Silhouette InstaLift
Turn back time without surgery. Silhouette InstaLift™ lifts sagging skin and reduces jowls while stimulating collagen for firmer, smoother results that improve over time.
Silhouette InstaLift Can Help
Real Patient Experience with InstaLift
Instant Results with InstaLift
Watch Dr. Butterwick Perform an InstaLift
What is Silhouette InstaLift?
Silhouette InstaLift is an FDA-cleared, minimally invasive facial rejuvenation procedure that uses biodegradable sutures with tiny bidirectional cones to lift sagging skin and stimulate collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid production. Made from polylactic acid (PLA)—the same safe material used in Sculptra®, these sutures naturally dissolve as they trigger your skin’s healing process, leading to gradual, long-term firmness and lift.
How Silhouette InstaLift Restores a Youthful Appearance
Unlike many thread treatments commonly offered in medspas, Silhouette InstaLift is fundamentally different from PDO threads. Silhouette threads are made from poly-L-lactic acid, the same biostimulatory material used in Sculptra, which encourages the body to produce collagen over time.
PDO threads are made from different materials and tend to dissolve more quickly, resulting in shorter-lasting improvement. Because of its unique composition, Silhouette InstaLift provides longer lasting support and structural improvement compared to PDO threads.
Instant Lift, Gradual Renewal
By repositioning tissue instead of adding volume, Silhouette InstaLift can enhance the undereye area and gently pull back the jowl without filler. In some cases, microlipo of the jowl may be incorporated for added contouring.
Minimally Invasive, No Scars
Performed under local anesthesia with no incisions, stitches, or general anesthesia required.
Safe, Dissolvable Sutures
Uses biocompatible PLA sutures that safely absorb into the body over time.
Dual-Action Rejuvenation
Lifts and tightens the midface while restoring natural volume through collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid stimulation.
Customizable and Precise
Each treatment is tailored to your anatomy and desired lift for balanced, natural results.
Long-Lasting Results
Results typically last up to 18-24 months, with continued collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid improvement over time.
Hear From Our Happy Patients
I trust Farzaneh Momeni completely with my skin. She is by far the best clinical aesthetician I’ve ever known. My skin has improved dramatically since I began monthly facials with her. Her treatments are 100% results-driven so if this is what you seek, look no further. Also, the entire Team at West Dermatology are top-notch. They’re always friendly, professional, & helpful, & greet everyone with a smile. 10 Stars all around!
My new regular cosmetic dermatology office. Dr Zubair is amazing and really patient with me. He has helped me over the last year with keloid scar removal, jaw Botox, and full facial acne scar treatment (ultra clear). The office is clean and the nursing/medical assistant staff is accommodating on all levels. I will always recommend this office and Dr Zubair to friends and family.
Most professional and most impressive! The service from the physicians to office staff is superb!
I live in Orange County and drove all the way out to see Dr. Wu because a friend of mine referred him (she had amazing results from her face and neck procedure). Dr. Wu is truly an artist! He made me feel extremely comfortable during my procedure. I was anxious when I got there, but he (and his staff) have such great energy and are so very kind and gentle that you can't help but feel at ease! The office was immaculate and they adhered to covid rules (sanitizing, temp checks, masks). This is my go-to place from now on and Dr. Wu is my go-to guy! Can't wait to see my final results! Thank you Phyllis (pre-op) for being so wonderful and informative! You were so very helpful and kind! I'll definitely be back!
Leysin and the entire team at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology are fantastic. They are professional, caring and communicative. The laser treatment was comfortable, efficient and effective! I highly recommend this practice. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
Dr. Goldman is amazing! I came here for my permanent eyeliner removal (which is not offered anywhere near me), and they are completely removed in just one session. They use a special contact lens to protect your eyes from the laser, and there are no damages to my eyelashes. The healing was also nice and smooth. They have everything you need. I live almost 3 hours away, but it was totally worth the trip. For anyone who is looking to remove their permanent makeup, this is the right place to go :)-
Dr. Butterwick is fantastic, all of her team as well. They make sure your experience is pleasant and painless as possible. My tattoo removal and my injectables look amazing. I highly recommend her for any skin treatment.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was recommended to me by my dermatologist. He recommended Dr. Monica Boen. I'm so glad I took his recommendation. Everyone here at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology was super nice and friendly. Very welcoming. I came here for hair removal treatment. I did 4 sessions with Dr. Boen. Dr. Boen made me feel so comfortable and at ease when I talked to her. She explained everything before she did my treatment. I loved that. She was really easy to talk to. I definitely will come back and recommend her and Cosmetic Laser Dermatology to my family and friends.
This office is awesome. My visit today was with Dr. Groff. His bed side manner is so fun and welcoming. He understood my concerns and recommended a treatment plan that I feel was reasonable. I love his staff! They take there time to make sure you understand the treatment and after care. Everyone in the office, from the front desk to the nurses in the back, are so friendly and beautiful. They are very prompt and I trust my care with CLD. I can't wait for my next visit. See you guys in a few weeks!
"Dr. Sabrina Fabi is genius! Her technique is unlike anyone, her eye is precise, and her kindness and caring manner comes from the depth of her soul. She's simply brilliant! It's no wonder people travel the country just to be treated by her."
I wish I could give them 10 stars! I had such an awesome experience for my first visit and I am referring everyone I know to this office. From the super friendly staff to the state of the art procedures, they are the cream of the crop.
“I came to participate in a research study. All of the Doctors and staff at C.L. Dermatology are very professional, warm and friendly. All our my needs were anticipated and the hospitality of this office is like a five star hotel.”
Why You'll Love Us
Pioneers in Non-Surgical Lifting
Our dermatologists were early adopters of Silhouette InstaLift and have mastered advanced thread-lifting techniques for safe, lasting results.
Natural, Dual-Action Rejuvenation
InstaLift lifts sagging skin immediately while stimulating collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid production for long-term firmness and structure.
Comprehensive, Customized Plans
We often pair InstaLift with Take10, Take5, Sculptra®, or ResurFX for enhanced tightening and texture improvement.
Minimal Downtime, Maximum Impact
Achieve visible lift and contour in a single session, with mild swelling that typically resolves within days.
Safe and Proven Materials
Biocompatible sutures made from polylactic acid ensure natural results without risk of allergic reaction.
Expert Dermatologic Care
Every procedure is performed by a board-certified dermatologist for precision, comfort, and safety.
Who Silhouette InstaLift Is Designed For

As patients age, sagging jowls and increased laxity of the lower face often become more noticeable. Many want visible improvement but do not want the risks, expense, or recovery associated with facelift surgery. Silhouette InstaLift offers an immediate lifting effect without surgery, fillers, or energy based devices.
This treatment is also well suited for patients who have previously undergone a facelift and notice laxity several years later, but are not ready or interested in additional surgery. For those seeking a non surgical lift with minimal downtime, Silhouette InstaLift can be an effective solution.
What to Expect from Silhouette InstaLift in San Diego
Receive a Thorough Consultation
Your provider will assess your skin, discuss your goals, and design a treatment plan customized to your facial structure and degree of laxity.
Experience a Comfortable In-Office Procedure
After numbing the treatment area with lidocaine, dissolvable sutures are placed beneath the skin to lift and secure the tissue, with minimal discomfort and no general anesthesia required.
See Immediate and Ongoing Results
Enjoy an instant lift after your procedure, followed by continued improvement as collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid strengthen your skin’s foundation.
Recover Quickly and Naturally
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days. Mild swelling or bruising may occur but can be easily managed with ice and gentle care.
Our Renowned Dermatologists
We are proud to share that Dr. Goldman, Dr. Butterwick, Dr. Groff, Dr. Fabi, & Dr. Boen have once again been recognized as Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2026!
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology has been voted Best Cosmetic Dermatology Practice in San Diego Magazine’s 2025 “Best of San Diego” readers’ poll!
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist, Best Cosmetic Surgeon, and Best Dermatologist for 4 consecutive years by the San Diego Reader Best Poll.
Dr. Mitchel Goldman was voted #1 Cosmetic Dermatologist in America by Newsweek
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Cosmetic Dermatologist and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 8 consecutive years by the San Diego U-T Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, and Fabi made the top 8 in Newsweek’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in America for the last two years in a row
Voted in the top 10% of Realself Doctors by achieving high patient satisfaction and getting favorable feedback on Q&A
Dr. William Groff was voted Best Dermatologist for 10 consecutive years and Best Cosmetic Surgeon for 9 consecutive years by the La Jolla Light Best Readers Poll.
Drs. Goldman, Butterwick, Groff, Fabi, and Boen were named Castle Connolly Top Doctors in 2025, making us one of the Top 3 Practices in California with the most Castle Connolly Top Doctors in Dermatology.
Dr. Boen has been recognized as a Top Doctor in 2023 and 2024 by San Diego County Medical Society.
Dr. Butterwick, is a distinguished facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial
Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS).
Silhouette InstaLift FAQ
Silhouette InstaLift is a minimally invasive lifting procedure that uses biocompatible sutures with bidirectional cones to lift sagging facial tissue while stimulating collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid production for natural, long-lasting rejuvenation.
Unlike surgery, InstaLift requires no incisions, general anesthesia, or extended recovery time. The procedure provides immediate lift with ongoing collagen, elastic fiber, and hyaluronic acid renewal for continued improvement over several months.
Silhouette InstaLift uses poly-L-lactic acid, a biostimulatory material that supports collagen production over time. PDO threads are made from various materials that typically dissolve more quickly. Because of this difference, Silhouette InstaLift results tend to last longer and provide more sustained structural support.
By repositioning facial tissue rather than adding volume, Silhouette InstaLift can help the undereye area appear smoother and more refreshed. This improvement is achieved without dermal filler, creating a natural looking result.
The threads gently lift and pull back the jowl, improving lower face contour without the need for filler. In some cases, microlipo of the jowl may be performed to further refine the result.
InstaLift is commonly used to address the midface, cheeks, jowls, and jawline, restoring a more youthful contour to the lower face.
Results typically last 18 months or longer, depending on factors such as age, skin condition, and lifestyle.
You may experience mild swelling, bruising, or tenderness for a few days following treatment. Following post-treatment instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activity and sleeping with your head elevated, helps optimize your results.
Yes. The sutures are made of poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), a biocompatible material that is safely absorbed by the body over time. All procedures are performed by our board-certified dermatologists for optimal safety and results.
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