POSTED UNDER Silhouette InstaLift REVIEWS
47 Years Old and Jawline Softening...Instalift Procedure - Scottsdale, AZ
ORIGINAL POST
I'm in my late 40's and take good care of my skin...
$3,500
I'm in my late 40's and take good care of my skin and myself. My weight basically hasn't changed since high school (outside of pregnancy), I don't smoke or drink much alcohol, I wear sunblock every day etc. Despite growing up in Phoenix and having fair and freckly skin, my skin overall looks pretty good..Ive had several laser treatments which have helped a lot, and use good products. Recently, though, over the last year or so, I have noticed that my formerly strong jawline has softened and I've started to develop mini jowls (not really noticeable to others but definitely noticeable to me). Im not a huge fan of fillers, unless done very, very conservatively, and did not want to fix the problem by adding filler to my cheeks (which are high and pronounced naturally), or to my jawline, which I feel gives a heavier unnatural look. I really am not ready for a face lift, as the issue is small and I don't want to have unnecessary surgery. At the same time I wanted to address the issue in a way that gave me natural results. Not sure what to do about it, I started researching extensively and thats how I found out about Silhouette Insta-lift.
After reading a lot about Insta-lift, I decided that it was probably a good choice for me at this time. The results are supposed to be subtle and for people who are just starting to show signs of skin slackening and facial drooping, which described me. I researched doctors in Scottsdale who perform the procedure and found the office of Dr. Brian Gawley. MD Skin Lounge off of Pima Rd. in Scottsdale is Dr. Gawley's skin care clinic, and I made an appointment there with Jaime Comstock, expert injector. Dr. Gawley and Jaime both perform the instal-lift at that location.
When I had my consultation with Jaime (after I had read MANY glowing reviews about her), I was very happy with her knowledge in general and her bedside manner. She told me that I was the perfect candidate and that she thought I would get great results. I emphasized that I want to look as natural as possible, like me only better, and she told me thats exactly what Insta-lift does. I was happy with the information Jaime provided and the reviews of MD Skin Lounge, so I made an appointment for a month or so later.
The morning of the procedure I was very nervous! I like to be educated, so I read ALL available reviews on real self and elsewhere and watched a lot of videos about the procedure. It looks a little scary in the videos, and some potential side effects like the temporary ripples and potential nerve pain were a bit scary. Plus this is a somewhat new procedure in the US. I told the girls at MD Skin Lounge that I was nervous and they couldn't have been nicer. I was given a fresh juice from the juice bar and also talked to Jaqui, who put on my numbing cream before the Insta-lift. Jaqui was so sweet, and just talking to her helped get my mind off the procedure. Then Jaime came in and really calmed my nerves, answering any and all questions I had with knowledge and confidence. I felt instantly better after talking to Jaime (she is truly an extremely knowledgeable professional), and I was ready to go!
Jaime injected the lidocaine numbing solution into the needle insertion points, which was the only slightly uncomfortable part of the procedure. After that I basically felt zero discomfort. The entire procedure took maybe 45 minutes tops and was surprisingly easy. I had very smooth skin when I left, with none of the dreaded rippling I had been worried about, and only one very small bruise which is very light. Thats amazing! You can still see where the needle went in and out but the points are very tiny and its easy to cover them with makeup. Overall this process truly was as easy as getting filler and the discomfort may be even less.
Today I feel great. My face is sore like it is after having filler or something, but I have virtually no real pain. Overall the process was a lot easier and less stressful than I predicted and i still look like myself but the little howling I was noticing is basically gone! Its a very subtle difference but at the same time noticeable to me.
We will see what happens over the next three months,and I will update this review as time goes on. The reason I decided to write this review is because there really aren't that many reviews out there due to this being a fairly new procedure. if anyone has questions feel free to ask and I will be happy to answer!
After reading a lot about Insta-lift, I decided that it was probably a good choice for me at this time. The results are supposed to be subtle and for people who are just starting to show signs of skin slackening and facial drooping, which described me. I researched doctors in Scottsdale who perform the procedure and found the office of Dr. Brian Gawley. MD Skin Lounge off of Pima Rd. in Scottsdale is Dr. Gawley's skin care clinic, and I made an appointment there with Jaime Comstock, expert injector. Dr. Gawley and Jaime both perform the instal-lift at that location.
When I had my consultation with Jaime (after I had read MANY glowing reviews about her), I was very happy with her knowledge in general and her bedside manner. She told me that I was the perfect candidate and that she thought I would get great results. I emphasized that I want to look as natural as possible, like me only better, and she told me thats exactly what Insta-lift does. I was happy with the information Jaime provided and the reviews of MD Skin Lounge, so I made an appointment for a month or so later.
The morning of the procedure I was very nervous! I like to be educated, so I read ALL available reviews on real self and elsewhere and watched a lot of videos about the procedure. It looks a little scary in the videos, and some potential side effects like the temporary ripples and potential nerve pain were a bit scary. Plus this is a somewhat new procedure in the US. I told the girls at MD Skin Lounge that I was nervous and they couldn't have been nicer. I was given a fresh juice from the juice bar and also talked to Jaqui, who put on my numbing cream before the Insta-lift. Jaqui was so sweet, and just talking to her helped get my mind off the procedure. Then Jaime came in and really calmed my nerves, answering any and all questions I had with knowledge and confidence. I felt instantly better after talking to Jaime (she is truly an extremely knowledgeable professional), and I was ready to go!
Jaime injected the lidocaine numbing solution into the needle insertion points, which was the only slightly uncomfortable part of the procedure. After that I basically felt zero discomfort. The entire procedure took maybe 45 minutes tops and was surprisingly easy. I had very smooth skin when I left, with none of the dreaded rippling I had been worried about, and only one very small bruise which is very light. Thats amazing! You can still see where the needle went in and out but the points are very tiny and its easy to cover them with makeup. Overall this process truly was as easy as getting filler and the discomfort may be even less.
Today I feel great. My face is sore like it is after having filler or something, but I have virtually no real pain. Overall the process was a lot easier and less stressful than I predicted and i still look like myself but the little howling I was noticing is basically gone! Its a very subtle difference but at the same time noticeable to me.
We will see what happens over the next three months,and I will update this review as time goes on. The reason I decided to write this review is because there really aren't that many reviews out there due to this being a fairly new procedure. if anyone has questions feel free to ask and I will be happy to answer!
Replies (28)
May 12, 2017
How are you feeling about it now? I'm researching. Had a friend who got NovaThreads and she couldn't tell much difference. Glad you're happy so far!
May 12, 2017
...also, main area of desired improvement for me is NLF's. Going to look for before and after's from their website now.

May 13, 2017
Hi! It's been about 9 days and honestly my jawline looks better, but overall the difference is very slight. It did take care of some of the very beginning of slackness near my chin, but most likely is not noticeable to others .. I will see how I feel about it in three months when I see the before/after pics. It is kind of expensive, and I will try to reserve judgement about weather it was worth it or not until later. Will report back as time goes.

May 13, 2017
I have to add that I did see who ate a difference in my jawline at the very beginning and maybe I'm just getting used to it now? So I will reserve final judgement for before/after pics which I will share when I have them in a couple months after healing is complete!

May 16, 2017
Thanks for your replies! I look forward to hearing about it. I didn't see any before/afters on the site. Did they show you some of THEIR actual patients in the office? 6 months is when they say it's supposed to be at the peak, is that what you were told? Thanks again.

May 16, 2017
No problem! I did see before/after pics from their actual patients, but it was 3 months, not 6, since they only started doing this in January...
June 3, 2017
I had SIL this afternoon. It literally restored the youthful "heart shape" of my face that had over the past few years started to sag in my jowls. I highly recommend this procedure, but I encourage people to see a qualified PS that has SIL experience. My face is slightly swollen, but no dreaded puckering. How long did you experience swelling? Thanks for sharing.

June 3, 2017
Awesome! I'm so glad you can already see a difference. I had slight swelling for a day or two , it really wasn't noticeable. I did have one indent/pucker that took a few days to completely go away.. gone now!

June 3, 2017
Oh.. also.. just a warning... not sure if you have had any bruising but I did have a little in one aside and my skin stayed sensitive to the touch there for about three weeks. Also I really didn't have overall swelling but I did have localized swelling at one point (very small spot on jawline) that tools a couple of weeks to completely go away. I'm a month out and finally feeling totally normal. Although it was a relatively easy procedure I wasn't prepared for the sensitivity to the touch for so long!

June 3, 2017
That's great news! I apparently jinxed myself. I noticed a indent/pucker this morning on my left cheek...I hope it also goes away in a few days.
June 4, 2017
Jshu, did you get your threads done at the same as JKSBT12? Thanks. My major concern is NLF's. Any difference there, if that's an issue for you?

June 4, 2017
I think your indent will go away,. Mine did, and I do think they resolve. Honestly.. about the aesthetic outcome.. it's very subtle and I do think it helped but the problem was pretty mild to begin with, so I'm not sure if it's worth the cost yet. I decided to reassess after three months when I do the updated pictures. The only think that kind of freaks me out about it all is that even though you can't see the sutures at all I can still feel them! All in all I'm going to withhold final judgement for a couple months. I'm glad you are happy with your aesthetic results.. it sounds like it went really well for you?

August 8, 2017
Can you update us on your results please?

August 9, 2017
Hi there! SO I had my three month pictures done yesterday and unfortunately I don't think it was worth it. The very very minuscule improvement I see isn't worth the cost!
August 11, 2017
If Silhouette Instalift results were anywhere close to a lower face lift, everyone would choose the Silhouette since it's less expensive with less recovery time.
The results, if you see any, are not noticeable to anyone but you - the one so desperately trying to claim something in exchange for spending lots of money.
Thanks for posting. Sorry for your lack of results. I experienced the same disappointment.
The results, if you see any, are not noticeable to anyone but you - the one so desperately trying to claim something in exchange for spending lots of money.
Thanks for posting. Sorry for your lack of results. I experienced the same disappointment.

August 12, 2017
Cathleen, after giving it three months and then objectively reviewing the pictures I completely agree with you. I will save my hard earned money for an actual lower face lift when the time comes!
UPDATED FROM JKSBT12
5 months post
Latest update 6 months post procedure
Just wanted to add an update on this procedure. I did change my review to "not worth it". I spent thousands of dollars and could initially see a slight difference in my jawline and the slackness of my lower cheeks. Now, 6 months lost procedure, I look exactly the same as I did before I had anything done (which, to be fair, is not so bad. I only had a slight softening of the jawline and checks). The point is that I nasically wasted over $3,000. Also the recovery isn't as easy as advertised. I would recommend waiting until you need a mini face lift and saving your money for that. I wanted to give this procedure a chance and was excited about it but after 6 months my verdict is save your money!
Replies (6)
October 23, 2017
My thoughts exactly sister friend. I am days away from the one year anniversary of my Silhouette Instalift procedure (shout out to Dr. Julius Few in Chicago who took my money) and I look exactly the same or perhaps worse. I threw away $4500 and every time I think about it, I get annoyed. That's why I come on here to vent!!! I totally agree with you that a mini facelift or lower facelift is a much wiser use for our hard earned money.

October 23, 2017
Agreed!! Hard earned lesson!! I'm thinking I may do it in a couple of years, when I turn 50. I will do my research first that's for sure!! Xx
September 21, 2018
Thanks so much for the review. I was looking into this procedure today and wasn't quite sure of all the positive reviews on here because most of them look fake (and probably are). I'm so glad I ran across your reviews and honestly. Thank you!
September 21, 2018
You’re welcome! I definitely would NOT do it again. I truly felt like I wasted money. Hi for a mini lower face lift if you really feel like you need something.. that’s what I will do eventually!! Good luck!
February 26, 2020
Same happened to me. $3,500 but for FaceTite and Dr Elizabeth Hernandez with Eterna PS gave me no response or feedback. I disputed the credit card charge but because her paperwork says to wait 12 months before the final results, it was too late to get the money back.
I am trying to forget the procedure/Dr. Few since it's been almost 7 months since I had the procedure done. Since there was no change with the Silhouette and I'm now bothered by my aging appearance more than ever, I do think I'll try a lower lift in either 2018 or 2019. From all the positive reviews on here, I might even go to Dr. Harley in NC.
I know there are plenty of good plastic surgeons here in Chicago, but I'm definitely scared to get screwed again as I did with Dr. Few.
You were smart to get 4 sutures per side....I mean my gosh, I paid $1000 more than you and you had double the number of sutures.
Anyone who researches this site and has this procedure done with Dr. Few after reading my review is foolish and can't say they didn't know better when they get zero or minimal results. If any of my family members knew I spent this money on my limited income, they would be aghast and so mad at me (especially because there are no visible results). LIVE AND LEARN!!!!