Silhouette InstaLift versus Surgical Face Lift

Everyone has heard of facelift surgery, but are you familiar with its non-surgical alternative? The Silhouette InstaLift is a minimal downtime rejuvenation procedure for patients who are not ready to go under the knife. Here we compare the two procedures. 

The Silhouette InstaLift is a non-surgical facelift that repositions the soft tissues of the skin using dissolvable suture material. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia. Sutures, or threads, are inserted into the skin to lift the underlying facial tissues using a minimally invasive approach. The Silhouette InstaLift sutures are made of resorbable and biocompatible materials, which dissolve under the skin and do not require removal. The lifting process works by using micro-cones on the threads to elevate and tighten the sagging facial skin. While physically elevating the skin, the suture material also activates your facial tissues to generate more collagen naturally, which is otherwise lost during the aging process. Collagen re-generation leads to additional natural skin tightening and a smoother, rejuvenated look overall. Downtime is typically minimal, and most patients return to work the next day. Results from the Silhouette InstaLift can last up to 2 years. 

In contrast, the surgical face lift (aka rhytidectomy) is a major surgery that is associated with greater potential risks, but produces longer-lasting  results. Surgical face lifting is performed in an operating room setting with IV sedation and often requires general anesthesia. Incisions are made in the skin with a scalpel, and the underlying tissues are manually lifted and repositioned. Excess skin is typically trimmed after the underlying tissues are secured. The skin incisions may be closed with sutures or staples. Depending on the depth of the lift, recovery can take anywhere from 1-3 weeks and may involve a headwrap or drain tubes, which are removed by your surgeon at your follow up appointment. Results may last an average of 10 years.

If you are unsure which type of facelift is right for you, the main determining factors are your age and aesthetic goals. The Silhouette InstaLift is more suitable for younger patients who want to combat aging signs before they progress, or patients who have previously undergone a surgical facelift and need a touch-up. The result of the Silhouette InstaLift produces approximately 25% of the result of a surgical face lift. If you are experiencing noticeable aging indicators such as extensive sagging, deep creases, jowls (saggy cheeks or skin below your cheeks and jawline), and drooping skin under the chin, then surgery may be required to fully address your concerns.

For both procedures, a consultation is required to determine the next steps. At New York Eye and Face we perform the Silhouette InstaLift, so if you are interested in a non-surgical facelift, we can help! Visit our Westchester, NY office for your consultation with board-certified oculofacial plastic surgeon Dr. Anaïs Carniciu, our non-surgical facelift specialist.

For more information, check out the references below:

Facelift Surgery. (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/facelift/procedure 

Silhouette Soft. (n.d.). Retrieved August 3, 2022, from  https://laserandskin.ie/silhouette-soft/ 

Thread Lift vs. Facelift: Which Is for You? (2020, February 7). Retrieved August 3, 2022, from https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mdface.com/thread-lift-vs-facelift/%23:~:text%3DUnlike%2520the%2520Silhouette%2520InstaLift%25E2%2584%25A2,while%2520significantly%2520tightening%2520the%2520muscles&sa=D&source=docs&ust=1659552430043497&usg=AOvVaw0xrEvOesOkwHjMEJ4wTINR