Instalift

Sure no problem, as for as preparation for the procedure I washed my face real well before leaving my home and did not apply any creams or sunscreen on my skin. I made sure not to have taken any aspirin or aspirin like medication prior to the procedure. I asked my surgeon at the consultation what else he wanted me to do and followed his instructions. These could vary depending on your medical history, age and current medications. So be sure to go over them with your surgeon in exact detail so he can instruct you appropriately.

At the procedure they prept my face by cleaning it with a solution to remove any dirt or bacteria. Then they placed some numbing gel on for approximately 10-15 minutes. When the surgeon can in he wiped my face and began marking it with a white pencil. This is done to help him during the procedure to follow the plan and placement of the Instalift. Then my face was injected with numbing medication at the insertion sites. Then he proceeded to begin threading the Insalift at the edge of the hairline below the skin at the area know as SMAS. This is were the thread is placed and then the exit is closer to the nose, mouth or chin. Then he start to deploy the beads and you will feel a popping sensation. No pain just feels strange. Once all the beads are deployed he will press on them to set them in place. At this point the procedure is complete. You may have some swelling or bruising depended on what you body does. Some people don't have any and other have a lot. I'm on the a lot of bruising side but it resolved quickly with in 7 days. You don't want to fiddle with the Instalift because you want it to set up and stimulate collagen production and lift the tissue into place. Maximum result can be seen between 6-8 month after the procedure but I'm 2 months out and everyone has told me I look younger and well rested. OBTW, I didn't tell friends or family what I was doing in order to get an honest response from them.

The post-op day you are numb so you don't feel to much but you may be swollen.
2nd post-op day you may experience some feeling of mild discomfort similar to what you would with a bruise.
5th post-op day there is a stinging and pinching around the beads that were deployed but that resolved in 7-10 days. Nothing really bad just occasional pinch or sting.
1 month post-op there are feeling of skin tightening and very mild soreness occasionally at the insertion site if you open your mouth really wide. like when you yawn. Those feeling go away in a week or two.
2nd month post-op all the strange feeling are completely gone and you start to see the benefits of the procedure. Just remember it is going to be a while before the complete benefits can be seen.

Having realistic expectation and a clear understanding of what this procedure can provide will make you a happy recipient of the Instalift. It is not a surgical procedure and the results are not as dramatic as having a facelift are. So if you are looking for a facelift type of results then this is not for you. However, if you are looking for a short recovery time, non-surgical procedure and to look refreshed and well rested then this procedure will do that.

I hope this help you in making you decision. Sorry it took me a while to answer you but we were in the middle of a move at that time. Good luck!!

Thanks for the detailed explanation of your experience. I'm considering this procedure - I have a consult on Monday - but because it's my face and I'm a medical device rep, I'm nervous of looking "different" or "strange." It appears that the thread could possible be removed if needed, is this assumption accurate? How do you like it today? Thanks again.

I had the Silhoutte Instalift done. I did it in place of a surgical procedure to decrease Nasolabial folds and Marionette lines around the mouth and to decrease the appearance of a laxity in the mandibular muscle under the jawline on the left side of my face. I've also done Sculptra fillers and Chotox to the forhead and tearduct area to decrease the appearance of tired circles under the eyes. As for the Silhouette Instalift it was done approximately 2 months ago. I do understand that the full results will not be completely visible for approximately 6 months. This is related to needing the collagen to be stimulated and develop under the skin. With that being said, the results are evident and my friend and family have made comments on how I look younger and more rested. I chose not to tell anyone to see if there was any positive reaction to the procedure. My husband who is usually a skeptic sees the difference and loves the natural and rested look it has provided. I'm not looking to be 20 again and I'm happy with my body and age; however, there was some room for improvement and it worked. We both are in the medical field and look at things from the perspective of risk verses ration of benefit. For the cost and little down time and the benefit seen so early - I'm impressed. This may not be a procedure for everyone.

I'm sorry you are not satisfied with the results but I am. I hope you find a physician who can provide you with information on what realistically can be expected and achieved with plastic surgical procedures. With these type of procedures one must always understand that sometimes our expectation surpass what can be done realistically today in the field of plastic surgery. I always recommend researching your surgeon and procedures you may want to have done. Look at the cost verses the benefit and the number of procedures the surgeon has done in the areas you want treated. Let the surgeon know what your expectations are. Listen to what he says with regard to full recovery time, down time and what can be done if you are not happy with the procedure. I hope this was helpful for you.

Thank you for your input. I am someone who does not participate in social media on any level. The only reason I'm on this site is because I want others who are considering this procedure to understand that experiencing zero results from a Silhouette Instalift is a possibility.

I in no way had unrealistic expectations. Although I'm 52, I have really nice skin and have always looked young for my age. I had the mild beginnings of laxity in my jowls and thought this procedure was the perfect solution. As I stated before, my surgeon told me at time of consult that I was the "perfect candidate." I didn't want to look different, just "good." This plastic surgeon has been on Good Morning America as well as several Chicago-based programs and is widely known here in the city. His office is in a landmark, nationally known building on Michigan Ave. The thought of having zero results was something that didn't even cross my mind as I thought I was in the best possible hands.

Thank you for your response and I'm glad things worked out for you.

I had 3 on each side of my face.

I had 3 on each side of my face. The results look natural and I look refreshed not nipped and tucked.

I'm not a paid reviewer. I'm an actual patient of Dr. Cho's and have had several procedures by him in order to look more rested. I'm a medical professional and my wording is that of a medical professional.

I love the work Dr. Cho did. I look really good and everyone tells me I look much younger. My skin looks its best ever. I had 3 threads on each side of my face using Silhouette Instalift.

Dr. Cho's office has them. I have not given permission to release them yet. I will speak with his office about uploading then for you.

I will try to have them uploaded. I'm not to computer savvy. I do know that the procedure was videoed at the time I have it done and it's on Dr. Cho's website.