How to Improve Sagging with a Shopping Lift

How to Improve Sagging with a Shopping Lift

What is a Shopping Thread? Its Effects and Mechanism

This procedure involves inserting fine needles into the face or body to create strategically placed micro-injuries within the skin.
These micro-injuries stimulate the production of collagen fibers, which tighten and firm the skin.
Approximately one month after the procedure, the skin-tightening effects become noticeable, and long-term sagging prevention is achieved.

Causes and Concerns of Sagging

As we age, the skeletal structure shrinks, leading to excess skin. Additionally, the skin itself loses elasticity.
As a result, the skin succumbs to gravity, leading to sagging.

Before and After of Shopping Lift

How to Improve Sagging with a Shopping Lift

before

How to Improve Sagging with a Shopping Lift

after

Procedure Process and Precautions

Key Points for Choosing a Clinic

Shopping threads come in various lengths and thicknesses.
The insertion techniques also vary.
Be sure to check what type of threads your chosen clinic uses and consult with the attending doctor about the design.

Anesthesia and Pain Management

The pain from inserting the threads is not very intense—similar to a slight prick.
While enduring about ten pricks is manageable, it becomes more difficult after around fifty and quite painful beyond a hundred.
Depending on the number of threads, anesthesia may be an option.
There are two types of anesthesia available:

Topical anesthesia cream, which numbs the skin to ease the pain of insertion.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) anesthesia, which helps alleviate fear and tension during the procedure.

Recovery Time and Aftercare

Swelling and pain when moving the treated area are significant for the first 2–3 days.
It is ideal to take painkillers as needed and rest as much as possible.
Swelling subsides, and bruising fades after about two weeks.
Visible results appear around one month after the procedure.

The Ideal Number of Shopping Threads for Effectiveness

The Difference Between 20 and 40 Threads

With 20 threads, placement is adjusted based on consultation, either concentrating on one side or targeting specific areas.
With 40 threads, they are inserted into key areas such as the jawline, cheeks, and under the chin.

Choosing the Right Number of Threads for Each Treatment Area

I generally recommend a grid-like pattern for placement.
Imagine a 10x10 square, and design how to distribute it symmetrically on both sides.
A maximum of 120 threads can be inserted into the face.
For the area under the chin, the threads are inserted vertically, resembling a lion’s mane—40 threads is the recommended amount.

Duration of Effectiveness

The skin-tightening effects last for about six months to a year.
However, since the collagen produced is naturally your own, its benefits last a lifetime.
Ideally, repeating the procedure annually can help maintain skin resilience and prevent sagging.

Yoshiko Kuno