What is Shopping Lift?

Shopping Lift, formally known as PDO Thread Lift, has gained its nickname due to its accessibility and ease, much like shopping. This thread lift procedure, recognized for improving sagging skin and wrinkles, is a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment. We’ll delve into the structure, procedure, safety, theory, and effectiveness of Shopping Lift in this article. It’s also known as Redefine Lift, Fine Lift, Ultra V Lift, and Power Lifting.

The Structure of Shopping Lift

In PDO Thread Lift or Shopping Lift, threads are placed inside needles. Needle Thickness The needles used are typically 27G or 30G, akin to those used for hyaluronic acid injections, thus being very thin. Consequently, needle marks are minimal, leading to little to no downtime. PDO Material The threads in Shopping Lift are made from PDO (Polydioxanone), a material commonly used for absorbable surgical sutures, known for its high safety. PDO is absorbed by the body over several months. Thread Thickness The PDO threads used in Shopping Lift are exceptionally thin, sized at 6-0 (about 0.07 mm) or 7-0 (about 0.05 mm), finer than human hair (approximately 0.1 mm). Thread Structure PDO threads in Shopping Lift are monofilament, which are smooth-surfaced, reducing tissue resistance and minimizing damage. They also have a lower risk of bacterial attachment and thus infection. However, these threads lack protrusions or hooks common in many other thread lifts.

Procedure of Shopping Lift

①Topical Anesthesia: Anesthesia cream or tape is applied to the treatment area to minimize pain.

②Marking: The exact lift points are marked, typically using 30 to 100 threads.

③Inserting the Threads: PDO threads are inserted under the skin, leaving the thread while removing the needle.

④Completion: The tiny needle holes heal naturally without any special treatment.

Safety of Shopping Lift

The monofilament structure of PDO threads used in Shopping Lift makes infection highly unlikely. Being completely absorbable, they pose little risk of long-term complications. The thinness of the needles (27G to 30G) also contributes to minimal downtime. Overall, the procedure is deemed very safe.

Theory Behind Shopping Lift

①Mechanical Lift and Thread Insertion: The physical lift effect of the inserted PDO threads is immediate, though minimal due to their fine size.

②Inflammatory Response and Healing: The insertion causes a mild inflammatory response, a normal part of healing, leading to tissue repair and enzyme release to break down the threads.

③Collagen Production: New collagen production, a key component of skin, is initiated, tightening the skin.

④Thread Breakdown: PDO threads gradually break down through hydrolysis, eventually exiting the body through natural excretory processes.

⑤Tissue Repair: Even after complete breakdown of the threads, collagen production and tissue repair continue, improving skin texture and maintaining lifting effects, potentially for around a year.

Does Shopping Lift Really Work?

From a doctor’s perspective, based on experience with over ten patients: Objective Effectiveness: There is negligible lifting effect. The fine threads lack the physical strength for significant lift, nor do they have structures to catch and lift the subcutaneous tissue. No substantial improvement in facial lines or contours was observed. Patient Feedback: Some patients felt temporary skin firmness due to swelling post-treatment, lasting about a month. A few noted a ‘moisturized’ feeling for up to three months. However, no long-term effects beyond a few months were reported, with some experiencing no noticeable results.

Conclusion

From a medical standpoint, Shopping Lift is not highly recommended for lifting sagging skin. It may improve skin texture for up to three months, but other treatments like Photo Silk Plus, Laser Toning, or Fractional Laser are preferable for skin texture improvement. They tend to be more effective and cost-efficient. While thread lifts like Shopping Lift are popular, their cost-effectiveness should be carefully considered. This article aims to serve as a guide in making an informed decision

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