Exploring the Effectiveness of Anchor MAX: A New Thread Lift Technique - 美容整形・美容外科｜船橋中央&青山セレスクリニック　美容整形・美容外科｜船橋中央&青山セレスクリニック

What is Anchor MAX?

Anchor MAX is a relatively new thread lift technique in the realm of cosmetic procedures. This non-surgical method utilizes threads to address facial sagging without the need for surgical incisions. The treatment uses threads made from PCL (Polycaprolactone). Let’s delve into whether this approach is effective.

About PCL in Anchor MAX

Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a type of synthetic biodegradable polyester. Like other biodegradable plastics, it is slowly absorbed in the body and eventually breaks down into water and carbon dioxide. PCL is known for its flexibility and chemical stability. These properties make it very suitable for medical applications, such as in orthopedics for promoting bone and cartilage regeneration and in aesthetic medicine as absorbable threads for thread lifts. Overall, PCL stands out for its unique characteristics in medical applications and is environmentally friendly, making it a sustainable material choice. It is also a safe material approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Structure of Anchor MAX

●Needle Thickness and Thread Structure: The needles used in Anchor MAX are relatively thick, around 18G. The thread structure generally involves needles attached to both ends of the thread.

●Thread Structure: The threads in Anchor MAX have small projections, ensuring they are firmly fixed within the skin to provide a lifting effect.

●Durability: The PCL threads are absorbed slowly over 2-3 years, continuing to stimulate collagen production, potentially offering lifting and skin beautification effects for 3-5 years.

●Flexibility: The flexibility of Anchor MAX threads allows for a natural and less tense finish.

Ideal Candidates for Anchor MAX

●Individuals concerned about facial sagging

●Those noticing looseness in their face line

●People looking to restore skin elasticity

●Seeking a powerful lift

●Desiring a beautifying skin effect

●Preferring immediate effects with minimal downtime

●Those with previous thread lift experiences seeking further improvement

●Aiming for a more sculpted facial appearance

Features of Anchor MAX

●Longevity: Anchor MAX’s PCL threads boast about twice the durability of typical PDO threads, providing effects that last over two years.

●Collagen Production for Beautified Skin: It promotes skin regeneration by enhancing collagen production, offering greater beautification effects than traditional methods.

●Enhanced Lifting with 3D Structure: An increased number of cones in a 3D structure delivers a more powerful, multi-dimensional lift.

Safety Points of Anchor MAX Treatment

●The thread and cone placement in Anchor MAX minimizes shifting, allowing for a natural lifting effect.

●The cone structure brings together subcutaneous tissues, creating a more dimensional finish.

Anchor MAX Treatment Procedure

①Consultation: Assessing the patient’s facial condition to determine the number and placement of Anchor MAX threads.

②Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered, sometimes complemented with intravenous sedation for pain relief.

③Insertion: Inserting the Anchor MAX threads under the skin to form anchors and lift the skin.

④Securing: Fixing the Anchor MAX threads with appropriate tension for optimal lifting.

⑤Completion: Trimming the ends of the Anchor MAX threads to conclude the procedure.

Price Range of Anchor MAX

The cost varies depending on the number of threads used, typically ranging from 50,000 to 100,000 yen per thread. Some clinics offer package prices, so consultation is advised.

Common Questions About Anchor MAX

●Downtime: Mild swelling and redness post-treatment are common, usually subsiding within a week.

●Combining with Other Treatments: Effective anti-aging results can be achieved by combining with hyaluronic acid injections or Botox.

●Pain Management: Pain during treatment can be minimized with anesthetic creams and local anesthesia.

●Possible Side Effects: No serious side effects have been reported, but careful post-treatment care is needed due to potential effects on facial muscles.

The Truth About Anchor MAX’s Real Effectiveness

While Anchor MAX has garnered attention in the beauty industry, its true effectiveness raises questions. Thread lifts are known for promoting collagen regeneration, but this collagen is essentially just scar tissue. When the skin is injured, hard tissue forms around the wound, composed mainly of collagen. In thread lifts, this scarring process occurs around the inserted threads, leading to so-called collagen regeneration. However, the lifting effect from this collagen is minimal, as the fine nature of the threads results in equally fine scar tissue lacking the necessary tension for lifting. The PCL threads in Anchor MAX are absorbed over a more extended period, supposedly prolonging effectiveness. However, their tension is believed to last only about 3-6 months. My experience with similar absorbable thread lifts, like Happy Lift, supports this, showing effects lasting up to six months.

Conclusion: Questions About Cost-Effectiveness of Anchor MAX

Despite being a new technology using PCL, Anchor MAX, like other absorbable threads, loses its effectiveness within a few months. Considering cost-effectiveness, this thread lift may not be the best choice. In cosmetic medicine, it’s crucial to carefully weigh risks and results. Decisions should not be made on trends alone but after thorough consideration and appropriate consultation.

Written by Kenta Motogami, M.D.

Director of Funabashi Chuou Clinic (Chiba Pref. Japan) ana Aoyama Celes Clinic (Tokyo)

English is available at these clinics.

Articles in English

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