Silhouette facelift (cone thread lift)

Candidates

Usually men and women between 35 and 45, although some patients in their fifties may benefit from this procedure.

Objectives

To improve the deep fold from the nose to the corner mouth, the jowls, jaw line and cheekbones. It can`t remove excess skin, but can improve the face by elevating the cheeks and jowls. The aspect of the neck can be improved combining liposuction to remove excess fat. It can be done in conjunction with blepharoplasty to correct the eyelids.

Incisions and technique

This is a technique between fillers and the traditional facelift. It is for patients who do not want a big procedure, since it takes 45 minutes and can be done under local anesthesia. There are small incisions inside the hairline above the ears, Though these incisions the threads are inserted to elevate the lines around the mouth, the cheeks and the jowls. The amount of threads depends on each case. The technique can also be done to improve the neck and can be combined with liposuction. In this case the small incisions stay inside the hairline, behind the ears. Like with the facelift, o ne of the most important aspects is the reposition of the lost volume. This can be achieved either by tightening the threads or by injection of fat, which is aspirated from another area.

Operating Time

45 minutes tom one hour.

Anesthesia

Local with sedation, or general.

In/Out patient

Usually outpatient. Some patients may require a 24 hour stay.

Recovery

Back to work: 5 to 10 days. More strenuous activity: 2 weeks or more. Bruising is rare, but when present takes 2 to 3 weeks to disappear. Must limit exposure to sun for one month.

Risks

Complications from Silhouette lifts are not frequent. Hematoma (the accumulation of blood under the skin), infection, bleeding and reactions to anesthesia. The ideal patient is the one without too much excess skin. Temporary injury to the nerves that control facial muscles or feeling are rarely permanent.

Details

Like with the facelift the Silhouette lift does not correct wrinkles around the mouth. The choice of procedure will depend on the thickness, texture and elasticity of the skin, the degree of the wrinkles and folds. Usually excessive sun exposure produces more wrinkles and the facelift might have to be combined with a skin resurfacing procedure to eliminate them. A bandage may be used to avoid bleeding and minimize swelling. Drains will be applied to avoid the accumulation of fluids. Recovery varies greatly. Sleeping with the head elevated helps minimize swelling and bruising. Bandages and drains should be removed in one or two days. Temporary asymmetry can be caused by the swelling and bruising and it is normal. Bruising should disappear in two or three weeks. Makeup can be applied after a few days. Sun exposure should be avoided for the first month. The result can be seen shortly after the surgery, but there will be swelling due to the anesthesia infiltration. As the aging process continues, some patients want to make additional improvements in their looks. When there is sagging skin, only the facelift can solve the problem.

Duration of Results

Usually 4 to 5 years.

Therapy

Antibiotic, pain killer, and anti swelling after surgery and some of antiscar prevention treatment is recommended.