Scheduling a surgical facelift used to be the go-to solution for patients who were unhappy with the signs of aging showing up on their faces and neck. While surgery is still an excellent way to guarantee long-term anti-aging results, there are other very effective solutions for those patients who want a more subtle outcome, or who are perhaps not at a point in their life where they are able to deal with the longer recovery period associated with a full facelift.
The Silhouette InstaLift (sometimes called a “lunchtime facelift”) is the perfect treatment for patients who wish to address drooping skin and deep wrinkles on an outpatient basis. This safe, quick, non-surgical alternative to a facelift can be performed at Keller Plastic Surgery in Santa Barbara, CA. Dr. Keller’s team offers a wide range of both surgical and non-surgical cosmetic enhancement options.
What Results To Expect with a Non-Surgical Facelift
While it’s important to note that the results of any non-surgical facial lifting treatment will not last as long as those achieved following a traditional facelift, patients have been extremely pleased with the results of their Silhouette InstaLift. Patients have noted a dramatic reduction in wrinkles and sagging, particularly in the mid-face, as well as improved firmness and elasticity. Generally, these results last anywhere from 18 to 24 months.
Little to No Downtime
Most patients who undergo an InstaLift are able to resume normal activities within a day or two, although it is recommended that patients avoid strenuous activity for at least ten days while the skin heals. While there might be some tenderness at incision sites, most patients report very little discomfort or swelling. Any soreness should be minimal and disappear in less than two days, but it is still important to follow your doctor’s advice for post-treatment care.
Improved Collagen Production
In addition to the immediate lifting effect that will be achieved during treatment, a Silhouette InstaLift gives the added advantage of regenerated collagen production over time. This is because the sutures create micro-tears under the skin, which in turn stimulate the body’s healing defenses to kick in. This new collagen continues to build over time as the skin heals around these sutures (which eventually dissolve completely).
The collagen effect will not be immediately noticeable but will gradually become evident over the months following treatment as firmer, more youthful skin emerges. Patients love the fact that their InstaLift keeps working long after the actual treatment takes place.
A More Youthful Appearance
Of course, the goal of this treatment is to remove lines and lift sagging skin, and the InstaLift does not disappoint. The anti-aging effect on a patient experiencing mild-to-moderate aging effects can be comparable to the results seen in a surgical facelift. While it is important to have realistic expectations (the effects will be less dramatic and not last as long as those achieved with a traditional facelift), the response from patients is overwhelmingly positive.
The patients who tend to show the most significant improvement following their InstaLift are the ones whose main problem areas are in the mid-face. Patients with deep naso-labial folds, for example, really show a dramatic cosmetic improvement following treatment.
How Does a Silhouette InstaLift Work?
This minimally invasive treatment uses biomedical sutures which are completely invisible beneath the skin and which safely dissolve on their own over time. Designed with microscopic cones that gently attach to the underside of the skin, these sutures are able to lift and secure the skin in place. Both the sutures and the cones are made from a completely safe combination of glycolide and L-lactide.
What Happens During Treatment
The InstaLift is performed with anesthetic so there is absolutely no pain involved at all. Tiny incisions are made where the sutures are to be inserted, but these heal completely within a week or so of the treatment. It is important to note that absolutely no scars will be left behind as a result of having this treatment.
Once the sutures have been positioned and gently pulled to achieve the desired result, the ends are snipped so that there are no visible threads at the insertion points. Patients might feel some mild discomfort as the anesthetic wears off, but any tenderness should disappear in no more than a day or two. The entire treatment, from start to finish, should only take about one hour.
What Happen After Treatment
While you might feel fine right after your treatment, it is important to avoid strenuous activity in the days that follow. It is also recommended to limit extreme facial movements for 24 hours. Ideally, you will avoid touching your face at all on day one just to give your sutures a chance to fully set exactly as your doctor placed them. If you must wash your face within the first 24 hours, apply very gentle pressure only.
Other than taking a few common-sense precautions for a couple of days post-treatment, patients should have no concerns at all about resuming normal activity. Many patients insist on returning to work right after their treatment! There’s nothing wrong with resting for a day or two, though.
Can an InstaLift Replace a Facelift or Necklift?
While a more youthful appearance will definitely be achieved with a non-surgical lift, the results are less dramatic than those achieved with a traditional facelift or necklift. This type of minimally invasive treatment is ideal for patients who have mild to moderate facial sagging, and who have still retained some skin elasticity.
How Safe Is an InstaLift?
Very safe. The materials used in a Silhouette InstaLift have been approved by the FDA and are completely safe for insertion under the skin. There have been no known complications or side effects reported that relate to the use of these sutures or their ability to safely and completely dissolve over time.
Can You Combine an InstaLift with Other Cosmetic Treatments?
While you may find that there is no longer a need for some of the other cosmetic treatments you have been using, there is certainly no reason why Botox, dermal fillers, or laser resurfacing treatments cannot be used in tandem with a Silhouette InstaLift. Your doctor can help you decide what overall treatment plan will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.
Achieving a Natural Result
InstaLift is not only a very safe treatment but one which will achieve a natural look. People who know you might have a hard time pinpointing exactly why you look so much younger and more refreshed! The goal of an InstaLift is to reestablish balance and symmetry on your face, without creating an overly “pulled” look.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for an InstaLift
Anyone who is in reasonably good health over the age of 35 should be able to safely take advantage of this amazing treatment. Generally, patients who see the best results meet some of the following criteria:
- They still have some skin elasticity
- They are experiencing sagging in the mid-face
- They have noticeable “marionette lines” or nasolabial folds
- They are too busy for extended downtime
- They are not ready to commit to facial surgery
Working with a Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon
While an InstaLift is not surgery, it is still critical that this treatment be performed by a trained medical professional who understands the intricacies of cosmetic medicine. It is also useful to build a relationship with a doctor you can trust if you do eventually decide to have more invasive anti-aging procedures performed down the road.
Doing your research to find a doctor who has a strong track record of success when it comes to both non-surgical and surgical facelifts is key to ensuring a positive outcome. During your consultation, ask about how many InstaLifts your doctor has performed, and request to look at some before and after pictures.
Keeping Your Options Open
Working with a cosmetic surgeon who practices “Integrative Facial Plastic Surgery” makes a lot of sense, as it keeps your options open should you decide to make a more dramatic improvement to your appearance, either now or in the future. A plastic surgery practice that offers a wide menu of both surgical and non-surgical options will allow you to stay current on the latest services and innovations in the field.
A Cosmetic Surgery Leader in California
If you wish to turn back the clock without a lengthy recovery or downtime, contact us today at Keller Plastic Surgery in Santa Barbara, CA. We would be pleased to schedule a complimentary consultation and answer any questions you have about our incredible non-surgical facelift option.
