What is Shopping Lift? What we know and what we still don't know

Shopping Lift is a type of Thread lift that lifts facial sagging (skin laxity) by threading barbed absorbable sutures like a pulley system. However, research specifically targeting this named procedure is not available, and information about its efficacy and duration can only be inferred from data on Thread lifts of the same category as a whole. We explain separately what is known and what has not yet been verified.

How does the procedure work?

A procedure in which absorbable sutures with fine barbs are threaded under the skin, and sagging areas are lifted and secured in place.[1]The term "pulley-type" is a designation that describes the techniques used in each procedure; the sutures themselves are made of absorbable materials such as PDO (polydioxanone).

How long does the effect last?

Looking at Thread lifts of the same category overall, reports cluster around 6 months to 1 year. The sutures themselves may take about 1 year to be fully absorbed, but the actual lifting effect that can be felt occurs earlier, and the course is reported to have considerable variation.[2].

Systematic reviews indicate that Thread lift procedures overall have sparse long-term outcome data, and sustained effects comparable to incisional Facelift are unlikely to be expected[3]. The clinical practice guidelines of the Japanese Society for Aesthetic Surgery also state that Thread lift for facial sagging (skin laxity) results only in temporary improvement, with a recommendation level of 2 (weakly recommended)[4]. A multi-center review exceeding 110,000 cases also found that the duration of effect varies depending on the type of thread[5].

Are there ways to extend the duration of results?

There are reports attempting to extend duration through combination therapy and material modifications. A prospective evaluation of 1–2 years combining Thread lift with hyaluronic acid injection[6]or reports tracking long-term changes in skin quality using specially coated threads[7]and so on. However, neither of these validated the mechanism itself called the "pulley system," but rather investigated differences in materials and combinations.

Who is it suitable for?

It is an option suited for those who want shorter recovery compared to surgical cutting. Thread lift is minimally invasive, with recovery time estimated at approximately a few days to one week, and the gradual, natural changes are cited as a reason why the results are more readily accepted[8]. It is also reported as an option for those concerned about facial asymmetry[8].

What risks can occur?

Reports of serious complications are not common. Systematic reviews indicate that the frequency of major complications across thread lifts overall is low, with only infection and mild asymmetry reported, and no major complications such as facial nerve injury have been documented[3]. However, it is also pointed out that infection left untreated can lead to scarring and adhesion, and repeated procedures in the same location may cause tissue damage[3].

What to confirm at consultation

First, whether there is research specifically targeting the proposed treatment name itself[3]. Second, which study the effect duration cited as a benchmark comes from[2]. Third, what to do when the effect begins to fade[6][7].

The severity of sagging (skin laxity) and skin characteristics differ from person to person, and the figures mentioned here are data from populations studied across thread lifts overall. Please confirm at your actual consultation how well it can address your specific face.