How long will collagen continue to generate after a Silhouette Lift? My face looks bloated.

 I have seen so many shortcuts to facelifts involving placement of various slings and implants over my career I can barely count them.  they never work.

Thank you for your question.  Non-absorbable sutures can be removed long after they are placed.  The majority of the collagen formed around the cones will likely have occurred in the first few months as the cones resorb.  Outcomes for any procedure is highly dependent on the experience level of the surgeon performing the procedure (e.g. a dermal filler used for non-surgical facial aging is a great tool but how you use it makes a world of difference).  I would revisit with your surgeon, or perhaps other surgeon in your area who have experience in evaluating this concern to help develop options for you.

Your question is interesting as the majority of facelift surgeons will not know what you are referring to. "Cones", "Silhouette" and sutures that were cut 6 weeks after your procedure - I am not sure what this means. I am sorry that I cannot be of help but your surgeon would know best.

Normally, results of the InstaLift continue improving over time as your natural collagen production increases in response to the procedure. It sounds as if there were some irregular steps taken in your case. I'd advise scheduling a consultation with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon who's extremely experienced with the InstaLift procedure and can give you a full evaluation and recommendations.

Thank you for your question. Silhouette InstaLift has absorbable lift sutures that tighten the skin and stimulate collagen as they dissolve over time. Results will continue to improve for up to several months after surgery. I am not sure why non-absorbable sutures were used in the first place. I recommend going back to your doctor for a complete in person evaluation. As always, I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Yes after 6 months the cones should be dissolved thus allowing removal of the thin praline sutures. Most are very happy with this new technique. Maybe your surgeon was not experienced in the placement and the correct facial vectors to be used? I have personally preformed 35 cases and have had no complaints. But you must understand that it does not replace a true facelift....

Hello northeastcitygirl, Thank you for your question.Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any further treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.As Dr. Fechner stated the silhouette lift is not a commonly acknowledged technique for facelift.  My understanding it is similar to the largely abandoned thread lift that surgeons have stopped using due to unsatisfactory results.I would discuss with your surgeon regarding the expected outcome of this procedure.  Sculptra is meant to give years of collagen stimulated results, if that is truly what the "cones" are made from.  Again, this all is very unclear.Good luck, Dr. S

Yes, the cones are made from Poly L Lactic acid. In theory collagen will regenerate for the next 3-4 months. Performed correctly this can give the CORRECT candidate a subtle but natural lift by up to 10 mm. Once again I do agree it is not substitute for a face lift, but in the correct patient can give good results with minimal downtime. Dr Davin S. Lim Brisbane . Australia.