It’s the
device that could be paving the way to a thread lift comeback. But what do
cosmetic surgeons really think about the recently FDA-approved Silhouette
Instalift? We asked; they answered.
THE
TECHNOLOGY
The
Silhouette InstaLift (Sinclair Pharmaceuticals) uses a resorbable suspension
suture with bidirectional cones for anchoring to lift and reposition subdermal
tissue of the mid-face, with minimal downtime.
Made from
polyglycolide/L-lactide, the implanted Silhouette InstaLift mechanically
fixates the tissue until collagen production and encapsulation of the suture in
collagen occurs. According to company literature, this results in a gradual
increase in facial volume and shapeliness. The procedure, which typically takes
45 minutes, is done as an in-office/outpatient basis, under local anesthetic.
Sinclair
announced in April 2015 that the Silhouette InstaLift had been FDA approved for
mid-face suspension surgery to fixate the cheek sub dermis in an elevated
position.
Miami,
Fla., plastic surgeon Darryl J. Blinski, M.D., who tells Cosmetic Surgery Times
that he has done 40 Silhouette InstaLift procedures since he started using the
approach in February of this year, says the InstaLift works and patient
satisfaction is high. It lasts from 18 months to two years, in most cases
without involving incisions or causing preauricular scars.
But not
everyone has the first-hand experience with this newer technology. Thus, we
asked cosmetic physicians how this evolution in minimally invasive facial
lifting might compare to traditional thread-lifting techniques, as well as the
more invasive facelift. This is what they had to say:
‘A
SIGNIFICANT ADVANCEMENT’
Cosmetic
Surgery Times advisor plastic surgeon Jason N. Pozner, M.D., of Boca Raton,
Fla., says he’s onboard with using the resorbable suspension sutures for facial
lifting because, he says, they are a significant advancement with better
lifting capability and absorbability than traditional sutures used in thread
lifting. Time will tell, however, how patients and physicians perceive their
use and results.
“This is
another tool for the right patient: the younger patient, who is not yet ready
for facelift, or older patient, who medically is not a candidate for surgery,”
Dr. Pozner says. “As experience is gained, it might replace some facelifts.”
‘CONCERNED
ABOUT LONGEVITY’
Paramus,
N.J., plastic surgeon William K. Boss, M.D., says he has been using thread
lifts since they first came out about eight years ago and were known as the
Contour threads. Although Dr. Boss has not used InstaLift threads, he says he
is familiar with them.
“They are
a modification of the silhouette sutures on an absorbable suture, whereas, the
standard silhouette sutures are permanent sutures and require a small incision
back in the hairline to anchor them. … the InstaLift threads dissolve over time
and require no incision,” Dr. Boss says.
Dr. Boss
says that while the procedure is minimally invasive and very quick, he is
concerned about longevity with the absorbable sutures.
“In my
experience with the permanent sutures, the effects only lasted two to three
years at most,” he says. “It appears that the [InstaLift] procedure is most
suitable for younger patients without a lot of skin laxity.”
“I really
would like to see a comparative study between the InstaLift procedure compared
to noninvasive skin tightening technologies, such as ultrasound and
radiofrequency,” Dr. Boss says.
‘UNLIKELY
TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT IMPACT’
Layton,
Utah, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Scott K. Thompson, M.D., has
his doubts about the InstaLift. Dr. Thompson, who specializes in the facelift
and mini (MACSlift) facelift surgery, says he does not perform any thread lift
procedures.
“Although
there have been many variations of thread lifting over the years (the latest
being the InstaLift), any technique that doesn’t separate the skin from the
underlying muscle and, then, address the sagging muscle tissue directly is
unlikely to have significant impact for more than a few months,” Dr. Thompson
says. “Unfortunately, many of these procedures approach the cost of a minimally
invasive facelift, such as the MACS lift (a technique that while less invasive
than a standard facelift, lifts and tightens skin and muscle independently).
Those looking for a non-surgical option may be better served by reconsidering
the costs and benefits of surgery or sticking with injectables and laser
resurfacing procedures.”
No comments:
Post a Comment