Are Silhouette Insta-lift sutures removable?

To be very honest, it is very difficult to remove silhouette insta-lift sutures completely. If there is certain portion of the thread that is out, it can be pulled, but it can never be removed completely. However, these are absorbable threads and get completely absorbed in 12 weeks or so. 

Hi JKSBT12,

Thank you for your question. Bumps or dimpling in the skin can occur with the procedure and usually resolve on their own within days to a few weeks after the procedure. The sutures take up to one year to dissolve. We usually try not to remove the sutures unless they are extruding or are causing a local inflammatory reaction or infection, which are uncommon. I hope you are doing better in the healing process and am happy to address any additional related questions or concerns. 

Thank you for your question and for sharing your experience.  The Silhouette Instalift procedure is known to have some post-procedure unevenness/dimpling of the skin.  This all resolves with time and the majority within the first 1-2 weeks.  I can be removed if done early before they resorb, but more often they can be manipulated if you want to disengage the tissue.  This manipulation may resolve the bunching, but it will also lessen the effect of having had the sutures placed.  I would definitely follow-up with your surgeon who can help follow and manage this with you.

The first week or two after your Silhouette InstaLift™, it's normal to see some dimpling or unevenness. I know it's hard to be patient, but you should notice more improvement in another week as these issues resolve. Check back in with your provider if you have any questions about the post-operative recovery process.

Silhouette Instalift is an implanted suture made of Polylacticoglycolic Acid, FDA approved to elevate mid-face.
The soluble sutures is inserted, and engaged into the dermis.  Once the thread has been secure, it cannot be removed. Overtime, your body will naturally metabolize the suture, causing it to stimulate your own collagen. The results may last up to 18 months.

Always discuss possible side-effects with your Board Certified Dermatologist. 

Thank you for your question. The sutures can be removed after a week if needed. However, I advise against this because the sutures are meant to be absorbed and tighten the skin along with stimulating collagen over time. It is normal to have bumps post procedure. I recommend getting a formal evaluation from your provider. Please make sure you seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist. 

At one week post-procedure, it is very common to have bumps and slight unevenness. While it would be possible to remove the sutures, I would advise waiting at least another week for the tissue to heal as it is very likely that once healed the bumps and unevenness will resolve. If you have concerns, I would advise a follow up with your doctor for assessment and reassurance.

Dear JKSBT12:

The Silhouette InstaLift (SIL) is the next evolution in minimally invasive tissue suspension / tissue rejuvenation. The suture itself is made of: 

cones which anchor and mechanically lift the soft tissues under the skin holding them in place while,
the dissolvable bioactive molecule stimulates fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin and other soft tissue scaffolding and dermal skin changes consistent with skin rejuvenation. 
You should expect minor puckering and unevenness following insertion of the sutures as the skin is pulled creating waves due to skin laxity. This will soften within 1 to 3 weeks and after 3 weeks begin to firm or thicken under the skin as it is stimulating tissue "healing", ie. the response desired to contract, lift and rejuvenate your tissues. 

While it is possible to remove a suture early (within 3-4 weeks) you will lose advantages of placing SIL. 

Return to your SIL expert and discuss lymphatic massage early in the healing process and deeper scar massage 6 weeks or later.

I hope you achieve the great (although limited) results of this wonderful new minimally invasive face (and other body area) skin suspension option. All the best!

You are still healing from the procedure.  After two to three weeks post treatment, return to your surgeon for an assessment and follow up discussion of the results.