Are shopping threads ineffective? What you need to know before treatment

Shopping Lift Eye Catch

I wonder if shopping threads work?"

"I saw a review about shopping threads that said 'ineffective.'"

Can't we count on a few of them to do the trick?"

Do you have these questions about shopping threads (shopping lift)?

Hello. I am a doctor of cosmetic dermatology and Smart Skin Clinic.

Shopping threads are popular as an easily accessible skin care treatment. On the other hand, we sometimes see word-of-mouth that it is not effective.

Why are shopping threads rated "ineffective"?

In this article, our cosmetic dermatology clinic will explain the reasons why shopping threads are said to be "ineffective," as well as the effects of shopping threads, the timing and duration of the effects, and measures to realize the effects, from a professional standpoint in an easy-to-understand manner.

*Please press the item you are interested in from the table of contents below to jump to it.

Table of Contents

Shopping threads work.

Shopping thread is a procedure in which ultra-fine threads (threads) are implanted under the skin.

The threads stimulate the dermal layer deep within the skin, and the power to increase collagen and elastin, the source of firmness and elasticity, works to improve skin texture and firmness.

The use of threads thinner than a hair with a length of about 30 to 40 mm makes it possible to treat the entire face as well as fine areas such as the eye area and laugh lines, depending on your concerns.

[Expected effects

  • Short-term: Skin tightening effect immediately after insertion of threads
  • Medium to long term: Effect of bringing firmness over time and reducing the appearance of wrinkles

In fact, the effectiveness of thread therapy using PDO (shopping thread material) has been recognized in various publications, including

In the following study, PDO threads were inserted into pig subcutaneous fat and tissue samples were collected at 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks, and the results showed "neocollagen formation, fat reduction, and improvement of vascular environment".

Four white Yucatan pygmy pigs, whose skin most closely resembles the structure of human skin, were selected. 4-0 PDO threads were inserted into the subcutaneous fat. Tissue samples were taken at 4, 12, 24, and 48 weeks. H&E staining, Masson trichrome staining, and anti-smooth muscle actin immunohistochemical staining were used for histological analysis.

(omitted) PDO sutures induce specific changes in the surrounding tissue that result in neocollagenesis, fibrotic merger effects, fat loss, tissue contracture, and an improved vascular environment.

Jung Hyun Yoon, Sang Seop Kim, Seung Min Oh, Bong Cheol Kim, Wonsug Jung. Tissue changes over time after polydioxanone thread insertion: an animal study with pigs. journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2019 Jun;18(3);885-891. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12718.

Five reasons why shopping threads are "ineffective"

Many people expect to see benefits from shopping threads, but due to differences in perception, they are sometimes told that they are ineffective. The reasons for this are explained below.

➀ Because there is no dramatic change.

Shopping threads do not produce dramatic or immediate changes. Compared to a scalpel facelift or a thread lift that uses cogged threads to pull up the skin, the results are more natural. The collagen and elastin are produced over time, making the treatment less noticeable to others.

(2) It's just not starting to take effect.

You may be concerned if the effect is not recognized immediately after the surgery, but the effect of shopping threads can be felt from about one week after the surgery.

After the surgery, it takes time for collagen and elastin to be produced. It will take about 3 to 4 months for the effects to gradually become apparent.

(iii) Because the effect is not eternal.

It is a misconception to judge shopping threads as "ineffective" just because they did not last. The duration of effect of shopping threads is approximately one to one and a half years.

Considering the changes that occur with aging, repeated maintenance several times a year will make it easier to maintain good condition.

(4) Because the postoperative period was not appropriate.

Depending on how you spend your time after shopping threads, you may lose the benefits that you could have gained. Please follow the post-operative precautions so as not to disturb the important post-operative process. At Smart Skin Clinic, we will provide you with a paper describing aftercare.

Specifically, please note the following points

  • Washing face and showering are allowed on the same day, but do not scrub hard.
  • Bathing is allowed as long as the swelling has gone down.
  • Makeup can be applied to the affected area from the next day.
  • Refrain from anything that stimulates blood flow, such as sauna and excessive alcohol consumption, for about a week.
  • Refrain from strenuous exercise and facial massage for about a month.

For more information on how to spend the postoperative period, see also the following article.

Smart Skin Clinic (Tokyo, Japan)
Thorough explanation of the effects, downtime, number of threads, and disadvantages of the shopping lift (threads) | SmartSkin C... Web Appointment or Free Consultation Appointment Click here for Phone Consultation & Appointment 050-1720-6230 "I am concerned about sagging under the eyes and cheeks and lines" "I want to have firmness and elasticity in my skin" "I want a lift-up without cutting...

(5) Because it's not an adaptation in the first place.

No treatment can be expected to be effective if it is not indicated.

If you are looking for a lifting effect in shopping threads similar to a "thread lift" performed with long, cogged threads, you will feel "ineffective".

Shopping threads are also called "shopping lifts" or "shopping thread lifts" and have a name that evokes an image of lifting, but since they are thinner than hair and have no cog, their pulling power is weaker than that of thread lifts. It is suitable for improving fine wrinkles, skin texture, and sagging skin by tightening.

Shopping threads have no "lifting" effect?

Here's the question, "Don't both thread lifts and shopping threads have lifting effects?" Some of you may be wondering, "Why doesn't the name "shopping lift" lift the skin?" Some of you may be wondering, "Don't both thread lift and shopping thread lift?

Shopping threads provide a natural lift with a tightening effect, but most people may not know the difference between "lifting" and "tightening". Each has a different approach to sagging skin.

  • Lifting: Physically pull up the skin that has dropped due to aging or gravity.
  • Tightening: Improvement of fine wrinkles and mild sagging by increasing skin density and firmness from within

To experience the benefits of shopping threads

Now that you know the five reasons why people say "shopping threads don't work," here are some pointers on what you should do to make them work.

  • Understand how the effects of shopping threads are manifested.
  • Select a potential clinic based on case studies and reviews.
  • See a physician, communicate your wishes, and confirm indications.
  • Check the total cost of treatment.
  • Receive treatment at a reputable medical institution.
  • Observe postoperative lifestyle precautions to avoid interfering with the effect.
  • Regular maintenance to maintain effectiveness.

We hope that you now have a better understanding of how shopping threads work and how long they last.

Different clinics have different skill levels, treatment plans, and services. In word of mouth, check to see if they ask for unreasonable additional treatment, if cleansing is available before treatment, and how they respond to questions.

Since shopping threads are free treatment, the fee structure differs from clinic to clinic. It is advisable to check whether there is a counseling fee, as well as additional costs such as anesthesia and medication, and the total cost.

Shopping threads are recommended for

  • Those who want to improve sagging naturally
  • For those who want to improve skin elasticity and luster
  • Those who want to improve wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes.
  • Those who want to have beautiful skin
  • Those who want to have a small face

Smart Skin Clinic Shopping Lift

Pre-treatment design capabilities

Treatment Skills

For shopping threads, go to Smart Skin Clinic.

Have your questions and concerns about the effectiveness of shopping threads been answered?

If you understand the mechanism of the effect and post-operative precautions when undergoing shopping threads, you will not feel "ineffective" after the treatment.

Smart Skin Clinic has a smart fee structure that eliminates waste and keeps costs down, and we do not force you to take additional treatments. In addition to providing appropriate treatment, the process from visit to counseling and consultation is also smart and well received.

The following article describes the Smart Skin Clinic shopping lift. Please take a look if you are interested.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

FAQ

What is the difference between shopping threads and shopping lifts?

Same. Thread means "thread". It is called shopping thread/shopping lift/shopping thread lift, etc.

How long will shopping threads last?

The effect begins to be felt in about 1 week and lasts about 1 to 1.5 years, peaking at 3 to 4 months.

I am concerned about sagging. Will shopping threads improve it?

It depends on the condition of sagging. In some cases, other treatments may be more effective depending on the cause and degree of sagging.

What are the benefits of shopping threads?

In the short term, the effect is to tighten the skin immediately after the threads are inserted. In the mid- to long-term, it is expected to bring firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles over time.

Reference

Jung Hyun Yoon, Sang Seop Kim, Seung Min Oh, Bong Cheol Kim, Wonsug Jung. Tissue changes over time after polydioxanone thread insertion: an animal study with pigs. journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2019 Jun;18(3);885-891. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12718.

If you like this article, please
Follow !

Share if you like!
  • Copied the URL !
  • Copied the URL !

supervising physician

Table of Contents