Difference Between Silhouette Lift and Contour Thread Lift?

Since we, with three or four others, began thread lifting of the cheeks in the mid- 90's, early 2000's, the procedure has undergone multiple revisions. The contour thread lift used barbed sutures of prolene (permanent sutures) that could cause various abnormalities of skin texture and had a failure rate. The InstaLift is the latest thread lift of absorbable material and represents a quantum leap forward in safety and efficacy.  The cones that attach to the threads catch the tissue and hold it in place long enough (before dissolving) for the body's own scar tissue to provide a longer term "lift".  The insertion device is simple and only rarely causes bruising of significance.  The patient can do it over a "lunch time" and drive home.  There are only three small blebs of local used for each thread that is placed, with the patient sitting up in a "dental" type of chair.  Our patients have been happy with the results performed (off label) in the neck and jowls, as well as the FDA approved mid-face.  The procedure, unlike filler "camouflage" actually re-positions structure. For the patient who is not ready or too young to commit to a facelift, the procedure provides a 1-2 year improvement.

Thread lifts have come back into popularity over the last several years. The newer options are dissolvable and have a much better safety profile. The contour threads are barbed PDO sutures that are really meant to volumization and provide minimal lift. The instalift is a PGLA/PLLA that has bidirectional cones. This provides volumization and lifting. These do not replace a facelift but can help with mild facial descent. See a board certified surgeon to ensure you're given all the options and provided with the treatment you need to achieve your goals. 

The Silhouette Instalift is an absorbable thread attached to mini-cones that lift the mid, lower face, jawline and upper neck.  As the body naturally absorbs the threads and cones they stimulate your own collagen to further contour and smooth out areas of the face.  It was approved by the FDA in 2015 and has been extensively used for facial rejuvenation in Europe for many years prior to it arriving in the USA.  Unlike other threads, the Silhouette Instalift is unique in design.  The cones do the lifting and the entire thread is absorbed.  This procedure is performed in the office using a touch of local anesthesia to numb the skin.  There is limited downtime and discomfort.  The Silhouette Instalift has revolutionized facial rejuvenation.  It lifts and adds volume to the face.  The manner in which the threads are applied and areas where they are used are crucial. So find an experienced plastic surgeon and look at the results from prior patients. It is truly an amazing procedure.