minimally invasive face lift
We are pleased to present the latest achievement in the face lift field, which – according to the manufacturer – is likely to revolutionize the segment of rejuvenating treatments and restoring skin firmness lost in the aging process. Central element of this novel method are Silhouette threads whose unique design provides an effective pull of soft tissues, particularly in the mid face. In contrast to the conventional threads, the Silhouette threads are smooth. There are no hooks or spines on their surface and it eliminates the risk of tissue damage, which is more likely when using conventional threads. Silhouette Lift sutures are made from polypropylene, a material that is biocompatible with the human body. Their most important aspect are transparent, flexible, absorbable cones that enhance the lifting capacity. Their absorption at the anchoring place leads to tissue growth and buildup of new collagen fiber, providing stronger tissue support than traditional methods. Silhouette sutures are attached to the temporal fascia, so that they cannot move. This attachment method eliminates the problems of movement or breakage occurring while using the previous generation materials. Silhouette sutures are not completely absorbable. Thus the pulling and lifting effect is not only long, but it can also be corrected. Besides its safety and minimal invasiveness, an important advantage of this procedure is its natural effect. The face seems a lot fresher and more relaxed. New look is well visible, but without the mask effect. On the contrary – rejuvenating treatment using the Silhouette sutures revives facial expressions. Our Research and Development team claims that the results last for four years, which is an excellent outcome considering the minimal invasiveness of the procedure. Unfortunately, a magical way to completely stop the aging process is yet to be invented and it is not very likely.
Safety
Silhouette threads are made of a material biocompatible with the human body, thus the organism treats them as its own, natural substance. Polypropylene is a safe material that has been used for many years in cardiovascular and ophthalmic surgery. Silhouette threads have been approved for use by the US FDA and have received the CE mark. These approvals are unique on the medical services market and they ensure total safety. As of today, the track record on the Silhouette Sutures is four years for reconstructive surgery and two years for plastic surgery in the well-known American clinics. Silhouette Lift® requires all potential surgeons to follow a specific training if they want to offer the Silhouette Lift technique to their patients. Their names and locations are on the web page citing certified practitioners. They are the only ones who can safely perform the technique.
What is the Silhouette Lift?
Silhouette Lift is used primarily for lifting and reposition of the sagging mid face tissue. Excellent lifting result is due to the unique absorbable cones which effectively lift the soft tissue. The sutures are attached to the temporal fascia by means of a small incision above the hairline. After a 45 – 60 minute treatment there remain small scars (1.5 – 2 cm), hidden under the hair. The treatment does not require hospitalization or anesthesia. It can be performed under local anesthesia, thus eliminating the need for hospital stay and long recovery time. Silhouette Lift® allows you to go back to your normal activities within 5-7 days after the operation, and after about 2 weeks the skin regains its natural appearance.
Candidates for the Silhouette Lift
Silhouette Lift® is an innovative face lift technique recommended by the manufacturer for people over 40, whose skin lost its youthful appearance and shows first signs of aging around the face and cheeks, but whose skin condition is too good to apply traditional surgical facelift. The procedure using Silhouette sutures is also suitable for use in younger patients, showing mid face deformations. It also yields great results in patients with the facial nerve paralysis. Silhouette Lift is an excellent option for people who have already undergone the traditional facelift surgery – to improve the outcome without the risk of complications associated with the next facelift, and in patients with contraindications for repeated operation. Another group of patients are those who do not want or cannot, due to professional or personal reasons, spend as much time for the procedure as required by traditional facelift. You can fully go back to your professional activities just after a week after the Silhouette sutures based treatment. It is an ideal lifting method for smokers who do not qualify for the surgical procedures. To achieve a spectacular effect of complete facial rejuvenation Silhouette Lift can be combined with other methods such as aesthetic fillers and botulin toxin or limited skin lifts. Silhouette Lift Technique® is efficient for the nasogenien grove correction, mouth angle and cheeks elevation, and skin folds. It is also the fastest way to raise the eyebrows, since it takes short time and can be performed under local anesthesia. Silhouette threads can also be used in other body parts like the neck or the buttocks, in one word, wherever you skin is not as firm as you wish. However, using these threads in places other than the face involves multistage treatment. Procedures performed within the neck usually require simultaneous chin liposuction, and sometimes cutting out the excess skin around the ear, resulting in the need of general anesthesia and longer recovery. Buttocks modeling must be performed in 2 stages separated by 3 month interval and it requires frequent Macrolane administration or fat graft.
Expert’s opinion
Silhouette Lift within the mid face eliminates the signs of tiredness and ensures younger, cheerful and very natural appearance for many years after just a single treatment. The lifting effect does not last forever, but it can be easily corrected by raising the anchored sutures every 3-5 years, without the need to replace them. The treatment does not impede the traditional lifting of lower face or neck after some time. Silhouette Lift very well complements the effects of face fat graft or the use of fillers. A Silhouette Lift® cannot replace a traditional face lift if you are considering this procedure. It is, however, an effective way of postponing a traditional facelift for several years or supplementing it in a safe way by means of less extensive surgical techniques.