Tapelift and barbed wire lift – Ribbon lift, Silhouette Lift, Silhouette Soft®

Tapelift and barbed wire lift wiki

Facelift procedures can be performed either as minimally invasive surgery or completely without surgery. Silhouette Lift®, Silhouette Soft®, and Ribbon Lift provide excellent results safely and quickly. All three procedures are suitable for both men and women.

The minimally invasive Silhouette Lift and Ribbon Lift procedures may, in some cases, replace a surgical facelift. Silhouette Soft does not replace a surgical facelift, but the results achieved with it are significantly more noticeable than those of treatments such as PDO thread lifting.

The procedures are almost always performed under local anesthesia; however, Silhouette Soft can also be carried out without any anesthesia.

Cone threads and Ribbon tapes are often confused with older barbed threads. Compared with barbed threads, however, these modern thread-lifting techniques are clearly safer and more effective. They carry a lower risk of complications than traditional barbed thread lifts. Unlike barbed threads, the new-generation threads do not have sharp barbs. Instead, they anchor more securely and naturally within the tissue and cause considerably less tissue trauma.

In addition to the immediate lifting effect of Silhouette Lift®, Silhouette Soft® cone threads, and Ribbon Lift tapes, these procedures also provide long-lasting benefits. They safely stimulate the skin to produce new collagen and elastin. These essential structural proteins help rejuvenate the skin by improving its firmness, elasticity, and volume.

The results are therefore twofold. Immediately after the procedure, facial contours are gently lifted. Over the following months, new collagen develops in the treated area, gradually improving the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and tightness.

Silhouette Lift®

Silhouette Lift® is performed using non-absorbable cone threads that become encapsulated within the tissue. These threads lift the tissues of the midface and, if necessary, can be retightened several years after the initial procedure. The threads are inserted through a small surgical incision. Of the three methods, Silhouette Lift® is generally considered the most effective, and the cone threads used in this procedure are also employed by plastic surgeons.

Ribbon Lift

Ribbon Lift is performed using absorbable ribbons. These ribbons allow the facial tissues to be repositioned slightly higher than before. Once the ribbon has dissolved, the collagen formed in the treated area helps maintain the result for several more years. The ribbon is inserted through a small surgical incision.

Silhouette Soft®

Silhouette Soft® is performed using absorbable cone threads. These threads support the facial tissues, improve skin firmness, and provide a subtle lifting effect. The threads dissolve within approximately two years, but the collagen framework that develops in the skin continues to maintain the firming effect for several more years. The cone threads are inserted into the tissue using a needle.

Silhouette Soft® cone thread lift

Silhouette Soft® is a non-surgical cone thread lift in which specially designed cone threads are inserted beneath the skin using a fine needle. The procedure enhances a sagging jawline and facial contours while naturally but noticeably improving skin firmness.

Silhouette Soft® improves your appearance both immediately and progressively.

During the procedure, the facial tissues are gently lifted and repositioned, producing an immediate improvement in facial contours.

At the same time, the cone threads stimulate the skin’s fibroblast cells to produce new collagen. Collagen is the structural protein that provides the skin with strength and support, but its production naturally declines with age. New collagen continues to develop gradually over the months following treatment, which means the final result continues to improve long after the procedure has been completed.

The threads used in the Silhouette Soft® procedure are made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA). They are fully absorbed by the body over approximately 24 months. During this period, the treatment stimulates the formation of abundant new collagen, helping to maintain the lifting effect even after the threads have dissolved.

Proven safety profile

Silhouette Soft® cone threads are made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a well-established medical material that has been used safely by surgeons for many years. PLLA is commonly found in absorbable sutures as well as orthopedic screws and plates that remain in the body during healing.

The material is scientifically proven to be safe, biocompatible, and biodegradable, making it well suited for use in aesthetic medicine.

Silhouette Soft® threads are manufactured in the United States.

Compared with conventional PDO threads, the effectiveness and safety of Silhouette Soft® cone threads have been evaluated over a much longer period using objective scientific research methods. To date, more than 150,000 Silhouette Soft® procedures have been successfully performed worldwide.

Ribbon Lift is a ribbon lift procedure

As we age, the contours of the lower face gradually soften. The face changes from a youthful oval shape to a rounder or more angular appearance. The jawline loses its definition, and jowls begin to develop.

With the Ribbon Lift procedure, sagging skin and soft tissue along the neck and jawline can be lifted and repositioned to a more youthful position. The absorbable ribbon used during the procedure conforms to the patient’s individual facial anatomy. It anchors securely yet gently within the tissues, allowing the soft tissues to be lifted and repositioned upward toward the ears.

Following the procedure, the tissues gradually become anchored in their new position with the support of the ribbon. This process takes several months, during which time the ribbon remains firmly in place. Once the tissues have stabilized, the ribbon slowly begins to dissolve. Because the skin and underlying soft tissues have already adapted to their new position, the lifting result is maintained even after the ribbon has been absorbed.

The Ribbon Lift ribbon is made of polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable material that is gradually broken down and naturally eliminated from the body through normal metabolic processes.

Ribbon lift procedure

The Ribbon Lift procedure can be performed as a standalone treatment or as part of a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation plan. The procedure typically takes one to several hours, depending on whether it is combined with other treatments.

At the beginning of the procedure, the physician makes small incisions within the hairline or behind the ear. Through these incisions, a narrow tunnel is created between the skin and the underlying soft tissue. The Ribbon is then inserted into this tunnel, where its specially designed anchoring points securely engage the surrounding tissue. Once the ribbon is firmly anchored, the tissues are gently lifted and repositioned to the desired location. Finally, the ribbon is trimmed, and its end is secured to the underlying tissue with sutures. Any excess skin is removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches.

Bruising is common after the procedure, and swelling is a normal part of the healing process. If these temporary side effects are not bothersome, time away from work is often unnecessary. However, wearing the recommended compression garment is essential, as is carefully following all post-procedure care instructions. Facial expressions should also be minimized for several weeks to allow the tissues to heal properly.

Initial results become visible within 2–3 weeks after the procedure. The outcome continues to improve over the following months as healing progresses, and the final result can usually be assessed reliably 6–12 months after treatment.

Silhouette lift

Silhouette Lift® is performed using non-absorbable cone threads. It is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive surgical procedure designed to treat the early signs of facial aging. The treatment helps soften wrinkles and fine lines while lifting sagging skin to restore a more youthful facial appearance.

Silhouette Lift® is particularly well suited for patients over the age of 40 who are primarily concerned about age-related changes in the midface. Like Ribbon Lift, it can be performed either as a standalone procedure or as part of a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation treatment plan.

The procedure uses specially designed cone threads, which are sometimes confused with older barbed threads. However, cone threads are considerably safer than traditional barbed threads. Although they anchor securely within the tissue, they do not create the tissue trauma or damage associated with barbed threads. In addition, cone threads adapt much more naturally to facial movement, providing a more comfortable feel and a more natural-looking result.

Recovery after Silhouette Lift® is typically rapid. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities the day after the procedure, and recovery is usually complete within approximately two weeks.

Silhouette Lift® cone threads

Silhouette Lift® is a quick, minimally invasive surgical procedure in which cone threads are inserted beneath the skin through small incisions made in the temple area.

The threads are made of polypropylene, a biocompatible material that has been used safely in the human body for decades, including in cardiovascular surgery. Silhouette Lift® threads have a well-established safety profile. The procedure’s FDA approval reflects the fact that both the technique and the cone thread material have undergone rigorous, independent evaluation for safety and effectiveness.

A midface Silhouette Lift® procedure typically takes less than one hour to perform. Treatment of the neck is usually even shorter.

Because the cone threads are non-absorbable, they can be retightened with a minor touch-up procedure 1–3 years after the initial treatment, if needed. This allows the lifting effect to be maintained or enhanced for years after the original procedure.

Non-Surgical Facelift – what you should know

Silhouette Lift®, Ribbon Lift, and Silhouette Soft® are suitable for treating, among other concerns:

• Brow lift and elevation, including softening of crow’s feet
• Lifting of the cheeks and corners of the mouth (midface lift)
• Elevation and softening of the nasolabial folds (smile lines)
• Tightening and lifting of the jawline
• Forehead lift
• Neck lift
• Correction of glabellar (“frown”) lines by lifting the tissues upward and outward, combined with elevation of the central brow

Before the Procedure

Please keep the following in mind before your treatment:

• All of the procedures described above are performed under local anesthesia.
• Arrive for your appointment without makeup or jewelry. Please also remove any eyelash extensions.
• Remove nail polish from both your fingernails and toenails.
• Let your physician know if you would like a sedative before the procedure.
• Inform your physician about any medical conditions or regular medications you are taking.
• Medications that affect blood clotting (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory drugs) should be discontinued at least 10 days before the procedure, if medically appropriate. If you cannot safely stop taking these medications, inform your physician well in advance of your appointment.
• Avoid smoking on the evening before and on the day of the procedure.

After the Procedure

• Mild swelling and bruising are common after treatment. To help reduce these, we recommend Arnizen™ cream and lymphatic drainage therapy.
• You may experience a feeling of tightness in the treated area. Most patients are presentable and able to return to normal social activities the following day. Needle entry points are covered with small adhesive strips, and any bruising can usually be concealed with makeup.
• Avoid strenuous physical activity and excessive facial muscle movement for the first few days to allow the tissues to heal properly.
• The entry points may remain tender to the touch for approximately one week.
• Sleep with your head elevated for 3–4 days, using several pillows or a travel neck pillow for additional support.
• Cleanse, moisturize, and apply makeup gently, avoiding vigorous rubbing or pressure on the treated areas.
• If the procedure was performed on the cheeks or jawline, eat soft or easy-to-chew foods for the first couple of days.
• After 2–3 weeks, you may resume sauna use, swimming, and light exercise.
• More strenuous physical activities and intensive exercise are generally recommended 1–2 months after the procedure.
• If you have any questions about your procedure or recovery, please contact your treating physician.
  Contact your physician promptly if you experience increasing pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in the treated area, as these may indicate a complication.