Treatment: ThreadLift (Silhouette Soft)

Silhouette-Soft® is a new treatment, which is proven to counteract the effects of volume loss and skin ptosis (sagging)

Silhouette Soft® Sutures are clear, bidirectional, fully absorbable threads (made from polylactic acid) with cones. They are made in the United States and developed after six years of experience in suture (thread) suspension used in reconstructive surgery and cosmetic surgery.

Combatting the effects of ageing above all means restoring smoother and more toned skin, but also a more shapely face. To meet this dual requirement, silhouette soft® combines two effects: lifting and regenerating.

The lifting effect
is immediate and discreet as it is the result of compressing and elevating tissue at the time of adjusting the thread (suture). After inserting the thread 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 regenerative effect
is gradual and natural: polylactic acid (PLA), the principal component of the silhouette soft® thread has been known in the medical field for many years (due to the fact it is both biocompatible and biodegradable), which is why surgical stitches, orthopaedic pins, screws and nails for bone fractures are all made from PLA. Once the suture is applied, the polylactic acid acts on the deeper layers of the skin and naturally stimulates your body to produce collagen. This action, which continues over time, helps increase the volume of saggy areas and restores shapeliness to the face gradually and perfectly naturally.

Silhouette Soft is recommended for men and women, of all skin types, aged 30 and over who are trying to combat the signs of ageing, without invasive treatments and who are looking for real and natural results.

Facial Contour - Cheeks and Cheekbones (2 or 3 threads on each side)

• The cheeks and cheekbones look fuller.
• The facial contour is redefined
• The nasolabial fold is diminished
• The skin regains its firmness.

Lower Jaw - Jowls and Jawline (2 or 3 threads on each side)

• The volume of the cheek is redefined.
• The facial contour regains a defined shape.

Neck - 2 or 3 threads on each side

• The skin of the neck regains its tone and looks smoother

During your consultation with the Doctor a full medical history will be taken to assess your suitability, and the benefits and potential side effects will be discussed in full. Prior to the treatment your face will be photographed and the area to be treated marked out. Local anesthetic is injected at the entry and exit point of the threads. The sutures are then inserted (using a fine needle so no incisions are require) under sterile conditions through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue.

Once inserted the sutures are used to re-suspend the skin and soft tissue, whilst the small absorbable cones anchor the tissues in the new, more youthful position.

Immediately after the treatment there will be some mild swelling and bruising may develop. Depending on the degree of initial skin laxity there may be some temporary wrinkling/bunching of the skin (required for optimization of the treatment), which disappears spontaneously within a matter of days.

Results are immediate and continue to improve over the next few months as the polylactic acid stimulates collagen production. Treatment results typically last 12 to 18 months however one’s age and lifestyle can have an effect on the longevity of the aesthetic results. Additional threads can be inserted at any stage after the initial treatment.

All Silhouette products are manufactured in Michigan, USA, and are subject to rigorous sanitary controls. The natural substance of Silhouette Soft® is biocompatible, fully absorbable and allergic reaction tests have been negative throughout clinical studies.

25,000 procedures have already been performed in 55 countries over the past 6 years.

SILHOUETTE SOFT® is FDA approved and received CE 0499 approvaland the ISO 13485 standards are in accordance with European Directive 93/42.

Application of silhouette soft® must only be carried out by trained doctors who have been trained in the Silhouette® laboratory.

• Your initial visit to The Aesthetic MediSpa begins with a no obligation consultation, which typically last for around 30 minutes.
• Your consultation will be carried out by our highly experienced Aesthetic Doctor, who has been practising Aesthetic Medicine exclusively for over 15 years.
• Your consultation will begin by listening to and understanding your concerns and requirements and discussing how best we can meet and exceed your expectations.
• The various treatment options, together with the benefits and any potential risks of the treatment will be discussed.
• You will have ample opportunity to ask questions during your consultation, which will be answered honestly and openly.
• There is no obligation to book the treatment with us after your consultation and you will not be rushed into making a decision.

• As with all needle based treatments there is always a small possibility of bruising after your treatment. To reduce this risk we advise that you do not take anti-inflammatory pain-killers (e.g. Aspirin, Ibruprofen Nurofen, Voltarol) or St Johns Wart or Vitamin E supplements, for at least a week before your treatment, as they all increase your tendency towards bleeding.
• Alcohol will also increase your tendency towards bleeding therefore we advise you to refrain from alcohol for 24 hours.
• Before your treatment you will be provided with a detailed consent form which you will be asked to read and sign.

• After the treatment some bruising and swelling is to be expected.
• Slight depressions or skin irregularities can occur at the entry and entry or exit points which are related to the efficiency of the treatment. These generally disappear within a week after the treatment.
• The Doctor will provide you with 2 antibiotic tablets. One tablet is to be taken the following day and the second tablet is to be taken the day after that.

In order to optimize the effects of the treatment, we advise you:

• To apply ice or cold towel to the treated areas immediately after treatment
• Take paracetamol 1-2 tablets 6-hourly as required. A stinging or “pulling” pain or discomfort is normal. For the first 7 days avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen, because inflammation is necessary to initiate the new collagen formation process.
• Avoid alcohol and anti-coagulant medicine (aspirin, unless prescribed for medical indications) and blood ‘thinning’ vitamins e.g Vitamins C & E for 7 a week, as this can exacerbate bruising.
• For the first few night keep your head elevated, at least 30 degrees and sleep preferably on your back to avoid rubbing against the pillow.
• For the first 5 days clean and dry your face gently without rubbing and when washing hair, shaving or applying make up please do it carefully.
• For the first 10 days avoid temperature extremes e.g. saunas, sunbeds
• For the first 3 weeks keep facial movements to a minimum and avoid excessive chewing, talking, yawning, and other facial movements e.g. drinking through a straw. Do not have facials or facial massages, do not undergo dental treatment, and avoid contact sport too for the first few weeks
• For the first 2 months avoid having Radio Frequency (RF) or any heat producing device (laser, IPL, etc.) treatments in the thread treated areas.

• You will have a routine review appointment made 1 week after your treatment and then again after 3 months however we are always happy to see you again (or liaise on the telephone or via email) to discuss your treatment or if you have any concerns.

• One of the great advantages of threadlifts is that the effects are long lasting but not permanent. You are always in control of your looks-you can continue or change the treatment you have had or repeat the procedure as often as you like.
• For your convenience we have a text reminder service to let you know when your next treatment is due. Please inform our staff if you do not wish to receive reminder text messages.