Who is Shopping Lift suitable for? Suitability differs depending on mild versus severe sagging (skin laxity)

Shopping Lift is most suitable for people with mild sagging (skin laxity) and skin that still has elasticity[1]. Conversely, for people with severe sagging (skin laxity) or those at an advanced age, it has been reported that relying on threads alone often results in less change than expected[2][1]. Whether you lean toward one or the other is determined more by the amount of sagging (skin laxity) and skin condition than by age alone.

What type of sagging (skin laxity) is it suited for?

It is suited for early-stage changes such as loss of skin firmness, emergence of wrinkles, and sagging (skin laxity) making the face appear wider[1]. The review author notes that using threads in the early stage of aging makes it easier to achieve results[1].

Recently, it has also been used in young people concerned about their face appearing larger due to reasons beyond age-related changes, and in those who wish to address sagging (skin laxity) following contour surgery or liposuction[1].

Note: Research examining only the procedure named Shopping Lift is not available. Here, the explanation is based on research on PDO Thread lift (a procedure using absorbable threads to lift skin) from the same category.

When sagging (skin laxity) is severe, where does the limit lie?

When sagging (skin laxity) is severe, it is difficult to achieve significant lift with threads alone. The review clearly states that severe sagging (skin laxity) and deep wrinkles in older individuals cannot be completely resolved with Thread lift[1].

Simply pulling the skin strongly does not last long[1]. Skin lifted by threads tends to return to its original position regardless of how strongly it is pulled, and over-pulling can cause other problems[1].

The Japanese Association for Aesthetic Surgery guidelines also state that Thread lift improvement is temporary, the degree of improvement is modest, and the duration is short, so adequate informed consent is necessary[3].

What do age and number of threads serve as a guideline for?

In a study of 1,500 people in Japan, 51 people (3.4%) returned for follow-up visits feeling the results were insufficient[2]. This proportion was higher in people aged 43 and over and those who received more than 10 threads[2].

The author explains that as age increases, skin loses firmness and collagen production decreases, which affects the outcome[2].

Age 43 and 10 threads are not a threshold you must not cross. Consider them as one guideline for thinking about how far threads alone can go.

Does suitability change depending on thread type?

Yes, it does. Fine threads without barbs serve mainly to improve skin firmness and have limited lifting power[4]. When lifting is desired, barbed threads are used to catch and lift tissue[4].

Thicker threads with larger barbs are suited for heavy sagging (skin laxity) such as the jawline, while finer threads are suited for delicate areas like around the eyes[1]. In a compilation of approximately 100,000 procedures in Japan, PDO threads were more common in people in their 20s–30s, and as age increased, threads made of alternative materials (PCL) were used more frequently[5].

PDO threads are absorbed by the body over 6–8 months[6]. For those wanting longer-lasting results, it is realistic to plan for repeat visits.

For whom is comparison with other methods worthwhile?

For people with severe sagging (skin laxity) or those aged 43 and over seeking significant change, it is worth comparing other methods. The research author states that building a treatment plan tailored to age and degree of sagging (skin laxity), and aligning expectations beforehand, leads to satisfaction[2].

Threads are a procedure to lift tissue, while injection addresses volume loss[1]. When hollowing is noticeable, injection may be combined or considered first. When there is substantial excess skin, surgical lift becomes a candidate.

What does examination assess to determine which category you fall into?

Examination assesses the amount of sagging (skin laxity), skin thickness and firmness, and degree of volume loss. Confirm together with your physician what degree of change you aim for and whether it is within the reach of threads.

Also ask how the thread type and number were decided, and what the expected duration may be. Since suitability cannot be determined in this article, it is most reliable to have your face assessed in person before making a decision.