Silhouette InstaLift is a minimally invasive thread lift that uses absorbable PLGA sutures with bidirectional cones to lift sagging cheeks, jowls, jawline or brows and stimulate collagen. It takes under an hour with local anesthetic, swelling or bruising usually settles in 5–7 days, and results may last 18–24 months.
Is There a Non-Surgical Way to Lift Sagging Skin?
Yes — thread lifts such as Silhouette InstaLift reposition mildly to moderately sagging tissue without incisions or general anesthesia, and a physician assessment decides whether one is suitable.
If you've been noticing sagging skin along your jawline, cheeks, or brows, you're not alone. A common question is: Is there a way to get a lifted, refreshed look — without surgery or a dramatic change? One option is Silhouette InstaLift.
Learn more about InstaLift and how it works at Skin Art MD, Burnaby's physician-led medical aesthetics clinic.
Silhouette InstaLift is a minimally invasive thread lift procedure that uses resorbable sutures to mechanically lift sagging tissue while also stimulating your body's natural collagen production. While non-surgical facelift options such as Thermage® CPT™ are popular across Greater Vancouver, InstaLift is distinguished by its dual-action approach: immediate lift plus gradual collagen stimulation.
What Is Silhouette InstaLift?
Silhouette InstaLift is a thread lift treatment that uses bidirectional cones made from poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) — a biocompatible material that has been safely used in medical sutures for decades. These cones anchor into the soft tissue and allow the physician to gently reposition and lift sagging skin in areas such as:
- Mid-face and cheeks
- Jawline and jowls
- Brows and forehead
- Neck
Unlike traditional facelifts, InstaLift requires no general anesthesia, no incisions, and no lengthy recovery. The procedure is typically completed in under an hour in-office, and most people return to regular routines within days rather than weeks.
How Does InstaLift Work, Step by Step?
Understanding the treatment process helps you feel confident going into your consultation. Here's what to expect at Skin Art MD in Burnaby:
Step 1: Physician Consultation & Skin Assessment
Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with one of our physicians. We assess your skin laxity, facial anatomy, and aesthetic goals to determine whether InstaLift is suitable — and how many sutures may be appropriate.
Step 2: Preparation & Local Anesthetic
On the day of treatment, the skin is cleansed and entry points are marked. A local anesthetic is applied to minimize discomfort; the sensation is usually mild pressure rather than pain.
Step 3: Thread Insertion
Using a fine needle, the physician inserts the PLGA sutures beneath the skin. The bidirectional cones grip the tissue and allow the doctor to gently lift and reposition for an immediate visible improvement.
Step 4: Immediate Results & Ongoing Collagen Stimulation
Once the sutures are placed, you'll see a lifting effect right away. Minor swelling or bruising typically resolves within 5–7 days. Results can continue to improve over 3–6 months as PLGA stimulates new collagen production beneath the skin.
Book a Consultation to find out whether InstaLift is suitable for you — our Burnaby team will walk you through each step.
How Long Does InstaLift Last?
One of the most common questions we hear is: How long does InstaLift last?
Silhouette InstaLift results may last 18–24 months, though this can vary based on individual factors such as skin quality, age, lifestyle, and the treatment area. The PLGA sutures are fully absorbed by the body over time, but the collagen they stimulate may provide continued benefit even after the threads dissolve.
InstaLift is sometimes complemented with other treatments — such as Sculptra® for volume restoration or Thermage® FLX™ for skin tightening — when a physician assessment finds that a combination is suitable.
How Does InstaLift Compare With PDO Threads?
InstaLift uses PLGA sutures with bidirectional cones for a stronger mechanical lift lasting about 18–24 months, while PDO threads use polydioxanone and generally give a milder lift that absorbs sooner. Here is the comparison:
| Feature | Silhouette InstaLift | PDO Threads |
|---|---|---|
| Material | PLGA (poly lactic-co-glycolic acid) | Polydioxanone |
| Mechanism | Bidirectional cones for lift + collagen | Smooth, barbed, or screw threads |
| Typical Duration | 18–24 months | 12–18 months (varies) |
| Lift Effect | Stronger mechanical lift | Mild to moderate lift |
| Collagen Stimulation | Yes | Yes |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 3–7 days |
| Typically used for | Mid-face, jawline, jowls | Brows, neck, mild laxity |
Both treatments can deliver meaningful results depending on your anatomy and goals. At Skin Art MD, a physician assessment decides which option, if any, is suitable for your anatomy and goals.
How Is InstaLift Different From Sculptra®?
InstaLift mechanically lifts sagging tissue, while Sculptra® stimulates collagen to restore lost volume — they address different concerns and are sometimes combined.
Another comparison we often discuss is Silhouette InstaLift vs. Sculptra®:
- Silhouette InstaLift primarily lifts sagging tissue — it mechanically repositions skin that has descended due to aging.
- Sculptra® (poly-L-lactic acid) works by stimulating collagen to restore lost facial volume — the hollowing of cheeks, temples, and jawline that naturally occurs over time.
When both sagging and volume loss are present, the two can be combined: InstaLift to lift, and Sculptra® to rebuild the volumetric foundation underneath, aiming for a natural-looking result.
Is InstaLift Worth It?
Whether InstaLift is worthwhile depends on your degree of laxity, your recovery timeline and your expectations: it offers a natural-looking lift without surgery, not a surgical result. Key factors:
- Your degree of skin laxity: InstaLift may work best for mild to moderate sagging. Severe laxity may warrant a surgical consultation.
- Your timeline: With only a 5–7 day recovery window, InstaLift is manageable around a busy schedule.
- Your expectations: InstaLift provides a natural-looking improvement — not a dramatic surgical result.
Who Is a Good Candidate for InstaLift?
Silhouette InstaLift is generally discussed for:
- Adults in their 30s–60s experiencing mild to moderate skin laxity
- Patients with sagging cheeks, jowls, or loss of jawline definition
- Individuals seeking a non-surgical alternative to a traditional facelift
- Those with realistic expectations about natural-looking improvement
- Patients in good general health with no active skin infections in the treatment area
InstaLift may not be recommended for patients with very thin skin, severe laxity, active autoimmune conditions, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. A physician consultation at Skin Art MD will determine your suitability.
How Does Skin Art MD Approach InstaLift in Burnaby?
At Skin Art MD, InstaLift is performed or directly supervised by physicians after an assessment of your anatomy, goals and lifestyle, and it can be planned alongside other non-surgical treatments.
- Physician-Led Treatment: InstaLift procedures are performed or directly supervised by our physicians — never delegated to non-medical staff.
- Range of Treatments: Non-surgical options at the clinic include Silhouette InstaLift, Sculptra® and Thermage® FLX™, so a plan can be tailored to you.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: No two faces are the same. We take time to understand your anatomy, goals, and lifestyle before recommending anything.
- Bilingual Staff: Our team speaks both English and Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese).
- Serving Greater Vancouver: Located in Burnaby and welcoming patients from Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, and across the Lower Mainland.
Book a Consultation with our team.
What Else Do People Ask About Thread Lifts?
Common questions cover physician-led care, how Sculptra® works, discomfort, recovery, PDO threads, cost and how long results last.
1. Why have treatments like InstaLift at a physician-led clinic?
Physician-led clinics combine a medical assessment with the procedure itself. At Skin Art MD, our medical team assesses the full picture of your skin health and aging concerns — recommending treatments that work synergistically rather than in isolation. This holistic approach helps ensure your results look natural, not overdone.
2. How does Sculptra® work?
Sculptra® is an injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), a biocompatible and biodegradable material. When injected into the deeper layers of the skin, it stimulates your body's own collagen production over time. Rather than providing immediate volume like hyaluronic acid fillers, Sculptra® gradually rebuilds the collagen framework lost due to aging — resulting in a natural-looking restoration of facial volume over approximately 3–6 months.
3. Is the InstaLift procedure painful?
The InstaLift procedure is usually described as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. We apply a local anesthetic before inserting the sutures, which significantly reduces discomfort. You may feel some pressure or pulling during the procedure. Any post-procedure tenderness is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.
4. How long does recovery take?
Recovery from InstaLift generally takes 5–7 days. During this period, you may notice mild swelling, bruising, or a sense of tightness in the treated area. Most patients feel comfortable returning to light daily activities within 1–2 days, though we advise avoiding strenuous exercise, facial massage, and sleeping on your side for the first 1–2 weeks.
5. What is the difference between InstaLift and PDO threads?
Silhouette InstaLift uses PLGA sutures with bidirectional cones that mechanically lift and anchor sagging tissue, generally offering a stronger lift and longer-lasting results (18–24 months). PDO threads use polydioxanone and come in various configurations (smooth, barbed, screw); they may provide a milder lift and can absorb more quickly (12–18 months). The suitable choice depends on your anatomy and goals, and is decided at a physician assessment.
6. Are thread lifts painful?
Thread lifts, including InstaLift, are performed under local anesthetic and are well-tolerated by most patients. You may feel pressure during the procedure, and some soreness is normal in the days following treatment. Severe pain is uncommon; if it occurs, contact your clinic promptly.
7. How much do thread lifts cost?
Thread lift costs vary depending on the number of sutures used, the treatment areas, the physician's expertise, and the clinic. At Skin Art MD, pricing depends on the plan set at your assessment — please contact us for current pricing.
8. Do thread lift results wear off?
Yes, thread lift results fade gradually. Silhouette InstaLift results may last 18–24 months. The PLGA sutures are gradually absorbed by the body over time. However, the collagen stimulated by the treatment may continue to provide benefit even after the threads have dissolved. Maintenance treatments can help sustain results over the long term.
How Do I Book an InstaLift Consultation in Burnaby?
You can book a consultation with the medical team at Skin Art MD in Burnaby. We'll assess your skin and listen to your goals, and a physician assessment decides whether InstaLift alone, a combination with Sculptra® or Thermage®, or another option is suitable.
Book a consultation — available in English and Chinese.
This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before undergoing any treatment.
