How soon after a Silhouette Instalift procedure can I have additional sutures added?

Question

I had sutures inserted a week ago - one suture for nasolabial folds and one for marionette lines. I like the result, but would love a bit more lift. Can I have one suture added to each of the two areas? If so, how soon? Also, is there any reason Instalift can't be used on the neck? (I know the silhouette soft is used there regularly.)

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

I would agree with the previous comment and suggest that you wait for at least 3-4 weeks before adding additional sutures.  Most patients find that they are happy with the results once the swelling settles and the overall look emerges.  As for treating the neck, this is an off-label indication but many well-trained medical professionals are placing the sutures in this area and achieving very nice results. I hope that helps!

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, MD · Answer

The Silhouette Instalift is for Lifting & Contouring the Face on an outpatient basis with minimal downtime.  The design and placement of the threads, with attached mini-cones, makes a huge difference in the lifting and contour enhancement, if the face is to look rejuvenated and natural.  Additionally, patient selection and experince of the plastic surgeon is crucial for obtaining and optimal result.  The placement of additional threads after  2 weeks is possible,  if the lift is not optimal or if another zone of the face is identified that requires lifting.  The collagen stimulation requires a number of weeks to start and; hence, if the additionally thread is for volume replacement then this should be delayed for at least 4-6 weeks or even longer.  Facial fillers such as Radiesse or Voluma also add volume and may be used to enhance volume and contour of the face rather than use additional threads. Fillers may be used 3-6 weeks after the threads to enhance another area of the face or add volume.   Likewise, one does not have to wait for 2 years for the effect of the threads to dissipate or go away before another procedure takes place.

Young R. Cho, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  You can certainly plan on enhancing your results by adding additional sutures.  I have generally found that adding more sutures can provide stronger results, and will place anywhere from 3-6 sutures on the face, depending on the assessment and goals of my patients.  I would wait at least two weeks to ensure that all signs of swelling and inflammation are gone.  However waiting six weeks will ensure that your facial tissues are supple enough to allow proper tissue engagement on the sutures.

Kaete A. Archer, MD · Answer

The results from a Silhouette Instalift procedure do not peak until about 3 months.  Therefore, I recommend waiting until then before considering adding another suture.  If you would like a little more lift, more sutures can be added to generate more lift and more collagen.  Alternatively, your surgeon can add some filler for volume as well.  The Silhouette Instalift sutures have been used in the neck but the results are much more variable.  The skin and deeper tissues are different than in the face.  Also, the Instalift procedure in the US is only FDA approved in the face.  It tends to be surgeon dependent and based on their experience using the sutures.

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Silhouette InstaLift™ is a minimally invasive procedure that is able to target the deeper layers of skin on a patient’s face and neck. Instalift has absorbable lifting sutures that tighten the skin and stimulate collagen as they dissolve over time. I recommend waiting at least 8 weeks before having additional sutures. It’s difficult to tell without any photos. For more information, I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

Victoria Manning, MD · Answer

Hi the joy about Silhouette soft is that is stimulates Type 1 collagen the lovely elastic youthful collagen, so the more threads the better. As a trainer in the UK i use an average of 3-4 threads per side to get optimum results. So after the initial sutures I would wait a couple of weeks to let any swelling or discomfort to subside then have the additional thread put in.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm happy to hear you are enjoying the results of Silhouette InstaLift.  You can consider adding more threads for other areas, but you should wait until all swelling and bruising has resolved before proceeding.  This will allow for proper analysis of the tissues.  After about 4 weeks you should be fine to add more threads.

Dean P. Kane, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear savsept:
I anticipate more patients will consider adding more Silhouette InstaLift (SIL) sutures as they understand its virtues.
  
Yes, you will be able to add more sutures but there is a healing cycle which I recommend should be respected so the swelling, bruising and initial capture and settling of the sutures to take place. You may be pleased after 3 week after the primary mechanical lift and / or pleased after 3 months following the beginning “collagen” tightening and lift.Yes, again, the SIL is useful in the neck for platysma tightening, lifting and jawline definition. The SIL provides a new tool in the armamentarium of the creative, skilled and talented Surgeon.
Good luck with your rejuvenation journey!

Davin Lim, MBBS, FACD - Account Suspended · Answer

Realistically you will look at the best at the 12 + week mark when everything has settled and collagen stimulation is starting. I personally would wait 4, optimally 8 weeks before considering any more threads. In fact by waiting till week 12, this can minimise the number of additional threads as the 'true result' will be seen. All the best, Dr Davin S. Lim. Brisbane. Australia.

How soon after a Silhouette Instalift procedure can I have additional sutures added?

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