Unveiling the True Effectiveness of Silhouette Soft®: An In-Depth Look at 3D Lift - 美容整形・美容外科｜船橋中央&青山セレスクリニック　美容整形・美容外科｜船橋中央&青山セレスクリニック

The Introduction of Silhouette Soft®

Silhouette Soft®, commonly referred to as the 3D Lift, is a thread lift technique characterized by its bi-directional cones, designed to achieve a three-dimensional lift. This article delves into the effectiveness, benefits, considerations, and how it differs from the traditional Silhouette Lift.

What is Silhouette Soft® (3D Lift)?

Developed by SINCLAIR, a UK-based company, and manufactured in the USA, Silhouette Soft® (3D Lift) is a relatively new thread lift technique, an enhanced version of the traditional ‘Silhouette Lift’. The thread lift procedure with Silhouette Soft®, focusing on mini-facelifts and collagen production, has gained FDA and CE mark certification, validating its safety.

Uniqueness of Silhouette Soft® (3D Lift)

The standout feature of Silhouette Soft® (3D Lift) lies in its extensive contact area with subcutaneous tissue. Compared to the spike type, the cone type anchors over a larger area, increasing friction and purportedly enhancing lifting and collagen production. Immediate lifting effects are felt post-insertion, with the bi-directional cones positioned opposite to each other, leading to further lifting over time as they contract towards each other.

Structure and Material of Silhouette Soft®

Comprising two medical-grade soluble materials, PLLA (Poly-L-lactic acid) for the threads and PLGA (Lactic-Glycolic Acid Copolymer) for the cones, Silhouette Soft® offers variations with 8, 12, or 16 cones. These cones firmly hold the subcutaneous tissue and contract the skin towards the thread’s center, lifting sagging areas. Even after the cones and threads dissolve, the collagen produced remains, contributing to long-term effects. Silhouette Soft® is known for providing prolonged lift and skin firmness due to its structure and materials.

Effects of Silhouette Soft®

The procedure offered by Silhouette Soft® (3D Lift) brings two clear advantages: facial rejuvenation and skin quality improvement. The effects, known as “3D Lift,” include:

①Challenging Facial Sagging: The primary effect of Silhouette Soft® is visibly improving facial sagging. Its bi-cones delicately lift and support the skin, addressing deep sagging and providing a clear lift to facial contours. This is particularly effective for areas like nasolabial folds and marionette lines, restoring three-dimensional beauty.

②Collagen Production and Skin Elasticity: Beyond lifting, the procedure promotes collagen production, thereby restoring skin firmness. The minor tissue damage induced by the treatment triggers a natural healing process, enriching the skin with collagen. This ensures that the skin’s texture and lifting effects continue even after complete absorption of the threads and cones.

Benefits of Silhouette Soft®

A significant advantage of Silhouette Soft® (3D Lift) is that it leaves no foreign material in the body. Made of PLLA and PLGA, it is less likely to cause adverse reactions and eventually breaks down into harmless components. Additionally, as it requires no incisions, the procedure minimizes physical stress and eliminates the need for suture removal. The longevity of Silhouette Soft®’s effects, though individual, typically lasts around 18 months. While the threads dissolve in 18 months and the bi-cones in 8-10 months, the surrounding collagen and elastin maintain skin firmness and lifting, potentially extending the effects to nearly two years. The manufacturer recommends annual or bi-annual treatments for sustained improvement.

Drawbacks and Considerations of Silhouette Soft®

Despite being a minimally invasive thread lift, Silhouette Soft® (3D Lift) comes with several considerations:

①Potential for Post-Treatment Irregularities: Temporary facial irregularities may occur as the skin adjusts to the lifted position, usually settling within 1-2 weeks. Persistent irregularities beyond two weeks necessitate medical consultation. Swelling and bruising are possible, taking 2-3 weeks to subside.

②Scarring and Needle Marks: While Silhouette Soft® requires no incisions, the larger needles for bi-cone insertion can leave marks. These typically become inconspicuous within 3-15 days and can be concealed by hair.

③Pain During Treatment: Local anesthesia is used to minimize discomfort during the procedure. For those apprehensive about anesthesia needles, pre-treatment anesthetic cream is an option. Some clinics offer intravenous sedation for a more relaxed experience.

Failure and Downtime of Silhouette Soft®

Thread insertion in the nerve-dense facial area with Silhouette Soft® can cause temporary tightness or discomfort, usually resolving within a month. In rare cases, nodules may form if the threads are placed too superficially, potentially requiring surgical removal.

Differences Between Silhouette Soft® and Silhouette Lift

Unlike the uni-directional cone placement in Silhouette Lift, Silhouette Soft® features bi-directional cones and ensures complete absorption in the body. This makes it suitable for those hesitant about leaving foreign materials in their body, enabling a more dimensional lift.

The Real Effectiveness of Silhouette Soft®

Let’s scrutinize the actual effectiveness of Silhouette Soft® (3D Lift) from an expert perspective. In thread lifting, “collagen regeneration” often mentioned, but this essentially refers to simple scar formation. When the body heals, hard tissue forms, primarily composed of collagen. In thread lifts, this scarring, or collagen formation, occurs around the inserted threads. However, the lift provided by this collagen is limited, as the scars formed by the fine threads lack sufficient tension. The effectiveness of Silhouette Soft® is limited to the period until the threads dissolve. The PLLA (PLA) and PLGA materials used are absorbed slower than traditional absorbable threads, but the tension typically diminishes within 3-6 months. Over time, the threads’ position lowers due to gravity, diminishing the lifting effect.

Conclusion on Silhouette Soft®

While Silhouette Soft®’s bi-cones initially garnered significant attention, it’s become clear that like other absorbable threads, its effects diminish within months. Considering cost-effectiveness, this thread lift may not be recommendable. In cosmetic medicine, carefully weighing risks and results is essential. When considering a thread lift, deciding whether absorbability or durability is a priority is crucial. Success depends on treatment by an experienced physician. Clinic selection is vital, and thorough consultation with a specialist is the first step to avoiding unnatural results.

Written by Kenta Motogami, M.D.

Director of Funabashi Chuou Clinic (Chiba Pref. Japan) ana Aoyama Celes Clinic (Tokyo)

English is available at these clinics.

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