Thread Lifting Procedures
Various forms of dissolvable sutures (threads) are used to non-surgically lift sagging tissues such as cheeks, jowls and eyebrows and to re-contour the mid and lower face. Some threads also stimulate new collagen production, thus improving skin quality as well as elevating tissues . A wide selection of threads is available, differing in type, quality, length, and price. They have different effects and duration of action.
Thread lifting is a minimally invasive face rejuvenation procedure with short recovery period. It is not to be confused with or compared to a surgical face lift as the results from thread lifting are temporary and much more subtle. But the procedure is a good option for patients who do not wish to have surgery or downtime.
What are threads made of?
Threads are made from various medical polymers such as polydioxanone (PDO) polylactic acid (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL) These have all been used as dissolvable suture material in surgery for many years. Once inserted subcutaneously the threads are held in place by tiny hooks, barbs, cones or anchors that attach to the surrounding tissue. Their presence induces inflammation and stimulates collagen production. The skin becomes firmer and tighter thus enhancing the lift.
Different threads last different length of time. Some very simple monofilament threads only last a few months . But the better quality threads should last for 12-18 months. Polymers used for threads are made of biodegradable material which means that once in the body it is broken down by enzymatic reactions. But the collagen that is induced by the thread may last a lot longer.
Who should have a thread lift?
The best candidates are obtained from patients who have a relatively good skin quality and texture. Patients with excessively sagging skin or loss of fatty tissue in the face and in the neck often require a more rigorous surgical facelift. Results vary from person to person. Visible effects will be seen immediately after the procedure, but with time they improve and usually last 12-18 months after which they gradually wear off. Often additional threads are inserted to maintain the desirable effects.
Treatment takes 30-60 minutes depending on number and type of threads used. If necessary , local anaesthetic injections are given which makes the procedure very comfortable.
Potential side effects and complications
As with any injectable treatment side effects may include bruising, swelling and tenderness. Smoking is strongly discouraged as it delays healing, minimizes collagen production and leads to suboptimal results.
After thread lifting 
Before thread lifting
Silhouette Soft
The 21st century lift without surgery
Silhouette Soft is a technological innovation offering women and men what no treatment has ever provided in such a simple and minimally invasive way: a reshaped face and restored volume by means of a 30-minute treatment at their doctor’s.
Silhouette Soft represents the state of the art suspension suture and an extraordinary true technological innovation that opens up a new era in aesthetic medicine.
This technique leaves no scars and can be successfully used for all areas of the face and neck resulting in a fresher and younger look. Recovery time is minimal and patient can quickly go back to their full social life.
Silhouette Soft comes in the form of resorbable suture with resorbable bidirectional cones. It is made in the United States and its development was based on six years of experience in suture suspension with cones used in reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.
In 3 years, more than 130 000 treatments have been carried out all over the world.
The Silhouette Soft Double Action
Combatting the effects of ageing above all means restoring smoother and more toned skin, but also a more youthful shape to the face.
To meet this dual requirement, Silhouette Soft combines two effects: Lifting and regenerating
Lifting
The lifting effect is immediate and discreet as it is the result of compressing the tissue and elevating the skin at the time of implanting the suture. After inserting the suture, the doctor applies slight pressure on the treated area. In this way, the doctor reshapes the surface of the skin and makes it visibly smoother.
Regenerating
The regenerating effect is gradual: Poly L-lactic acid (PLLA), the principal component of Silhouette Soft is a well-known polymer that has been used for many years in a number of biomedical and pharmaceutical applications: suture thread, orthopedic pins, rods, screws and nails for bone fractures. It is because this polymer is particularly biocompatible with human beings, and also completely biodegradable, that such applications have been developed
By resorbing, the poly L-lactic acid acts on the deeper layers of the skin and stimulates the body so that it produces its own collagen. This action, which continues over time, helps increase the volume of saggy areas and restores shapeliness to the face.
3D pictures in “clay” mode showing a patient face before and immediately after Silhouette Soft treatment. The volume map is a fusion of the 3D before and after pictures showing the loss (blue) and gain (yellow) of volume in the patient’s face thanks to the Silhouette Soft treatment.
These images are Sinclair’S own images from internal investigations
In What Cases Is Silhouette Soft Indicated?
Silhouette Soft is recommended for men and women of 30 and over who are trying to combat effectively the signs of ageing and who do not want any heavy and invasive treatment, but are looking for real and natural looking results.
You physician will confirm you have the right characteristics for a Silhouette Soft treatment.
Treated Areas
Silhouette Soft can be used to treat different parts of the face:
- Contours of the face,
- jaw line,
- cheeks and mid face areas,
- eyebrows,
- neck.
Is Silhouette Soft Safe?
Made in the USA- Silhouette Soft is made in the USA and is subject to numerous sanitary controls.
Several years of use worldwide:
Silhouette Soft has been developed after 6 years of research in permanent suspension sutures with cones used in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Three years after its launch in 2013, more than 130 000 treatments have been performed in over 60 countries, where it met with great success.
It is EC approved for the European market under CE 0499 and the manufacturing site complies with the requirements of international standards ISO 13485.
A fully re-absorbable and biocompatible component, which has proven its worth in various medical fields
The main component of Silhouette Soft – Poly L- lactic acid (or PLLA) – has been used for many years in various pharmaceutical and medical applications such as suture thread, orthopaedic pins, screws and nails for bone fractures, etc
Trained doctors
Application of Silhouette Soft must be carried out only by doctors who have been trained.
Before the treatment
No special preparation is required prior to Silhouette Soft treatment.
However, we recommend that you discuss your expectations and ask your doctor any questions you have before starting treatment. Inform the doctor of any treatment you have already received and of any medicines you are currently taking.
Application of Silhouette Soft must be performed by a doctor who has undergone specific training.
The 30 minute treatment
Applying Silhouette Soft takes around 30 minutes in a doctor’s practice. You will thus be able to get back to your full social life with minimal recovery time.
Silhouette Soft is a tailor-made treatment, so it will be adapted to your needs and preferences and can be complemented with other aesthetic treatments
After a small local anaesthetic, the doctor inserts the suture under the skin to a depth of about five millimetres.
No incision is required, as the suture is inserted using a fine needle. It is held in place with resorbable cones oriented in opposite directions (bidirectional).
Once the suture has been applied, the doctor performs slight compression of the tissue to reshape it by hand and to obtain the desired lifting effect. The non-inserted ends of the suture are cut off. One or more sutures may be applied, depending on the patient and treated area.
Post treatment recommendations
After the treatment, a slight oedema or bruising may occur. Sometimes, a slight depression or skin irregularity may appear at the entry points. These inconveniences disappear a few days after treatment.
- The doctor will prescribe an antibiotic cream to apply on the entry and exit points of the sutures twice a day (in the morning and in the evening, during 5 days):
- Apply cold packs immediately after the procedure if required (Cold packs should be wrapped to avoid direct contact with skin and insertion point)
- Take analgesia e.g. paracetamol in case of pain (2-3 days)
- Refrain from applying make-up for as long as possible (minimum 24 hours)
- Sleep face up, in an elevated position on pillows (3-5 nights)
- Wash, shave and dry face gently without rubbing or massaging (5 days)
- Avoid excessive face and neck movements (2 weeks)
- Avoid over-exposure to direct sunlight and do not use tanning beds (2 weeks)
- Avoid sports, in particular high impact sports e.g. running (2 weeks)
- Do not use saunas or hammams (3 weeks)
- Avoid dental surgery (3 weeks)
- Avoid face and neck massages and face and neck aesthetic treatments (4 weeks)
- Social and professional life can be resumed quickly!