As we age, changes occur at different levels. Gravity; our facial support structure weakens; less collagen (quantity and quality); we lose facial fat (less tensing effect); eyes apertures are getting larger, loosing bone density. The affected areas generally include the cheeks, the eyebrows and other areas around the eyes, the jowls and the neck. The result is a longer, drooping, sunken older-looking face.
Younger people too may also experience cheek and brow ptosis (sagging caused by weakened muscles). For that slightly younger age group a thread lift may be a good alternative to the more invasive/more expensive procedures necessary to correct problems in older people’s faces.
How does it work?
Combating the effects of ageing above all means restoring smoother and more toned skin, but also a more shapely face. To meet this dual requirement Dr Sister combines two effects: lifting and regenerating.
The Silhouette Thread lifting effect is immediate and discreet as it is the result of compressing and elevating tissue at the time of adjusting the suture. After inserting the suture, the doctor applies slight pressure on the treated area. In this way the doctor reshapes the surface of the skin and makes it visibly smoother.
The PRP/Dracula regenerative effect is more gradual and natural: Once the thread is in place, the Plasma (growth factors/ stem cells) is injected in different layers of the skin and naturally stimulates the production of collagen. This action will also improve the skin quality (elasticity, radiance, thickness).
The Thread Lift Procedure
Thread lifts are performed in Dr Sister clinic as an outpatient procedure. Because the procedure is minimally invasive only local anaesthesia is required. Dr Sister uses Silhouette Soft® produced in the United States. Silhouette Lift® threads are suspension sutures used in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. They are until today the only suspension sutures to have received approval from the American FDA (since 2006) and they are CE marked for the European market. Since 2007 more than 20.000 Silhouette Lift® procedures have been carried out successfully.
Silhouette Soft® is made of a natural component: Polylactic acid (PLA, derived from renewable resources such as corn starch or sugarcane). The principal component of Silhouette Soft® is a natural polymer known in the medical field for many years (suture thread, orthopaedic pins, screws and nails for bone fractures are all made of PLA). It is because this product is particularly biocompatible with the human body, and also completely biodegradable, that such applications have been developed.
The Silhouette Soft® suture is made of a clear resorbable material and includes 8 absorbable cones that are positioned on the suture and separated by knots. There are four cones on each half of the suture. Each series of cones faces the opposite direction and points towards the end of the suture, hence the term “bidirectional”.
Silhouette Soft® treatment is suitable for all skin types – testing for allergic reactions has proved negative in clinical studies. They can be successfully applied for reshaping or lifting of the facial contour, the lower jaw, neck, and the breast. Silhouette Soft® is recommended for men and women who are trying to combat effectively the signs of ageing and who do not want any heavy or invasive treatment, but are looking for real and natural results
Risks and Complications
You may experience a lack of sensitivity or numbness in the treated area but this usually subsides within weeks of the procedure.
Infection in the treatment area is an infrequent complication. If an infection develops, your surgeon will treat it with antibiotics. In rare instances an infection may require surgical drainage.
The costs vary and are based on the extent of the procedure, areas treated, and associated procedures: PRP/Dracula, CO2 fractional laser….
The PRP/Dracula
For over thirty years, PRP has been used in many different medical fields including cardiac surgery, oral surgery, dentistry and periodontal implants, orthopedics, wounds care, sports medicine, neurosurgery, general surgery and cosmetics.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) obtained from your blood contains platelets. Those platelets release growth factors on the surface that stimulate collagen production when injected into the skin. A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient into a sterile tube in the exact same manner as a standard blood sample. The tube containing the patient’s blood is placed into a centrifuge and spun to separate the plasma and platelets from the other blood components.
After a few minutes, the plasma and concentrated platelets are removed from the same tube and re introduced into the patient under the skin.
This is an all accomplished 100% natural procedure, without using animal products derivative or any other foreign material. Research and clinical data show PRP obtained from the patient’s own blood is safe, with very minimal risk of adverse reactions or complications. Because the platelets are produced from your own blood, there is no risk of rejection or disease transmission.
What results can I expect from PRP treatments?
Improvement of skin texture and tone are noticeable within three weeks. Treatment results vary, however, in most patients the results last up to 18 months. Touch-up treatments will maintain the results.
Key benefits
• Taylor made treatment adapted to each case
• Local anaesthesia
• 30 minutes procedure
• Immediate results and return to work/social life after treatment
• Remains effective for up to 18 months
