Beauty for All
Walks of Life

Basics of Shopping Thread Treatment and Its Effect on Marionette Lines

What is Shopping Thread?

At our clinic, we use shopping threads that are 29G in thickness and 38mm in length, with dissolvable sutures attached.
By inserting multiple needles into the face, we create strategically designed micro-injuries, which then stimulate collagen fiber production along the treated areas.
As the collagen fibers form a net-like structure, they prevent tissue from sagging, offering both preventive and corrective effects against skin laxity.

What are Marionette Lines?

Marionette lines appear due to sagging jowl fat caused by aging or bone structure.
This results in a crease between the jowl and chin, forming noticeable lines called marionette lines.

How Does the Treatment Slim the Face?

By improving facial sagging, the jawline appears more defined, creating a slimmer and more sculpted facial appearance.
The skin adheres closely to the jawbone, further enhancing the slimming effect.

How Shopping Threads Lift and Tighten the Skin

Collagen Regeneration and Tightening Effects

Inserting multiple shopping threads creates designed micro-injuries on the face.
Have you ever noticed that after a significant wound heals, the skin in that area becomes firmer and slightly tighter?
This procedure replicates that effect artificially.
As the wounds heal, an abundance of collagen fibers are generated, improving skin elasticity and firmness.

How It Enhances Skin Firmness

Collagen plays a key role in maintaining skin elasticity.
By increasing collagen fibers where shopping threads are inserted, skin becomes firmer and more resilient.

Duration and Longevity of the Lifted Effect

Results become noticeable immediately and continue improving over two months.
However, after about six months, you may feel the effects have diminished as your skin adapts.
That said, the newly produced collagen remains yours for life.
Collagen levels naturally peak in infancy and decline with age.
If shopping thread treatments are performed about once a year, you can maintain your current collagen levels.

Things to Know Before Treatment

Required Number of Threads and Procedure Duration

I prefer a grid-like pattern when inserting the threads.
The goal is to create a square-shaped design, typically using 10 vertical and 10 horizontal threads.
For nasolabial folds: approximately 40 threads per side
For marionette lines: approximately 40 threads per side
For under the chin: since a grid is difficult, threads are inserted vertically, resembling a lion’s mane—about 40 threads here as well.

Pain and Downtime

The healing process is similar to that of a major wound.
Swelling and bruising occur and last for approximately two weeks.
It’s best to schedule the treatment at a time when you can accommodate this downtime.

Understanding Risks and Side Effects

While there are potential risks such as nerve damage or skin irritation, I have never encountered a case where the effects did not heal over time.

The Shopping Thread Procedure

Key Points for Your First Consultation

The design is crucial.
Consult with your doctor about where and how the threads will be inserted to create the ideal supporting network for your skin.

Actual Procedure Steps

Cleansing – Wash your face.
Disinfection – The treatment area is disinfected.
Thread Insertion – The threads are inserted according to the pre-planned design.
Completion – After both sides are done, the threads are removed, and pressure is applied for hemostasis.
Final Check – Once the bleeding stops, the procedure is complete.

Post-Treatment Aftercare

Swelling and bruising will be noticeable.
For faster recovery, some use a cream called Seberia, though it lacks strong medical evidence.
I leave this decision up to the patient.

Eliminating Marionette Lines: Case Studies and Results

Successful Cases: Before and After Treatment

Combination with Lip Filler (Volbella)
Shopping thread treatment significantly reduced the appearance of marionette lines

Unsuccessful Cases and Their Causes

Likely due to insufficient thread count

Cost and Choosing the Right Clinic

How to Get the Best Value

Rather than choosing expensive threads, it’s more effective to insert a large number of affordable ones!

Average Pricing for the Procedure

Varies by clinic

Cost-Effective Clinics

Our clinic is likely one of the most affordable options.
During campaigns, 10 threads cost just 2,500 yen.

Additional Services and Their Benefits

Numbing Cream: 3,300 yen
Some patients opt to endure the procedure without anesthesia, so decide based on cost vs. pain tolerance.

Comparison with Other Treatments for Marionette Lines

Jawline treatments are particularly effective for improving nasolabial folds as well.

Yoshiko Kuno