Traditional facelifts are experiencing a dip in popularity. According to the 2015 Cosmtic Plastic Surgery Statistics released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the number of facelift procedures have dropped 2 percent in the last year and 6 percent since 2000. Instead, patients are opting for one or more of the many minimally invasive but still effective facial rejuvenating procedures. Facial rejuvenation procedures experienced the most growth in the last year as patients of all ages discover the benefits of alternatives. One facelift alternative that's gaining steam is Silhouette Instalift. It requires no incisions and provides immediate results with no recovery time. We talked to Z. Paul Lorenc, M.D., F.A.C.S., an aesthetic plastic surgeon based in New York City, to learn more about this procedure.
How does this facial suspension procedure work? Silhouette InstaLift works by using totally absorbable bidirectional PLLA/PLGA cones to suspend tissue. The upper cones are used as the anchor to suspend the tissue attached to the lower cones.
When did you start offering this procedure?
I started offering the procedure in November 2015.
Who are the ideal candidates for this type of facelift?
Patients with good skin elasticity, good bone structure are ideal candidates. I see good results in their 30s to 50s are ideal but have used it in patients into the late 70s.
How long do results last?
Up to two years based on the European experience.
What contraindications are there for this procedure?
Contraindications include active infections, extremely thin or very heavy thick skin.
How does downtime and recovery compare to more traditional facelifts or other rejuvenating options?
Limited downtime of 24-48 hrs vs 1-2 weeks for a traditional facelift
What other treatments can enhance outcomes of the facial suspension?
Fillers, neurotoxins, energy based devices. It is part of the continuum of aesthetic maintenance
How has this type of procedure impacted how you think of facial rejuvenating options?
Expanded the options, expanded patient basis for aesthetic procedures!
What does it mean for the future of facelifts? InstaLift does not replace a Facelift, it complements it. I use it also post facelift where a small “adjustment” of a relapsed jowl may be needed or in younger patients that are not quite ready for a full surgical intervention and InstaLift is used to lift the mid-face and volumze the mid-face at the same time