Shopping lifts" have recently been attracting a lot of attention in cosmetic medicine. However, few people understand what makes them different from thread lifts and their respective characteristics and differences.
Here, we will explain in detail the differences between the two procedures, including the methods and effects of the shopping lift and thread lift, and delve deeper into the types of people and conditions for which each is suitable, as well as the benefits and risks that each procedure offers. By knowing the characteristics of each, you can make the best choice for your own situation and pursue better cosmetic results.
Graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, National Kumamoto University. After serving as the director of major beauty clinics in Japan, etc., he opened Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic in 2023. He is a professional in aesthetic medicine with a doctorate in anti-aging research and many years of experience. With the motto of "Toward the realization of cosmetic medicine without lies," he aims to be the "Only One" together with his patients.
Excellent skin elasticity effect? What is a shopping lift anyway?
Shopping Lift is a type of thread lift from Korea, which is a procedure that can be expected to tighten and lift the skin. It works by inserting special threads (threads finer than a hair) into the skin to stimulate and pull up the skin, thereby producing collagen. The following is a brief summary of the procedure.
| shopping lift | |
|---|---|
| summary | The thread is inserted under the skin to lift and lift the skin, and collagen is produced to increase the skin's firmness and elasticity. Improvement of facial sagging, fine lines and wrinkles, tightening of the facial line, lines, double chin, etc. |
| Advantages | Natural-looking, with barely visible scars. Newly generated collagen ensures long-lasting results. |
| down time | The procedure itself is relatively simple and almost nonexistent. It is possible to return to daily life immediately after the procedure. |
| risk | Temporary swelling and internal bleeding are possible. In some cases, care must be taken after the procedure. |
The Shopping Lift is not a semi-permanent procedure, but the effect lasts from immediately after the procedure until the threads are absorbed into the body. In addition, there is no scalpel cutting involved, and the downtime is very short, so it has become very popular in recent years as an easy cosmetic skin treatment that can be performed immediately upon concern.
Effects of Shopping Lift
With the Shopping Lift, threads are inserted under the skin to lift the skin, and a lifting effect can be felt immediately afterwards. In addition, the process of gradual absorption of the threads inside the skin produces collagen, which increases the skin's firmness and elasticity. It is also one of the cosmetic skin treatments that improves sagging skin and is especially recommended for middle-aged and older people who are concerned about sagging and wrinkles due to loss of skin elasticity.
Shopping Lift Effects.
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As mentioned above, the duration of the shopping lift effect is generally from 6 months to 1 year, and of course the duration varies from person to person, but by performing regular treatments, a higher effect can be felt.
Shopping Lift Treatment Process
The shopping lift procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour under local anesthesia. The process of the procedure begins with a skin condition check during the counseling session, and the expected effects and precautions will be discussed during the actual procedure.
During the procedure, anesthesia is administered, the area to be lifted is marked, and a special thread is then inserted under the skin. As the threads are lifted, the skin is simultaneously lifted and sagging is improved.
Below is a guideline for the number of units required for the area to be treated, please refer to it for reference.
| part | Number of units used |
|---|---|
| forehead | 30 to 40 |
| area between the eyebrows | 20 bottles |
| under one's eyes | 20 bottles |
| laugh lines | 20 bottles |
| marionette line | 20 bottles |
| jaw | 30 to 40 |
| head | 20 bottles |
This guideline indicates the number of threads used in a typical shopping lift, but the number of threads required may vary depending solely on the area to be treated and the individual patient's condition. Please confirm the specific details of the procedure through consultation.
What are the advantages of a shopping lift?
The benefits of a shopping lift are very numerous as cosmetic skin, but the following two points in particular will be discussed.
1. Easy to feel natural and fast effects without the worry of scarring
One of the major advantages of the shopping lift is that there is almost no visible scarring from the procedure itself.
The needles and threads used in the procedure are so fine that there are almost no traces left on the skin. This makes it a recommended cosmetic skin procedure for those who wish to undergo cosmetic surgery without anyone knowing about it, allowing them to undergo the procedure without having to miss work or school.
2. Excellent skin firmness and face line tightening effect even after a long time has passed after the treatment.
Another benefit of the shopping lift is that facial contours become more defined over time. As the threads are inserted inside the skin, collagen production is stimulated, and facial lines gradually tighten over the course of one to three months.
Furthermore, even after the threads are absorbed into the body, the newly produced collagen will continue to have its effect. As a result, the effect will gradually appear after the surgery, and the patient can feel the face becoming more defined. It also has a lifting effect, which improves sagging of the entire face and gives a more youthful appearance.
Downtime for Shopping Lift
The shopping lift gets its name from the fact that it can be performed as if you were going on a shopping spree. As the name implies, there is little downtime because the surgery itself is relatively simple.
You can return to your daily activities immediately after the procedure, even on the day of the procedure, without having to miss days of school or work. However, skin swelling and internal bleeding may occur, and these points are explained below.
Risks and Side Effects of Shopping Lift
Although the shopping lift is considered to be a relatively safe and affordable procedure, like other cosmetic treatments, it is not completely risk-free.
Possible risks and side effects of performing a shopping lift procedure include the following
| Possible risks | Details |
|---|---|
| Temporary swelling and internal bleeding | Skin swelling and internal bleeding may be seen immediately after surgery |
| Redness/swelling | Redness and swelling at the thread insertion site may persist for a long time |
| Abnormal sensation or discomfort | Temporary sensory abnormalities or discomfort may occur after the procedure |
| granulation tissue | Skin may react to the threads and become hard. |
| Thread movement and protrusion | Threads may move or protrude through the skin |
| Insufficient Effectiveness | Lifting effect may not be achieved as expected. |
Although there are some possible risks and side effects as described above, it is safe to recognize that the shopping lift is a very safe procedure and rarely causes side effects.
However, temporary swelling and internal bleeding may occur, so it is important to pay attention to post-procedure care. In addition, a thorough consultation should be conducted prior to the procedure to inform your doctor of your health condition and expected results, and to ensure proper treatment and communication.
What is the difference between a shopping lift and a thread lift?
Like shopping lifts, thread lifts are another cosmetic medical procedure in which special threads are inserted under the skin to achieve a lifting effect. However, different types of threads are used in a thread lift to achieve a wider range of improvements, such as improving wrinkles and lifting the entire face, in addition to sagging.
The process of the procedure is similar to that of a shopping lift, but thread lifts generally require more skill. The downtime period is almost as short as with a shopping lift, and the results are longer than with a shopping lift, with the duration of the procedure lasting one to two years. Thread lifts are also not completely free of risks and side effects. There is a risk of swelling, internal bleeding, and infection.
Comparison of Shopping Lift and Thread Lift
| (data) item | shopping lift | thread lifting |
|---|---|---|
| Expected Benefits | Improvement of sagging and skin elasticity | Improvement of sagging, wrinkles, and overall lifting for a cleaner contour |
| Time required for treatment | Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number of bottles. | Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the number of bottles. |
| down time | almost never | almost never |
| Duration of effect | Generally 6 months to 1 year | About 1 to 2 years |
| Charge | Lower than thread lift | More expensive than a shopping lift due to the large area and high skill required. |
The biggest difference between a shopping lift and a thread lift is the purpose of the procedure and the type of thread. The main purpose of the shopping lift is to improve sagging skin, while the thread lift can improve a wider range of wrinkles and skin elasticity.
Which one to choose depends on your goals, expected results, budget, etc. If sagging and firmness of the skin are your main concerns, the shopping lift may be the right choice, while the thread lift may be a better choice if you are looking for an overall lift, wrinkle improvement, and contouring. If you are looking for an overall lift, wrinkle improvement and contouring, a thread lift may be a good choice.
Prices vary widely depending on the clinic and region where the procedure is performed. In general, however, thread lifts tend to be more expensive than shopping lifts. This is because a thread lift requires more specialized techniques and uses more types and quantities of threads. Ultimately, it is important to discuss your own concerns, desires, and budget with your doctor and choose the best surgery for you.
Please understand that the above information is a general comparison and that specific procedures and fees will vary from doctor to doctor and clinic to clinic. The final choice is best made through consultation with a physician based on your goals, expected results, and budget, not on what is compared.
Shopping Lift FAQ
Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the shopping lift procedure. Although some of the information may overlap with the aforementioned, we hope it will be of some help to you.
Q1. Will I see immediate results from the Shopping Lift?
Some of the effects can be felt immediately after the procedure, but the best results are seen one to three months after the procedure. This is because the tissue stimulated by the treatment repairs itself and undergoes a process of new collagen production.
Q2. How long do the effects of the Shopping Lift last?
In general, the effects of a shopping lift last about 6 months to 1 year. However, it is difficult to say how long the effects will last, as it depends on individual lifestyle habits, skin type, and the degree of aging.
Q3. Does the shopping lift procedure cause pain?
Shopping lifts are performed under local anesthesia, so there is very little pain during the procedure. Mild discomfort may be experienced after the surgery, but this usually improves within a few days.
Q4. Are there any side effects of the Shopping Lift?
There are always certain risks associated with any medical procedure. Shopping lifts are no exception. Swelling and internal bleeding may occur after surgery, but these generally resolve spontaneously within a few days to a few weeks. However, depending on the skill, experience, and hygiene of the physician performing the surgery, risks such as infection, thread ejection, and unnatural pulling may also exist. For this reason, it is important to choose a reliable clinic for your surgery.
Q5. Is it safe to wear makeup after the Shopping Lift procedure?
Makeup and face washing can be done from the day of the procedure, so you may rest assured that it is safe to do so. Of course, if the swelling and bleeding have gone down a few hours after the procedure, it is highly possible that people will not notice that you have had the procedure, but if you are concerned, we recommend that you wear a mask immediately after the procedure. We will give you specific advice during the consultation and aftercare after the procedure.
summary
Through this issue, we hope that you have gained a better understanding of the details of the shopping lift as well as the differences between it and a thread lift. It is important to consider the benefits, risks, downtime, and even cost of each procedure, and to choose the procedure that best meets your needs and goals.
Cosmetic medicine is only one means of pursuing one's own beauty, and regardless of which procedure you choose, it is most important that you put your own skin and physical condition first. Finally, if you have any concerns or questions, always remember to consult with a medical specialist, even about minor details.
At Aladdin Aesthetic Clinic, based on our many years of experience in cosmetic medicine and cosmetic dermatology and the knowledge of our doctoral degree, we provide counseling that aims to be "only one", offering the best treatment for each person we meet. We offer only the necessary treatments without any unnecessary information or suggestions.
Feel free to use our official LINE account for 24-hour counseling and reservations. Please feel free to contact us for free counseling for the first time or if you have any concerns.
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