Silhouette InstaLift® in Burnaby (Cone Thread Lift)
An immediate lift, then collagen support as the sutures are absorbed.
Silhouette InstaLift® places absorbable sutures with bidirectional cones under the skin to anchor and lift sagging tissue without surgical incisions. The lift is visible right away, and collagen stimulation continues as the material is absorbed. At Skin Art MD in Burnaby's Metrotown, a physician plans the placement.
- Immediate
- Visible Lift
- 1-3 days
- Typical Social Downtime
- 45-60 min
- Typical Procedure Time
- Immediate
- Visible Lift
- 1-3 days
- Typical Social Downtime
- 45-60 min
- Typical Procedure Time
How Does a Cone Thread Lift Work?
InstaLift uses biocompatible PLGA cones to anchor deep tissue and lift it without surgery. A physician assessment decides suitability.
Silhouette InstaLift® uses dissolvable sutures with bidirectional PLLA/PGA cones. Once placed, the sutures physically lift sagging tissue and stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, which can improve tone, elasticity and firmness over time as the threads dissolve.
Immediate Mechanical Lift
Bidirectional cones anchor and lift sagging tissue straight away.
Collagen Support
The PLLA/PGA material stimulates collagen production as it is gradually absorbed.
Short Recovery
Most people resume normal activities within a few days; swelling and bruising are possible.
What Is Micro-Suspension Technology™?
InstaLift differs from barbed threads by using bidirectional cones, a design intended to provide firm anchorage and collagen stimulation.
Dual Action
Delivers both an immediate mechanical lift and gradual collagen regeneration.
Advanced Material
Made from poly lactic-co-glycolic acid, an absorbable, biocompatible material.
Cone Anchoring
Bidirectional cones grip tissue to hold the lift in position.
Collagen Stimulation
The PLGA material activates fibroblasts to build collagen support.
Who Might Consider InstaLift?
A physician assessment decides whether this treatment suits you.
Commonly Discussed For
- +Individuals with mild to moderate skin sagging on cheeks, jawline, or midface
- +Wanting a lift without surgery
- +People desiring a natural, refreshed look
- +Interest in collagen-stimulating rejuvenation
- +Preferring a short recovery
Not Suitable If
- –Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals
- –People with active skin infections or inflammation
- –Clients with autoimmune or bleeding disorders
- –Those with very thin or severely lax skin
- –Individuals allergic to PLLA or PGA materials
- –Taking blood thinners that cannot be paused (discuss with your physician; do not stop prescribed medication on your own)
What Are the Key Points?
A natural-looking lift, planned by a physician, with comfort and recovery in mind.
Immediate Lift
A visible lifting effect right after the procedure.
Collagen Support
Collagen stimulation continues as the sutures are absorbed.
Short Recovery
Most people resume normal activities within a few days.
Physician-Led
Treatment is performed by a physician under the medical direction of Dr. Charles Jiang, Medical Director.
Which Areas Can Be Treated?
InstaLift is mainly used for the midface and jawline, where gravity-related sagging tends to appear.
Nasolabial Folds
Lifting the cheek fat pads can soften the depth of smile lines.
Jowls & Jawline
Lifts sagging tissue along the jawline for a more defined profile.
Mid-Face Cheeks
Repositions drooping cheeks.
Marionette Lines
Softens the lines running from the mouth to the chin
Cheek Contours
Supports cheekbone definition and facial structure.
Lower Face
Supports overall lower-face balance.
What Happens During a Visit?
Under local anaesthetic, the physician places the sutures through small entry points and positions the cones to lift the tissue. The procedure typically takes 45-60 minutes.
Pre-Treatment
Avoid alcohol, blood thinners, and anti-inflammatory medications for 3 days before
Inform your doctor about any allergies or health conditions
Get adequate sleep the night before treatment
Arrive with a clean face and no makeup
During Treatment
Local Anaesthesia
Entry points are numbed with local anaesthetic for comfort.
Thread Insertion
The physician creates small entry points and gently inserts the sutures into the subcutaneous tissue
Anchoring & Lifting
Bidirectional cones anchor the tissue, allowing the physician to physically lift and reposition the skin
Stimulation
As the PLGA material dissolves, it activates fibroblasts to encapsulate the sutures in new collagen
Post-Treatment
Sleep on your back with your head elevated for 3–5 days
Avoid saunas, hot yoga, or strenuous exercise for 1 week
Keep the treated area clean and hydrated
Gentle skincare only; for about 2 weeks avoid wide mouth opening, dental work and facial massage
Avoid alcohol and smoking for several days. Contact the clinic if swelling persists, redness spreads or you have a fever
Resume light activities after 24 hours
**Individual results vary.
Common Questions
Is the procedure painful?+
Most people report minimal discomfort. Local anaesthetic is used at the entry points, and you may feel pressure during threading.
How long does recovery take?+
Social downtime is usually short, about 1-3 days. Swelling, bruising or skin dimpling at the entry points is common and typically settles within one to two weeks. Most people return to light activities after 24 hours, with a few restrictions on facial movement for about 2 weeks.
What is the difference between InstaLift and PDO threads?+
InstaLift uses cones rather than barbs and is made of PLGA. The cones are designed to anchor tissue firmly, and the material supports collagen production as it is absorbed. Your physician advises which approach suits your tissue.
How long do results last?+
Results are not permanent. They commonly last around 12-18 months, and manufacturer data indicates up to about 24 months. The sutures dissolve over several months while the collagen built around them continues to support the tissue, and the face keeps ageing. Duration varies by person.
Who is a candidate?+
People with mild to moderate skin laxity who want a lift without surgery are commonly assessed. It can suit both men and women, and a physician assessment decides.
What are the risks and side effects?+
Swelling, bruising, tenderness and dimpling at the entry points are common and usually settle within one to two weeks. Less commonly, a suture can be felt or seen under the skin, the face can look uneven, or an infection can develop; rarely a suture needs adjusting or removal. Contact us about worsening swelling, spreading redness or fever.
When will I see results?+
A lift is visible immediately after the procedure. Swelling, bruising or dimpling can blur it for the first week or two, and the result keeps improving over the next 3-6 months as collagen builds around the sutures. Individual results vary.
Can it be combined with other treatments?+
Often, yes. InstaLift lifts tissue but adds little volume, so it is commonly planned alongside fillers, and sometimes with Ultherapy® or other skin-tightening treatments. Your physician decides the order and spacing so each treatment can settle before the next.
What should I avoid after an InstaLift?+
For about 2 weeks avoid wide mouth opening, dental work, facial massage and sleeping on your face. Avoid saunas, hot yoga and strenuous exercise for 1 week, and sleep on your back with your head elevated for 3-5 nights. Light activity is fine after 24 hours.
Who performs the procedure at Skin Art MD?+
A physician performs the procedure under the medical direction of Dr. Charles Jiang, Medical Director.
Who should not have an InstaLift?+
People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, who have an active skin infection or inflammation, an autoimmune or bleeding disorder, very thin or severely lax skin, or an allergy to PLLA or PGA.
Where can I get a thread lift in Burnaby?+
Skin Art MD is at #101 - 4378 Beresford St, Burnaby, BC, near Metrotown SkyTrain Station (Expo Line), serving Burnaby and Vancouver. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00, closed Monday. Phone +1 (604) 639-2581. Consultations are available in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Ready to Talk It Through?
Book a visit at Skin Art MD Metrotown, Burnaby. A physician will assess whether a thread lift suits your goals.
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