Beauty for All
Walks of Life

Basic Understanding of Thread Lifting and Shopping Thread Lifting

What is Thread Lifting?

Thread lifting involves inserting threads with barbs (cogs) into the face and physically lifting the skin.
Rather than pulling the skin directly, the threads are inserted to shift the position of the underlying fat, creating a more natural and smooth result.
You can think of it as "moving the flesh" to understand the process.

What is Shopping Thread Lifting?

Shopping thread lifting is a procedure that creates designed scars by inserting needles into the skin.
The needle creates a mesh-like grid pattern, and the thread attached to the needle dissolves within 2-3 days.
While the thread itself doesn’t have a lasting effect, collagen fibers are created around the wounds and threads, making the skin less likely to sag, like creating a net on the face.

Overview of the Objectives and Effects of Both Procedures

Thread lifting focuses on lifting, while shopping thread lifting focuses on tightening.
With thread lifting, it’s helpful to imagine where the flesh will be moved and how the face will change.
With shopping thread lifting, you focus on which parts to harden to prevent sagging.
By lying on your back and gently pressing certain areas with your fingers, you can identify which areas will benefit from this procedure.

Features and Effects of Thread Lifting

Thread Lifting Procedure

During the consultation, the design is created to decide where to move the flesh.
After disinfection, local anesthesia is administered.
Once anesthesia is effective, the thread lift (VOV lift in our clinic) is inserted.
After inserting the threads, the results are checked, and any excess thread is cut to finish the procedure.

Lifting Effects of Thread Lifting

When the skin is pulled, it can create unnatural wrinkles around the temples.
The effect is limited to the point where it does not create too much of an unnatural fold.
Thread lifting focuses on "moving the flesh." For example, lifting the sagging flesh of the cheeks and redistributing it to the recessed areas of the face is the goal.

Disadvantages and Risks of Thread Lifting

There is a limit to the effect of thread lifting.
If the result is unsatisfactory, a surgical incision may be considered.
Downtime can occur, and it’s recommended to take around a week off, planning the procedure at least a month before any major events.

Features and Effects of Shopping Thread Lifting

Shopping Thread Lifting Procedure

During the consultation, the treatment area and design are decided.
A topical anesthetic cream is applied to numb the surface of the skin.
The shopping thread is inserted while disinfecting the skin.
After inserting the thread, it is removed, and bleeding is stopped to complete the procedure.

Tightening Effects of Shopping Thread Lifting

When you experience a major injury, the tissue can harden and shrink.
Similarly, shopping threads create small injuries within the skin.
While the surface skin is not injured and no visible scars are formed, the extent of shrinkage caused by the injury leads to a tightening effect.

Disadvantages and Risks of Shopping Thread Lifting

The effect may be difficult to notice.
Changes won’t appear dramatic in photos.
Downtime can be long.
Similar to major injuries that cause bruising, it may take time to heal.

Differences Between Thread Lifting and Shopping Thread Lifting

Approach Differences

Thread Lifting involves several larger needle holes (3-4 per side), while Shopping Thread Lifting creates many small needle holes.
Thread Lifting uses longer threads, while Shopping Thread Lifting uses shorter threads.
Thread Lifting involves injecting anesthesia, while Shopping Thread Lifting uses a topical anesthetic cream.

Differences in Effect Duration

Thread Lifting: The duration depends on the type of thread used, ranging from those that dissolve in about 6 months to those that last 2-3 years.
Shopping Thread Lifting: Since the procedure is based on creating scars, the effect is likely semi-permanent. Continuing the procedure approximately once a year helps maintain the results.

Comparison of Pain and Downtime

Thread Lifting: Pain lasts for 2-3 days.
Shopping Thread Lifting: There is no pain after the procedure.
Downtime for both procedures is about 2 weeks, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Yoshiko Kuno