Does the Silhouette Lift result in "puffy" face?

Question

I'm considering the Silhouette Lift to improve the moderate sagging I've started to notice in my lower jowl/upper neck area. I'm 49 with overall good skin quality - people commonly mistake me to be in my mid to late 30's. My question is the following: I've read that Sculptra (which is found in the Silhouette material) can cause the face to swell in appearance. I have high cheek bones so worry about having a puffy or fake appearing face. Thanks.

Jeffrey J. Roth, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The Silhouette Lift consists of small entry points made in your skin by a needle.  There is no scalpel used.  No incision scars.  This is all good news if someday you might need or want a formal facelift/necklift.  You can also receive another Silhouette Lift a couple years after the first if you are still not ready/not a candidate for a facelift.  The material is the same that we use with Sculptra injectable.  Sculptra is usually done without patients looking puffy.  Often Sculptra patients will come back every few years for a touch up.  Volume can also work well with other modalities, (Juvederm, Volluma, etc.).  The choice between modalities depends on how much these issues bother you, how aggressive you want to be, and your anatomy.   Again, one should do a proper history and physical exam to see if you are a candidate.  Best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon or Otolaryngologist, (ENT).  They will be able to let you know what might work best in your case, (Silhouette Lift vs. Fillers vs. Surgery), as they do all of the above.  Please call with any questions.Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D. F.A.C.S.Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLas Vegas Plastic Surgery

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, MD · Answer

The Silhouette Instalift, indeed, is composed of two materials with one being Sculptra.  The threads are woven under the skin, and in these areas the patient will see volume replacement.  Unlike, Voluma or Radiesse, the volume replacement is much more subtle.  Whereas, Voluma and Radiesse are great for sculpting and contouring the mid-face, cheeks and temples the Silhouette Instalift is excellent for improving the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, jowls and upper neck.  Properly place, the Silhouette Instalift improves hollows by lifting the sunken or fallen tissues and then stimulates your native collagen for about 6 months. The combination restores volume loss in the areas where the threads are positioned. Thus, it is ideal for those who require a moderate lift of the lower face and upper neck and for those who do not have a large amount of subcutaneous fat or very lax neck muscles which would afford less than optimal results. The Silhouette Instalift is perfect for those who require rejuvenation of the face on an outpatient basis with minimal downtime and for those who are demonstrating early loss of facial tone but are not ready for a surgical facelift.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The Instalift sutures do encompass  the same material as Sculptra which results in collagen stimulation.  There may be some initial swelling associated with the procedure but this subsides after a few days.  The Instalift procedure can be used to create a very natural appearance.  The results, however, really depends on your surgeon's ability to assess your face and design your custom plan to ensure that you receive a natural result.  Just like any aesthetic procedure involves such as injectables, your results will depend on the skills and experience of your surgeon.  I would recommend visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon with a great deal of experience with the Instalift procedure.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

The swelling that is associated with the Silhouette InstaLift is generally minor and will resolve over the first week.  Bruising may occur as well, but is temporary.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area to learn about this exciting treatment.

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Like any procedure, if performed correctly the results should appear natural.  The same is true with the SIL procedure.  Since the suture material is composed of the same material (PLLA) as Sculptra, as it breaks down it stimulates your body to produce collagen and effectively leaves behind a given amount of mid face volume.  So unless you have an inordinate amount of sutures placed (which is unlikely) and they are placed in the wrong directions or vectors, results should appear very natural.
I hope this information helps!

Does the Silhouette Lift result in "puffy" face?

Answers (10)

Answer: Puffiness concerns

Answer: Puffiness concerns

Answer: Will the Silhouette InstaLift procedure make my face look puffy?

Answer: Will the Silhouette InstaLift procedure make my face look puffy?

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Everything you need to know about Silhouette InstaLift

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Does the Silhouette Lift result in "puffy" face?

Answers (10)

Answer: Puffiness concerns

Answer: Puffiness concerns

Answer: Will the Silhouette InstaLift procedure make my face look puffy?

Answer: Will the Silhouette InstaLift procedure make my face look puffy?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Silhouette InstaLift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.