One of the most common aesthetic treatments performed in my clinic is the face threadlift. Not to be confused with a facelift that is performed by plastic surgeons, the face threadlift is a convenient, non-surgical, lunch time procedure that can done to lift saggy skin to soften the appearance of jowl lines and nasolabial lines, lift the eyebrows, treat double chin and sharpen the jawline. Sounds exciting? You bet! It’s a very versatile procedure that can be used to treat a variety of conditions with almost downtime and the results are immediate. No surprises why I find performing threadlifts for my patients to be very rewarding!

What is a face threadlift or Silhouette Soft threadlift?

The Silhouette Soft threadlift is non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that lifts the skin and can be used in various parts of the face and neck. Depending on the condition that is being treated, the type of and placement of threads will be chosen to determine the vector of pull for the most optimal outcome.

Made up of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), the Silhouette Soft threadlift is a safe anti-aging threadlift procedure that lifts the skin and redefines facial countours with immediate results. PLLA is a material that is 100% bio-absorbable that has been used in surgical sutures and orthopaedic equipment for years with an established safety profile. The Silhouette Soft threadlift is also FDA approved and when performed by experienced doctors, is a very safe procedure. No surprises that it has been hailed as the lunch time facelift!

The threads come with bidirectional cones. What is interesting about this is that the cones anchor on to the skin and soft tissue and lift them up. The PLLA threads also stimulate collagen production by the skin and this results in a continued improvement of the lifting process for a natural and sustained result. What this means is that the threadlift gives and immediate result and the result will also continue to improve over time!

Which areas of the face can be treated with the face threadlift?

The following diagram illustrates the areas of the face and neck that can be lifted with Silhouette Soft.

How is the Silhouette Soft face threadlift performed?

After numbing cream is applied and the path of the threads is marked out, local anaesthesia is infiltrated into the skin to minimise discomfort felt from inserting the threads.

A needle is used to create the entry point for the threads. Usually one entry point is needed per thread. The threads are bidirectional, meaning they run in two directions. After the entry point is created, the needle is removed. The threads are then inserted and slid under the skin to lift the skin and soft tissue.

Lastly, the needle to which the threads and any excess length of thread is trimmed. Voila! All done in 30 minutes!

Any risks/ complications/ side effects with the face threadlift?

Silhouette Soft threadlift is a very safe procedure. There may be mild bruising and swelling which last for a few days in some instances. Rarely, infection related to the threads may occur and this is minimised by taking oral antibiotics after the threadlift.

The threads are very safe and stable and you can resume your usual activities including makeup after the threadlift.

Can the Silhouette Soft threadlift be combined with other anti-aging treatments?

Yes! The Silhouette Soft threadlift provides the lift to treat sagging and can be combined with other modalities of treatment such as Botulinum toxin injections to treat wrinkles and fillers for volumisation.