Question 1

What is a Silhouette InstaLift?

Accepted Answer

Silhouette InstaLift is an FDA-cleared thread lift procedure that tightens and firms skin in the midface and jowls, via dissolvable sutures that are threaded underneath the surface of the skin.

In experienced hands, this facial rejuvenation procedure can provide an immediate, natural-looking lifting effect, with firming benefits for up to 3 years as the threads stimulate new collagen production.

Silhouette InstaLift sutures are made of poly-glycolic acid (PGA) and poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), the same biodegradable polymer used in Sculptra Aesthetic dermal fillers. Unlike some facial threads that are smooth, these have tiny cones (called bi-directional cones) that help lift the tissue.

Providers on RealSelf often pair a Silhouette InstaLift procedure with injectable dermal fillers, such as Juvéderm or Radiesse, to restore lost volume and create a more youthful appearance.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of Silhouette InstaLift?

Accepted Answer

Pros

The lifting effect is immediate.
The threads stimulate the production of new collagen, which makes skin firmer and more elastic for up to 2 years.
The procedure is a more affordable, less invasive alternative to a surgical facelift.
It’s performed under local anesthesia.
There’s no downtime, and side effects are typically mild—just a few days of inflammation.
Reviewers on RealSelf who rated their results as “Worth It” say they experienced minimal downtime and immediate lifting.

Cons

The facial rejuvenation results from this procedure are far less dramatic than what you’d see from a surgical facelift, which tightens the underlying muscles and removes excess facial skin. Because of this, it’s not recommended for people with severe skin laxity.
Results are temporary.
Thread lifts are frequently marketed as quick and easy, but when they’re not properly placed, the sutures can cause indentations, puckering, or lumps under the skin. In rare cases, the threads can be visible under the skin.
Threads that are put under too much tension can break, which can create asymmetry (if one side remains lifted).
Of the RealSelf reviewers who say this procedure was “Not Worth It,” some report that their results didn’t last, while others experienced lumpiness or puckering.
Once they’re in, threads can’t be removed without causing significant trauma to the surrounding tissue. If you have a poor result, your provider may advise you wait it out as the threads dissolve, or to undergo a radiofrequency heat treatment to help them dissolve more quickly.
Face threads can leave scar tissue that may make a future surgical procedure more complicated.

Question 3

How much does Silhouette InstaLift cost?

Accepted Answer

Your Silhouette InstaLift cost will depend on your provider’s level of training and experience, their practice location, and the specifics of your procedure—including the number of threads needed and whether you have other treatments done at the same time.

See our complete guide to Silhouette InstaLift costs

Question 4

Silhouette InstaLift before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The Silhouette InstaLift photos in our gallery have been shared by the provider who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 5

How does a Silhouette InstaLift procedure work?

Accepted Answer

This in-office procedure takes less than an hour, in most cases. Here’s what to expect.

Your plastic surgeon first maps your cheeks and jawline, marking with a pen where the sutures will be placed.
Then they inject a local anesthetic (typically lidocaine), numbing the area.
Once you’re numb, they use a proprietary needle to thread the sutures just under your skin, parallel to the surface, before gently pulling them taut to lift your skin.
Finally, they will gently massage the area to ensure the cones are properly embedded and assess any areas of skin contour irregularities.

Thanks to the anesthetic, you should feel little to no pain during the procedure, just a tugging sensation when the sutures are placed.

Question 6

Who is an ideal candidate for a Silhouette InstaLift procedure?

Accepted Answer

Who is an ideal candidate for a Silhouette InstaLift procedure?

A good candidate for a Silhouette InstaLift is someone who is experiencing moderate sagging along the midface and jowls. Those looking to avoid a lengthy recovery time (which is often associated with plastic surgery), or those who want to combine this procedure with other popular in-office treatments (like Botox or fillers) for a hybrid anti-aging approach, are also likely to prefer this enhancement option.

That said, it’s not a good choice for those experiencing more severe signs of aging, like excessive skin laxity.

Question 7

What is Silhouette InstaLift recovery like?

Accepted Answer

After a Silhouette InstaLift you’ll have some mild swelling, possible bruising, and occasional soreness. You should be able to apply makeup and return to your normal skincare routine after 24 hours.

Your doctor will give you specific post-procedure instructions, but you’ll likely need to adhere to the following:

If needed, take over-the-counter pain relievers to help alleviate soreness.
Sleep sitting upright in order to help reduce swelling.
Avoid rubbing your face, eating chewy or hard foods, or chewing gum for a few days up to a week or two after your procedure.
You’ll also want to avoid strenuous activity for a week or two, to avoid dislodging the sutures.

Question 8

How long does Silhouette InstaLift last?

Accepted Answer

According to the manufacturer, the micro-cones and sutures can stimulate your natural collagen production for up to 2 years, but some reviewers on RealSelf say their results faded sooner.

Question 9

What are risks and side effects of Silhouette InstaLift?

Accepted Answer

This treatment option is considered safe in the hands of an experienced provider, but you should still discuss these potential risks during your initial consultation.

Dimpling or lumpiness are the most common concerns following Silhouette InstaLift. As the sutures relax somewhat, but check in with your doctor if any puckering doesn’t resolve within a week or two. However, in most cases, the best option is just to wait for the absorbable sutures to naturally dissolve.
It’s also possible to develop an infection or temporary nerve inflammation.
Patients with thin facial skin and tissue may have threads that are visible or palpable (detectable to the touch).
Rare side effects include an inflammatory allergic reaction to the polymer or hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin).

SILHOUETTE INSTALIFT

Jill Hessler, MD

Kali Swenson

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Jill Hessler, MD

Kali Swenson

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
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