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Shopping Lift / Threads: 60 units, 62,990 yen (greatly reduced price) | 【Official】 Smart Skin Clinic
At our clinic, the free consultation is handled directly by a specialist physician, not by a beauty counselor as at major clinics. For this reason, there is no hard selling whatsoever during the free consultation, which has made it very well received even by patients who are new to aesthetic treatments. Please book with peace of mind.
“I'm concerned about sagging under my eyes and on my cheeks, and about my nasolabial folds.”
“I want firmer, more elastic skin.”
“I want a lift without any incisions.”
Do any of these concerns sound familiar?
Hello. I am a physician at Smart Skin Clinic, an aesthetic dermatology clinic.
The “Shopping Lift (Shopping Threads)” is a treatment in which threads are inserted to help create a natural lifting effect. For those who are bothered by sagging but do not want a scalpel-based procedure, we provide a thorough explanation from a cosmetic-dermatology perspective—covering how the Shopping Lift works, its downtime period and symptoms, its advantages and disadvantages, the number of threads needed, and how often maintenance is recommended.
*If you would like to see the pricing right away, you can jump to it from the table of contents below.
Group Chief Director, Smart Skin Clinic Group
Ishii Kota
Career
Graduated from Juntendo University School of Medicine
Worked at Tokyo Women's Medical University Hospital and affiliated facilities
Worked at a major aesthetic clinic in Tokyo
Affiliations / Qualifications
Board-certified specialist, Japan Surgical Society
Board-certified specialist, Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine
What is the Shopping Lift (Threads)?
The Shopping Lift is a skin-quality and sagging treatment that uses threads.
As the name “shopping” suggests, it is meant to be casual enough to fit in with a shopping trip.
An ultra-fine needle with a thread attached is inserted into the “dermis” deep within the skin, and the needle is withdrawn, leaving only the thread behind. The inserted thread stimulates the fibroblasts in the dermis, and through the body's natural wound-healing response, these fibroblasts produce collagen and elastin—helping to bring firmness and elasticity to the skin.
It is characterized by a natural-looking result created through a tightening effect.
Expected Effects and Duration
The Shopping Lift / Threads is designed to deliver effects such asa natural lift, greater skin firmness and radiance, more even skin tone, and tighter pores—and other improvements in skin quality.
It is also effective for sagging, but sagging is not caused by reduced skin elasticity alone. It is not suited to sagging caused by muscle or bone, to severe sagging, or to cases where a dramatic change is desired.
Effects by Treatment Area
With the Shopping Lift / Threads, the entire face can be treated, and by varying the number, depth, and angle of the inserted threads, specific areas can also be addressed according to your concerns.
For example, the following effects may be expected in different areas:
- Forehead: brings firmness to the skin and makes wrinkles less noticeable
- Around the eyes: makes crow's-feet less noticeable and brings firmness to hollows under the eyes and at the temples
- Cheeks: brings firmness to the facial contour
- Nasolabial folds: makes the folds less noticeable
- Neck: brings firmness to the skin and makes neck wrinkles less noticeable
Number of Threads Needed, by Concern
Some people may wonder about the Shopping Lift, thinking “I don't know how many threads I need” or “Isn't the number higher than with other thread lifts?”
The treatment area of the Shopping Lift and the number of needles required vary depending on your area of concern and skin condition.
As a general rule, several dozen needles are inserted into the area where sagging is to be lifted. The approximate numbers are as follows. For details, please confirm with the doctor during a free consultation.
- Whole face: 100 threads
- Forehead: 30–40 threads
- Between the eyebrows: 20 threads
- Around the eyes: 20 threads
- Cheeks: 50 threads
- Mouth area: 40 threads
- Nasolabial folds: 20 threads
- Marionette lines: 20 threads
- Jaw: 30–50 threads
If you are wondering “will 20 threads really be enough?” please also see the article below.
Noticeable even after one session! When you may feel the effects
The Shopping Lift has both short-term and medium- to long-term effects.
[Short-term effects]
Although results from the Shopping Lift vary from person to person, some people notice an improvement in sagging right after the procedure.
For most people, the effects become easier to notice from about one week after the procedure.
The stimulation from thread insertion activates fibroblasts and boosts the production of collagen and elastin, and the threads begin to be absorbed about one week after the procedure.
[Medium- to long-term effects]
Beyond the stimulation at the time of insertion, the body recognizes the threads remaining under the skin as a foreign substance, prompting collagen to be produced around them. Over the following 1–3 months, it becomes easier to notice added volume and a tightening effect.
With the peak effect occurring around 3–4 months after the procedure, collagen production continues while the threads gradually dissolve and disappear over approximately 8 months. This treatment is designed to support the long-term production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
This treatment is recommended both for those who want to use it as ongoing maintenance and for those who want to see results in time for an upcoming occasion.
If you feel the Shopping Lift “doesn't work,” please also see the article below.
The effect is not permanent
The effects of the Shopping Lift can be felt even after one session, but they are not permanent.
Even after the threads are absorbed, collagen and elastin in the treated area continue to increase, and the effect lasts about one to one and a half years. However, if nothing is done, some degree of age-related decline in collagen and elastin is unavoidable.
Taking age-related changes into account, repeating maintenance a few times a year makes it easier to keep your skin in good condition.
The Shopping Lift is recommended for people who:
Some of you who have read this far may feel unsure whether the Shopping Lift is really the right choice for your particular concern.
The Shopping Lift is recommended for people who:
- want to improve sagging naturally
- want to boost skin firmness and radiance
- want to improve wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes
- want beautiful, healthy-looking skin
- want a slimmer-looking face
- do not want a scalpel-based procedure
- want a treatment with less pain and downtime
People who cannot undergo the Shopping Lift
As a general rule, the procedure can be performed as long as there is no serious illness or inflammation at the treatment site. The following is provided for your reference, as we are obliged to make this information known.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- People with skin conditions
- People with a skin infection
- People prone to keloids
If you have any other medical conditions or take regular medication, please consult a doctor in advance.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Shopping Lift
The Shopping Lift has the following advantages and disadvantages:
Benefits
- Scars are inconspicuous
- Natural-looking result
- Little to no downtime
Drawbacks
- Some pain and discomfort immediately after the procedure
- May not deliver a noticeable effect on significant sagging
- Other cosmetic treatments cannot be performed for a certain period after the procedure
To learn more, please also see the articles below.
The Shopping Lift is a treatment that makes use of the body's own natural processes. As a result, it brings firmness and elasticity and is designed to create a natural lifting effect. On the other hand, because a dramatic change should not be expected, it is not indicated for severe sagging.
So that you don't go through the treatment without feeling any benefit, confirm during the consultation whether it is suitable for you, and proceed only once you are comfortable with the expected result.
Threads Used in the Shopping Lift
The Shopping Lift is one of the “Thread Lift” treatments, in which threads are inserted beneath the skin, but some people may feel uneasy about placing a foreign object into the skin, or may be curious about what kind of thread is used. Below, we explain the material, shape, and safety of the threads.
The thread material is PDS (polydioxanone), also used in surgery
The threads used in the Shopping Lift are made of a medical material called polydioxanone (PDS), which has been used for many years in other surgical procedures. They vary in thickness and length, but are finer than a strand of hair and about 30–40 mm long.
The threads used in thread lifts are made from a variety of materials. Absorbability and durability differ depending on the material.
The main materials used in thread lifts and their properties are as follows:
| Thread material | Features | Absorbability | Durability of effect |
| PDS (polydioxanone) | ・Also used for surgical sutures | Absorbable | Approx. 1 to 1.5 years |
| PCL (polycaprolactone) | ・Flexible | Absorbable | Approx. 2 to 3 years |
| PLA / PLLA (polylactic acid) | ・Plant-derived ・Firm | Absorbable | Approx. 2 years |
| PP (polypropylene) | ・Also used for surgical sutures ・Non-stretchable | Non-absorbable | Approx. 3 years |
This may all sound a little technical, but the point we most want to emphasize is the safety of the absorbable threads used in the Shopping Lift.
- Absorbable threads: because they do not remain in the body, their effect tends to be shorter-lasting than that of non-absorbable threads, but they are safer.
- Non-absorbable threads: because they are not absorbed and remain in the body, the lifting effect tends to last longer, but the risk of infection is higher.
The threads used in the Shopping Lift are short threads without cogs
The threads used in the Shopping Lift are “short threads without cogs (barbs).” Cog-free threads are used to improve skin quality by stimulating cell regeneration.
Other thread lifts also use “long threads with cogs.” Cogged threads are used in treatments where barbs or mold-like features around the thread hook into the tissue beneath the skin to physically pull it upward.
There is also a study that examined how polydioxanone threads change within the body over time. It confirmed that “collagen increased during the first 12 weeks and was absorbed and broken down by the body in about 24 weeks, and that the larger the area of contact with tissue, the more skin-regenerating cells such as fibroblasts increased.”
Using experiments in rats, researchers examined every two weeks how polydioxanone (PDO) and polycaprolactone (PCL) change within the body and by what mechanism they act. (Excerpt) An increase in collagen production was observed during the first 12 weeks, after which it declined. In particular, the decline in collagen was slower in the group using PCL threads than in the group using PDO threads. PCL threads remained in the body longer than PDO threads: PCL was absorbed and broken down over more than a year, and PDO in about 24 weeks.
Young In Ha, Jun Hyun Kim, Eun Soo Park. Histological and molecular biological analysis on the reaction of absorbable thread; Polydioxanone and polycaprolactone in rat model. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2022 Jul;21(7);2774-2782. doi:10.1111/jocd.14587.
Features of the Shopping Lift at Smart Skin Clinic
We “design” the treatment around your wishes and concerns
Each thread is placed carefully, one by one, with our dedicated skill
Treatment Flow
Here is an overview of the Shopping Lift treatment process.
The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes, and the whole visit about 60 minutes. Insertion time depends on the number of threads.
The pain of the treatment is mild
Because an ultra-fine needle is used, pain during the Shopping Lift is not very strong—roughly like having your fingertip pinched by a fingernail. Since the threads have no barbs (cogs), there is almost no resistance against the skin. That said, sensitivity to pain varies from person to person.
Applying a topical anesthetic beforehand reduces the pain, but you may feel some discomfort as it is inserted. Please rest assured that we will check in with you as needed during the procedure.
Those who feel strong fear or anxiety about pain may use inhaled nitrous oxide (laughing gas) anesthesia. Only while you are inhaling it, it produces a light, floating sensation similar to being pleasantly tipsy. (*Smart Skin Clinic does not offer nitrous oxide anesthesia.)
Downtime period and symptoms
During downtime after the Shopping Lift, symptoms such as swelling, pain, redness, warmth, scarring, and bruising may appear. Symptoms are mild and subside within a few days, with little impact on work or daily life.
As the name “Shopping Lift” implies, you can think of the downtime as mild enough to go shopping right after the procedure.
The main downtime symptoms of the Shopping Lift are as follows:
| Symptom | Duration |
| Redness / warmth | A few hours |
| Swelling / pain | A few days |
| Bruising (pinpoint bleeding may appear) | Fades gradually over 1–2 weeks; can be covered with makeup |
| A feeling of tightness or discomfort around the mouth and jaw | A few days |
| Scars | Barely noticeable |
The needles and threads used in the Shopping Lift are extremely fine, and while bruising does not occur in everyone, because a needle is being inserted there is always a chance of hitting a blood vessel.
In the unlikely event that you experience allergic symptoms, including increased swelling or pain, please contact the clinic immediately. If it is an infection, medical treatment will be required.
What should you avoid after the treatment? Effects on daily life
To get the most out of your Shopping Lift, please follow the post-procedure precautions for daily life below.
| Makeup | From the next day; same day for areas other than the treated area |
| Washing your face / showering | Same day OK. Do not rub the treated area hard. |
| Bathing | OK once swelling has subsided; avoid prolonged exposure |
| Saunas, excessive alcohol, and other activities that promote blood circulation | Avoid for about 1 week |
| Strenuous exercise and facial massage | Avoid for about 1 month, until the threads have settled |
Here we explain why the precautions above need to be followed.
[Makeup] The treated area is delicate after the procedure. Although invisible to the eye, tiny wounds are created where the needle was inserted. To promote healing and avoid infection, avoid applying makeup to, or irritating, the treated area on the day of the procedure.
[Saunas, excessive alcohol, etc.] Even after the surface wounds have closed, it takes time for the wounds within the skin to heal. In general, warming a wound can make it sore, cause swelling, or leave a mark, so we recommend avoiding saunas, excessive alcohol, and long baths for about a week.
[Strenuous exercise / facial massage] It takes time for collagen and elastin to form within the skin and for the threads to settle. Moving your face within the range of everyday activities, or opening your mouth for dental treatment, is not a problem, but until the threads have settled, please avoid exercise or massage that moves the face vigorously.
Also, the skin tends to be dry after the procedure, and dryness can trigger all kinds of skin problems. UV exposure is likewise said to account for about 80% of skin aging. To maintain healthy, beautiful skin after your downtime, keep up daily skincare such as moisturizing and sun protection.
For anything else you are unsure about, please feel free to ask during a free consultation.
Points for choosing a clinic to avoid a disappointing Shopping Lift
There are three things you can do to avoid a disappointing Shopping Lift: choose a clinic and doctor with strong technical skills, talk things through in the consultation until you are fully satisfied, and confirm the fee structure and total cost.
Choose a clinic and doctor with strong technical skills
The Shopping Lift can address concerns in various areas depending on the number, depth, and angle of the inserted threads. The doctor's experience and skill are also important in achieving the result you want. Check case results and reviews in advance, and choose a clinic and doctor you can trust.
Talk things through in the consultation until you are fully satisfied
How the effects of the Shopping Lift appear varies from person to person. Before proceeding, discuss in the consultation—until you are fully satisfied—whether your concerns are suitable for the treatment and how much of an effect you can expect.
Confirm the fee structure and total cost
Because cosmetic medicine is self-pay (not covered by insurance), fee structures differ from clinic to clinic. The price of the Shopping Lift also varies by clinic.
It is reassuring to confirm in advance whether counseling, needle, and anesthesia fees apply, how many needles you will need, any additional charges, and the total cost of treatment. Avoid clinics that are unusually cheap or expensive, or that offer a steep discount only for the first visit, and—considering ongoing maintenance—choose a clinic with fair, sustainable pricing.
Recommended number and frequency of sessions
After a single Shopping Lift session of several dozen threads, the effect lasts roughly one to one and a half years. After that, maintenance a few times a year is recommended.
Pricing
| 40 threads | 46,990 yen (1,175 yen per vial) |
| 60 threads | 62,990 yen (1,050 yen per thread) |
| 80 threads | 79,990 yen (1,000 yen per thread) |
| 100 threads | 94,990 yen (950 yen per thread) |
Need for Anesthesia | High
Prices shown are all-inclusive, covering anesthesia and other fees.
This is because anesthesia is recommended for this treatment, so the standard practice is to perform it after applying anesthetic cream or administering local anesthesia.
Why we can deliver both "high quality" and "some of the lowest prices in the nation"The reasons we can achieve this
In fact, more than 90% of aesthetic clinics carry too many unnecessary costs to offer their patients the best possible price.
Guided by this awareness of the problem, we created an aesthetic clinic completely unlike the conventional norm.
(1) Areas with low rent
(2) Cutting back on lavish interiors
(3) Cutting back on excess staffing
(4) Cutting back on excessive advertising spend
This is how we deliver something other clinics can't match: the "High-quality Shopping Lift offered at one of the lowest price levels in Japan" we're able to achieve.
Smart Skin Clinic consistently earns high ratings in reviews on Google, Hot Pepper, KireiPass, and more.
At Smart Skin Clinic, we think carefully about what our patients truly need and thoroughly cut out unnecessary costs, allowing us to deliver affordability, high quality, and high satisfaction all at once.
As a result,we earn high ratings across a variety of review sites, including Google and Hot Pepper Beauty.we have earned.
As a result, about 80% of those who visit us once return for repeat treatment.
Google review rating 4.5/5.0 (97 reviews)
Hot Pepper Beauty rating 4.57/5.00
KireiPass rating4.30/5.00
Kumapon rating4.71/5.00
Gangnam Unni rating9.3/10.0
Frequently Asked Questions About the Shopping Lift
- Does washing my face hurt during the downtime after a Shopping Lift?
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It varies from person to person, but even when there is some pain, it is not unbearable and subsides within a few days.
- Will my skin look bumpy after a Shopping Lift?
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Because short threads that are ultra-fine and free of cogs (barbs) are used, the skin does not become bumpy.
- When can I drink alcohol after a Shopping Lift?
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You can from the day after the procedure, but if there is swelling or bruising, it may linger. Please hold off until any bruising has faded.
- When do the effects of the Shopping Lift peak?
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The effect peaks about 3–4 months after the procedure and lasts roughly one to one and a half years. Even while the threads are being absorbed, they act as a stimulus that helps promote collagen production.
- Are there several types of Shopping Lift threads? If so, how do they differ?
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The threads used in the Shopping Lift are all made of polydioxanone (PDS)—short threads with no barbs that are absorbed by the body.
- Excluding counseling, how many minutes does the procedure itself take?
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Excluding counseling, the Shopping Lift takes about 30 minutes. The time varies with the number of threads.
- How painful is a Shopping Lift? Is topical anesthetic alone enough? Is it better to have nitrous oxide anesthesia?
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The pain during the procedure is about like having your fingertip pinched. Applying a topical anesthetic relieves it sufficiently. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) anesthesia can also be used to ease anxiety. (*Our clinic does not offer nitrous oxide anesthesia.)
- How much does a Shopping Lift interfere with daily life during downtime? What symptoms occur and how do they progress?
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There is very little downtime, though it varies from person to person. For a typical desk job, it should not cause problems. Since swelling and pain may appear, allow yourself some scheduling flexibility when you have the treatment. Any bruising is mild enough to cover with makeup.
For a Shopping Lift, please consult Smart Skin Clinic
Have your concerns and questions about the Shopping Lift been answered?
At Smart Skin Clinic, a doctor handles everything from counseling through treatment. We also have an extensive track record of cases. With transparent pricing, we cut out waste such as excessive advertising and interior costs, and we never pressure you into add-on options.
If you have any questions—about the treatment, downtime, or anything else—please feel free to ask during a free consultation.
Reference
Physician Who Supervised This Page
Smart Skin Clinic, Chief Medical Director / Physician
Kota Ishii
We oversee treatment policies across the entire group, tailored to the skin condition of each individual patient. The content on this page has been reviewed and approved in line with our clinic's treatment policies.
Interview with Director Kota Ishii
Kota Ishii, our Chief Medical Director, shares our clinic's approach to patient care.
Clinic List
Jimbocho Clinic
〒101-0054
3-16-1 Kanda Nishiki-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, EX Kanda Nishiki-cho Building 8F (general reception) / 7F
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:00–20:00 / Sat & Sun 10:00–19:00
Yokohama Clinic
〒221-0835
TS Plaza Building 2F, 2-23-2 Tsuruya-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:00–19:00