Beauty for All
Walks of Life

Basic Knowledge of Marionette Lines and Thread Lifts

What are Marionette Lines?

Marionette lines are the lines that form below the corners of the mouth.
They are caused by sagging volume in the cheeks, which creates shadows below.

The Basic Mechanism of Thread Lifts

A thread with barbs (cogs) is inserted into the skin and physically lifted.
Over time, the thread dissolves and disappears, leaving behind collagen scars in the treated area.
These scars help to prevent sagging in the long term.

Thread Lift Effects on Marionette Lines

Thread lifts physically lift the flesh of the cheeks, improving marionette lines.
The effect is direct and very significant.

Thread Lift Procedure Method

Procedure Flow for a Thread Lift

During the consultation, the design is planned.
The doctor evaluates the contours of the face to decide where and in what direction to insert the threads.
If the cheeks have significant hollows, the threads are inserted to avoid those areas.
If the cheekbones are prominent, care is taken to avoid gathering too much tissue around the cheekbones to avoid further prominence.
Once the design is settled, disinfection is done, and the threads are inserted.
Depending on the insertion points, disinfection may be done around the ears and scalp.
Once disinfected, the thread is inserted.
A 18-gauge needle is used to create an entry point, and the thread (VOV lift in our clinic) is inserted.
For better results, the threads should be inserted while the face is lifted.
After the thread insertion, the reclining chair is adjusted, and the doctor checks for asymmetry before cutting any excess threads.

Recommended Number of Threads and Selection

For nasolabial folds, 4-6 threads (on both sides) are recommended.
For the jawline, 6-10 threads (on both sides) are ideal.
Personally, I think the type of thread doesn't matter much.

Pain During the Procedure and Pain Management

Local anesthesia is applied to the entry points and the insertion areas, which may cause some discomfort.
If you're concerned about pain, nitrous oxide anesthesia is a good option.
In some cases, a block anesthesia that numbs part of the face can be used, depending on the insertion area.

Effects and Benefits of Thread Lifts

Specific Results Achieved with Thread Lifts

Thread lifts offer immediate lifting effects.
Although I specialize in hyaluronic acid injections, combining these with thread lifts can enhance the results, providing a more effective overall treatment.

Contribution to Improving Marionette Lines

By lifting the sagging cheeks, marionette lines become shallower.
If you're not satisfied with the results from the thread lift alone, combining it with hyaluronic acid injections can be beneficial.

How to Maintain Continuous Results

The threads dissolve over time.
To maintain the results, regular treatments like HIFU or RF (radio frequency) can be performed.

Risks and Failures of Thread Lifts

Main Side Effects of Thread Lifts

Swelling, bruising, nerve damage, and salivary gland injury are possible.
Most of these side effects resolve over time, so if you're prepared for some downtime, you'll feel more at ease.

Advice to Avoid Failures

It's important to carefully plan the design.
You should decide exactly where to insert the threads and how to move the tissue for the desired result.

Points to Consider When Choosing a Clinic

Features and Reputation of Shonan Beauty Clinic

The clinic has many doctors, so the key factor is choosing the right one for you.

How to Find a Trusted Doctor

It's best to visit for a consultation and assess the doctor’s experience and communication style.

How to Check Prices and Treatment Details

At our clinic, you will be charged for the number of threads used, as well as local anesthesia fees.
I initially didn't want to charge for local anesthesia, but due to insufficient supply, I had to charge.
Nitrous oxide anesthesia is charged separately.

Post-Treatment Care After a Thread Lift

Post-Procedure Instructions and Care

For the first 2-3 days, there may be some pain.
Take painkillers to manage it.
Be gentle with the entry points to avoid infection.
You will experience some downtime for a month, so be patient as changes occur.

Yoshiko Kuno