Face Lift Types

Defy Gravity with the Silhouette InstaLift™

Years ago, the thread lift generated a great deal of buzz, but it never quite lived up to the hype and was ultimately linked to all sorts of complications.

The newest kid on the block, the Silhouette InstaLift™, reinvents the procedure, and experts say it’s safer and far more effective than its thread lift predecessor, filling an important void in treating the aging face.

The face ages in five ways:

  • Skin changes (wrinkles, brown spots and sallow color)
  • Dynamic lines (wrinkles)
  • Loss of volume (hollow cheeks)
  • Loss of elasticity
  • The sagging pull of gravity

Lasers and energy-based treatments can improve skin tone and elasticity, fillers can replace volume and toxins can delete wrinkles. But until the Instalift, there had not been a surgery-free way to effectively lift tissue and fight gravity.

The Instalift procedure involves inserting a tiny thread with dissolvable cones under the skin to lift the cheeks, a drooping brow or even neck jowls. As the biocompatible stitches dissolve, they create scar tissue which serves as a natural lift for sagging facial issues.

Courtesy of AAFPRS

Silhouette InstaLift™ Vs. The Thread Lift

Silhouette InstaLift™ sutures are made of dissolvable glycolide/L-lactide (PLGA) strands. Each strand holds two sets of cones made of PLGA. As the sutures and cones dissolve, the PLGA stimulates collagen production. By contrast, thread lifts used barbed, permanent sutures.

The InstaLift threads are passed into the area to be treated with a special needle and placed below the skin. After the tissue is lifted to the desired height, the cones are engaged and fixated to provide suspension. Instalift provides a more robust lifting effect than older iterations of thread lift due to the strength of the sutures coupled with the collagen boost.

It’s important to note that this is not a facelift. However, the Silhouette InstaLift™ may help prevent or postpone the need for a full facelift.

The procedure takes about 30 minutes and is performed with local anesthesia to prevent any mild discomfort. There is almost no downtime and the side effects — which can include temporary discomfort, swelling and bruising — are minimal. The lifting effect is immediate, with continued improvement occurring over time as the PLGA stimulates new collagen production.

The InstaLift isn’t permanent, but it may last up to two years. For those looking for some additional skin treatments, you’ll be happy to know that it can be combined with toxins and fillers for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

The cost of Silhouette InstaLift™ ranges from $3,500 to $5,500. Variables include how many sutures are needed as well as where the practice is located (overhead is higher in urban areas).