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Silhouette Lift: Experience of Re-tightening Coned-threads?

I am considering the Silhouette lift. I understand that the results will only last around 3 years. As I am (according to my surgeon) probably about 6 years out from needing a real mini face lift, I want to know of anyone who has experience of retightening the threads.

I know the Silhouette people say it's *possible*, but has anyone actually done it? My surgeon doesn't believe putting *more* threads in, in 3 years time is a good option and I agree.

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12 Doctor Answers | Asked by VanityGirl

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I have a better idea--how about using that money for a cruise?

You would have a better time, and more lasting good memories than if you "wasted" your time, healing, and money on any type of thread lift, no matter how much "new and improved." These procedures can make some improvements, sometimes even ones that border on being visible, but the barbs bend over, lose contact with the tissues that are "lifted," and sometimes poke through the skin surface. Visible cords or lines from the threads are also a concern, and most... more

Silhouette Lift: lifts the most from your wallet

If you are not ready for a face lift, use your money toward facial injectables or fat grafting. Suspension lifts have very poor short-term and long-term results an din general have the least amount of value (improvement for the dollar spent)

Sam Naficy, MD

80 reviews

Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattleface.com

Face Lift

I am not a big supporter of the thread lifts. We do not offer that procedure due to the low percentage of sustained benefit. There are some who do get prolonged benefit, but the numbers are small from the ones we see. I would consider a mini lift if you can visit a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and they recommend a facelift.

Minilift is a better Threadlift alternative

I agree with the posts - very few surgeons will recommend "retightening" threads, and very few are happy with the results long term. If you have skin laxity that looks good when you pull in the mirror, you may be a candidate for a 1-hour minilift procedure. These can be performed under local anesthesia with little downtime. Be sure to consult with a surgeon that performs a lot of mini-lifts before proceeding. The video below discusses the various recovery times... more

More Threads are not a good Idea

I remember very painfully removing every thread I ever put in. The cones were the next generation and seemed to have bigger catch areas(cones) to hold tissue. If the surgeon can put you under a local and easily find where the end of the cone suture is I am sure they can be pulled again, I have done this on occasion. No one should promise you that it will last three years. I agree with most of the others that a Facelift is still the best procedure available today.

Thred Lifts and Their Problems

Thread lifts have been, by and large, a complete waste of time and money for patients. I don't think that "tweaking" a very imperfect procedure is likely to provide any aesthetic benefit. I think Dr. Tholen's "cruise advice" is a much better idea than revisiting a poorly conceived technique.

Don't take a cruise if you are prone to sea sickness.

Silhouette Lift: Experience of Re-tightening Coned-threads? I am considering the Silhouette lift. I understand that the results will only last around 3 years. As I am (according to my surgeon) probably about 6 years out from needing a real mini face lift, I want to know of anyone who has experience of retightening the threads. I know the Silhouette people say it's *possible*, but has anyone actually done it? My surgeon doesn't believe putting *more* threads in, in 3 years time... more

Thread lifts are more wishful thinking than proper lifting technique

I'd avoid any type of thread lifting technique, no matter the suture or thread type and what is being promised. These techniques have so many technical flaws from fixation issues, to blunt/blind needle insertion that can injury important structures, puckering, bunching, potential erosion of the skin by the thread and infection that they are IMHO, a lousy option for anyone, ever! I'd have consult with surgeons and get your options for reliable face Lifting techniques. more

Thread Lift

Whether a thread lift lasts 3 years or not, don't worry about tightening the threads - worry about all the problems with this technique. Excellent surgeons involved in the original use of this product had such disappointing results they no longer do this surgery.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

We were early into threat lifts and early out and then repeated the process.

The problem with threads is not the thread but rather the tissues they are put into. Patients needing any sort of lift are those who have loss of elasticity and have tissue expansion and lengthening. Unfortunately these same tissue allow the treads to "cheezewire" through meaning the threads stay in position but the tissue parts and passes about the thread. We tried several varieties of threads as they were developed and found the same problem with all. Fillers can... more

Nathan Mayl, MD

7 reviews

Fort Lauderdale Plastic Surgeon

Thread lifts and facelifts

The thread lift with barbed or coned sutures to hold up lax facial tissues was all the rage several years ago to provide a 'near surgical' facial rejuvenation. We have a good deal of experience now and the enthusiasm has worn well off. The three years you are expecting is probably closer to three months. As the rule goes if it worked we all would do it. Fillers may be a better way to bide your time until facelift. Best of luck, peterejohnsonmd

I think expecting the result to last 3 years is unrealistic.

Thread lifts, even extra improved thread lifts have been very disappointing. I think that you should prepare yourself of the treatment to last about 6 months. Any benefit beyond this is a bonus. Unfortunately, the sutures do not hold well in the fat and the barbs give way with time. Interestingly facial fillers can be a viable alternative to a procedure like a Silhouette lift.