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.  

The main difference between the different types of thread lifts is the material used for the thread or suture, and the type of fixation used to embrace and support the tissue. Thread lifting has a long history with both very beautiful results and happy patients mixed with poor results and dissatisfaction. Most of the latter stems from the use of permanent sutures and poor technique.
Most modern thread lifting utilizes absorbable sutures, which have many major benefits. These threads not only lift and support, but provide volume as they go away, creating a lift and fill effect. The risk of dimpling, an issue with the old thread lifts, is zero here as these are not providing a permanent pull. 
These modern thread lifts are best thought of like a filler. They will do their job for a year or two and then will need to be touched up, but the results in the meantime are beautiful.
Choosing your physician wisely here is key, as knowledge of normal facelift anatomy, tissue movement and technique is a highly valuable skill when placing these absorbable lifting threads.
To ensure you are receiving the highest level of care, seek out a modernly trained, new-school dermatologic surgeon, oculoplastic surgeon, facial plastic surgeon or plastic surgeon who is board certified and fellowship trained in one of these "core four" cosmetic specialties. Membership in organizations like the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery help to identify a highly trained surgeon.
Cameron Chesnut#realself500 Physician

Thank you for your question.  The Silhouette Instalift is a minimally invasive solution that delivers a great option to patients for whom a facelift surgery is not their preferred approach. There have been several different suture lifts in the past that may have been pulled off the market because due to complications.  The Instalift differs in that the material is resorbable and the suture material actually stimulates collagen as well.  One of the main materials used in the Instalift is the main active ingredient in Sculptra which is commonly used by advanced injectors for facial rejuvenation for collagen stimulation.  In addition, Instalift uses bi-directional cones to reposition the subdermal tissue and facial skin to a more lifted and youthful position.  Over time the implanted sutures and cones also stimulate your own collagen for natural and long lasting results. Please contact a Silhouette certified physician for a consultation.  Best of luck!