The central Silhouette Instalift suture is made of Poly L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) and its cones are composed of a Polylactide/Glycolide resorbable copolymer (PLGA) (overall 82% PLLA and 18% PLGA). Similar to Sculptra®, the sutures stimulate both Type I and Type III collagen as they degrade. It is thought that the new collagen growth surrounds the cones and adjacent knots to fixate the tissues in their lifted position as the sutures slowly break down. By doing so, the suture adds to the volume loss of the cheek area creating a longer-lasting smooth, contoured appearance. It is believed that the results begin to peak between 3 and 6 months and may last anywhere from 18 to 36 months. After this, the collagen that you have generated is yours "forever" and will hold the tissue up even after the sutures have broken down. The aging process continues and this new collagen is subject to that. Ultimately, over time, the facial tissues that have been lifted will begin to droop again and this will be different for different faces. At that time, you can consider repeating the procedure for a new lift or think about longer-lasting surgical options.