Description
Silhouette Soft 16 Cones is a specialized non-surgical facelift procedure utilizing absorbable polylactic acid sutures embedded with bi-directional cones. Here’s a comprehensive overview of its features, application, and considerations:
Overview of Silhouette Soft 16 Cones
- Material and Technology: The sutures are composed of polylactic acid, a biodegradable substance that gradually dissolves over time. The bi-directional cones made of lactide glycolide (a mix of lactic and glycolic acids) help to anchor the threads securely in place.
- Procedure Names: Known as a “puppet facelift,” “one-stitch facelift,” or “non-surgical facelift,” Silhouette Soft 16 Cones is akin to PDO threads (polydiaxanone threads) and is used to lift and tighten sagging skin without surgery.
- Indications: Ideal for patients in their mid-30s to mid-50s with early signs of aging and mild sagging. Common treatment areas include the mid-face, cheeks, cheekbones, jawline, eyebrows, and neck.
- Procedure Advantages: A quick outpatient procedure lasting approximately 30 minutes, suitable for combining with other aesthetic treatments or as a standalone procedure. Requires only local anesthesia, minimal downtime, and offers long-lasting results.
Application Process
- Preparation: Disinfect the treatment area thoroughly. Use a ruler to mark the skin with a pattern that guides the insertion points based on desired skin traction or volume correction.
- Suture Selection: Choose the appropriate Silhouette Soft 16 Cones product based on the number of cones and suture length:
- Silhouette Soft 8: 8 cones spaced 0.5 cm apart on a 30 cm long suture.
- Silhouette Soft 12: 12 cones spaced 0.8 cm apart on a 27.5 cm long suture.
- Silhouette Soft 16: 16 cones spaced 0.8 cm apart on a 26.8 cm long suture.
- Insertion Technique: Use an 18G needle to create an entry point into the skin. Insert the suture to a depth of 5 mm beneath the skin, targeting the subcutaneous tissue indicated by a marker on the needle.
- Thread Placement: After insertion, orient the needle horizontally and guide it through the subcutaneous tissue to the exit point. Gently pull on the thread to position the cones within the adipose tissue.
- Securing the Sutures: Apply gentle pressure while pinching the tissue with one hand, pulling on the exposed ends of the sutures to ensure the cones embed securely in the tissue.
- Trimming: Trim the excess suture ends after confirming proper placement and tension.
Mechanism of Action and Results
- Collagen Stimulation: As the polylactic acid sutures dissolve gradually (starting approximately 181 days post-insertion), they stimulate collagen production. This collagen network provides long-term structural support to the skin.
- Duration of Effects: Results typically last between 18 to 24 months. Maintenance treatments may be recommended every 1.5 to 2 years to sustain the lifted appearance.
Safety Considerations
- Adverse Effects: Potential side effects include temporary swelling, bruising, tenderness, or redness at the injection sites. Serious complications are rare but may include infection or allergic reactions to the sutures.
- Contraindications: Avoid using Silhouette Soft 16 Cones in areas with permanent fillers. Patients should refrain from facial treatments like facials for a month post-procedure. However, it can be combined with hyaluronic acid dermal fillers for enhanced results.
Conclusion
Silhouette Soft 16 Cones offers a safe and effective alternative to surgical facelifts, providing natural-looking results with minimal downtime. It’s crucial that this procedure is performed by trained medical professionals to ensure optimal outcomes and patient safety. Always consider individual patient needs and skin conditions when planning and executing Silhouette Soft treatments.
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