Silhouette Soft: What You Need to Know

Pros

• A lifting effect is visible immediately, with improvements that last for up to two years following the procedure.
• There is little to no downtime or discomfort involved.
• It’s a quick procedure that doesn't require general anesthesia. 
• The procedure is a much more affordable, less invasive alternative to a surgical facelift. 

Cons 

• Results are more subtle and temporary than with a surgical facelift. 
• Thread lifts, in general, are not a suitable option for older patients with considerable sagging.

People over age 40 with moderately sagging skin on the midface, jowls, neck, or brow who want more firmness and definition can be good candidates, according to Dr. Apte.

Many doctors on RealSelf say they pair a Silhouette Soft lift with facial fillers, such as Juvéderm or Radiesse, for increased volume and more dramatic rejuvenation.

A Silhouette Soft thread lift procedure is performed in-office in less than an hour.

First, your doctor maps your cheekbone and jawline structure, probably making marks on the skin along the way to signal where the sutures will be inserted. Your doctor will disinfect your skin, to minimize risk of infection, then inject a shot of lidocaine (local anesthesia) to numb the area.

Once you’re sufficiently numbed, your doctor will use a small needle to insert and thread the suture underneath your skin. The suture will run parallel to the skin’s surface, and your surgeon will pull it taut to create a lifted look.

It’s common to have minor bruising or redness at the entry points of insertion, but this typically subsides within one to two days. 

Your doctor will advise you on proper aftercare, which may include wearing no makeup for 24 hours, using a cold compress to minimize potential swelling, avoiding excess facial movement and physical exercise for a period of time, and sleeping with your head in an elevated position. 

You’ll likely also want to avoid touching your face, eating hard foods, and chewing gum for about a week after your procedure.

“The maximum effects are usually seen at four to six months, and results can last 18–24 months,” says Box Hill, Victoria, Australia, physician Dr. Mirjana Janjic in a RealSelf Q&A. “The treatment can be repeated after 18 to 24 months, providing that you are well and do not suffer from any serious medical conditions.”