & Re-Treatment ✨ Sometimes, filler isn’t about adding more — it’s about doing it properly and safely. In this case, the under-eye area required: ✔ Filler dissolving (hyaluronidase) ✔ Careful assessment of the depth and placement ✔ A natural re-treatment for a smoother result The tear trough is one of the most delicate areas of the face, so precision and experience truly matter. At Gangnam HERA Clinic in Seoul, we specialise in: 💎 Under-eye filler correction 💎 Tear trough rejuvenation 💎 Natural, balanced results (never overfilled) If you’re visiting Korea and looking for a trusted clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we provide full English support for international patients. 📍Gangnam, Seoul 📩 DM us to book a consultation
@gnheraclinic_en
✨ Chin Filler for Facial Balance ✨ A small change can make a big difference — especially in your side profile. At Gangnam HERA Clinic in Seoul, chin filler is designed to: ✔ Improve facial harmony ✔ Enhance the jawline naturally ✔ Create a softer V-line effect ✔ Support a more defined profile (without surgery) Our treatments are doctor-performed, highly precise, and always tailored to your unique facial structure. If you’re looking for natural chin filler in Gangnam, Seoul, we offer full English support for international patients. 📍Gangnam, Seoul 📩 DM us for consultation & booking
@gnheraclinic_en
✨ Natural Lip Filler in Seoul (Gangnam) ✨ Subtle, balanced, and beautifully tailored to your facial features. At Gangnam HERA Clinic, our lip filler treatments focus on: 💗 Soft volume (not overdone) 💗 Better lip symmetry 💗 A more youthful, refreshed look 💗 Doctor-performed, precision-based results If you’re visiting Korea and looking for a trusted clinic in Gangnam, Seoul, we provide full English support for international patients. 📍Located in Gangnam, Seoul 📩 DM us to book your consultation
@gnheraclinic_en
Restore Your Youth: The Magic of Hand Fillers ✨✋ Do you find yourself hiding your hands because of visible veins, tendons, or wrinkled skin? As we age, we lose volume in our hands, making them look older than we feel. But you don't have to let your hands give away your age! At Gangnam Hera, we provide a professional solution to restore that smooth, youthful look: ✅ Volume Restoration : Fills in hollow areas where fat has been lost. ✅ Vein & Tendon Camouflage : Softens the appearance of protruding vessels for a softer look. ✅ Smooth Texture : Deeply plumps the skin to reduce the "wrinkled" appearance. Experience an instant rejuvenation with natural-looking results. Let your hands match your youthful glow! 💎
@gnheraclinic_en
The Secret to "Soft Tofu" Skin? Only at Gangnam Hera! 🥛✨ Ever heard of the "Soft Tofu" Skin Booster? Just like the name suggests, it’s the ultimate secret to achieving a bouncy, bright, and milky-white complexion. The star ingredient is Glyju, a revolutionary booster made from Glyceollin (soybean-derived) ✅ Powerful Whitening: Blocks melanin synthesis for a clearer skin tone. ✅ Vascular Health: Promotes skin regeneration and healthy glow. ✅ Instant Hydration: Packed with Hyaluronic Acid to erase dryness. Why Gangnam Hera? 🤫 Glyju is amazing on its own, but we do it differently. At Hera, we combine it with an exclusive secondary treatment that boosts the results by 200%. This unique "Secret Formula" is available only at our clinic, giving you that signature whitening glow you can't find anywhere else. Ready for your Soft Tofu transformation? Experience the newest trend in Gangnam! 💎
@gnheraclinic_en
Juvelook I + EBD The Perfect Synergy 💉⚡️ Why combine Juvelook I with Energy-Based Devices (EBD)? Because they work better together! Juvelook I: Stimulates deep collagen production. EBD : Tightens skin tissue using thermal energy. At Gangnam Hera, we provide both to give you volume and lifting at the same time. 🕒 Already had Juvelook? We recommend a 2–3 week interval for absorption before starting your device treatment.
@gnheraclinic_en
I asked AI (Gemini 3.0) about the future of lips, and the answer was clear: Be Yourself. ✨ 🎬 2026 Lip Trends (Quick Summary) 1️⃣ Beyond Volume 👄 Less is More! It’s all about a natural, healthy glow over fake volume. 2️⃣ Hybrid Care 💧 Filler + Skin Booster (Rejuran/Exosome). Shape with filler, hydrate with boosters. 3️⃣ Advanced Safety 🛡️ New materials, longer results, and fewer side effects. (P.S. I asked Gemini how old it is, and it said it doesn‘t age... Must be nice! But for us humans, we have Gangnam Hera to keep us youthful! 😂) 📍 Visit us in Gangnam for your 2026 personalized lip design.
@gnheraclinic_en
Stop guessing! Here is the REAL difference between Rejuran i and Juvelook i. 👇 ✅ Rejuran i Hydration & Glow. Perfect for fixing dry, "crepey" skin and adding that healthy inner radiance. ✅ Juvelook i Natural Volume. Perfect for filling hollow tear troughs by boosting your natural collagen. No bumps, just smooth skin. One heals the skin, the other fills the hollows. Which one is your concern? Tell us in the comments! 💬
@gnheraclinic_en
Say goodbye to vertical neck wrinkles—WITHOUT surgery! 🙅♀️✨ Vertical neck lines used to be the hardest to treat, often needing a surgical neck lift. But the trend has changed NOW Introducing the CaHA Skin Booster treatment! 💉 By spreading diluted calcium filler evenly under the vertical folds, we stimulate your skin to regain its firmness and bounce naturally. Perfect for ✅ Loss of skin elasticity ✅ Deep vertical neck bands ✅ Those wanting surgical results without the downtime The future of neck rejuvenation is here at Gangnam Hera. 🤍
@gnheraclinic_en
Even without lifting, your look can change this much. By adding only the necessary amount of filler to the temples, lateral cheeks, and chin, and combining chin Botox with Juvelook Eye, we refined the overall balance. Not to look unnaturally younger, but natural and smooth. This is a case that shows how much of a difference filler alone can make. 📩 For consultations and appointments, please contact us via DM or WhatsApp. * Results may vary by individual.
@gnheraclinic_en
As we enter our 40s, many people start to notice: ✔️ Looser facial contours ✔️ A double chin ✔️ Deeper neck lines Improvement isn’t only about “lifting.” By reducing excess volume, refining the contours, and adding volume only where needed, the overall appearance can change significantly. This case combines: Ultherapy, fat-dissolving injections, Botox, and filler. Not to look unnaturally younger, but to look natural, clean, and refined. We offer facial contouring tailored for your 40s, with a balanced and thoughtful approach. For inquiries and appointments, please contact us via DM or WhatsApp.
@gnheraclinic_en
A special New Year message from the doctors at HERA. 💌 May your 2026 be as bright and glowing as the skin you’ve always dreamed of. We are so grateful to be part of your beauty journey. Stop the screen to reveal the blessing waiting for you! 🧧✨ Wishing you a year of overflowing happiness and health. Happy New Year! 🎊
@gnheraclinic_en
Body Ultherapy? 👀 Meet Sizer. 📢FDA-approved for belly fat reduction. Goes deeper. Works better. Sizer + fat-dissolving injections = 🔥
@gnheraclinic_en
On YouTube
YouTube Shorts
Quick, honest answers from our doctors — tap any short to play.
Your medical team
A Medical Team That Sees You Through, Start to Finish
Board-certified specialists who treat every patient like family — the same doctor guides you from your first consultation to your final result, aiming for natural beauty with minimal need for revision.
Jong Seon Kim, MD
“I am a doctor you can trust, dedicated to enhancing your natural beauty.”
Career & Credentials
- Director, Gangnam HERA Plastic Surgery Clinic
- Board Member, Korean Society of Aesthetic Surgery (KSAS)
+9 more
Dr. Lee Jong Hoon
“I dedicate myself to achieving the best results with minimal need for revision.”
Career & Credentials
- Co-author, LIFTINGOLOGY: Science and Clinical Practice in Aesthetic Medicine
- Recipient, Minister of Health and Welfare Award for Outstanding Contribution to National Health Improvement
+11 more
