The Korean-Style Shopping Lift is
Recommended for People Who

  1. Are concerned about sagging
  2. Feel their skin has lost its firmness
  3. Notice deepening nasolabial folds year by year
  4. Are starting to see “bulldog” lines forming
  5. Feel their cheeks are lower than they used to be
  6. Are bothered by a less defined jawline
  7. Also want to address fine lines and enlarged pores
  8. Prefer a non-surgical option without the use of a scalpel

Some people may be interested in Korean-style shopping lifts but hesitate to take the first step due to concerns about downtime.

In this article, we will explain the effects of the Korean-style shopping lift. Please read through to the end, as it will help you understand whether downtime is involved and provide a clear view of the advantages and disadvantages.

What is Korean Style Shopping Lift?

The Korean-style shopping lift is a treatment where a needle with a dissolvable thread is inserted into areas where sagging is a concern, and the thread is left under the skin.

The inserted thread lifts the sagging tissue, and as the thread dissolves, it stimulates the dermis, promoting collagen production. The thread used in the Shopping Lift is polydioxanone (PDO), a highly safe absorbable material that is also used in surgical procedures. Its safety has been proven over a long period of time.

Over time, the thread completely dissolves and does not remain in your body.

Main Effects

The inserted thread not only lifts the sagging tissue but also stimulates collagen production as it dissolves, resulting in firmer skin and a natural, noticeable lift. It also helps to reduce fine lines and enlarged pores.

The threads dissolve over about 8 months, but during this time, collagen production continues, contributing to long-lasting skin beautification effects.

Advantages of Korean Style Shopping Lift

The Korean-style shopping lift, which involves inserting threads into areas of concern, offers several benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:

Minimal Scarring and Natural Results

The needles used in the Korean-style shopping lift are very fine, and the threads left under the skin are even thinner. This minimizes the appearance of insertion marks, ensuring a smooth and natural finish. It’s difficult to tell that you’ve had the treatment, making it an ideal option for those who wish to keep the procedure discreet.

Gradual Tightening of the Facial Contours

The stimulation of collagen production from the threads gradually tightens the facial lines. The threads dissolve over a period of 1 to 2 months, with noticeable tightening of the facial contours occurring within 3 to 4 months. Since the threads continue to dissolve over 8 months, the effects last for an extended period.

Disadvantages of Korean Style Shopping Lift

While the Korean-style shopping lift offers many benefits, there are some disadvantages. It's important to understand these before proceeding with the treatment.

Potential Pain or Discomfort Immediately After the Procedure

You may experience some pain or discomfort immediately following the Korean shopping lift. The level of discomfort varies from person to person, and you might feel a tightness when opening your mouth or smiling. However, these sensations typically subside within a few days.

Limitations on Other Beauty Treatments After the Procedure

After the Korean shopping lift, you will need to avoid other beauty treatments for a period of time to prevent aggravating downtime symptoms. This includes treatments like dermapen and laser therapy, which also stimulate the skin. Performing these treatments too soon after the shopping lift may worsen symptoms like swelling.

Generally, waiting about a month before resuming other treatments is recommended. However, if you wish to undergo additional procedures, be sure to consult with your doctor beforehand.

Procedure Flow of Korean Style Shopping Lift

Here’s an overview of the steps involved in the Korean shopping lift procedure:

Details of Korean Style Shopping Lift Treatment

Below is an overview of the treatment time, downtime, and other details of the Korean-style shopping lift. Please refer to this as a guide when considering the procedure.

Treatment Time Approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of threads used.
Pain During the Procedure A topical anesthetic (numbing cream) will be applied, so you will only experience minimal irritation.
Applicable Areas Areas where you wish to lift sagging skin.
Makeup Makeup can be applied immediately after the procedure.
Downtime Minimal downtime.
Hospital Visits No follow-up visits required.
Hospitalization Not required.
Effect Duration Firmness improves gradually over 1 to 2 months. Full effects appear after 3 to 4 months, and results can last for up to 8 months.
Post-Treatment Care Avoid facial beauty treatments or massages for about a month.
Notes *Minor swelling and tightness may occur, but this should subside within 2 to 3 days.
*Internal bleeding may occur but typically resolves within 10 days.

Korean Style Shopping Lift: Frequently Asked Questions

Here, we will introduce some frequently asked questions and their answers about the Korean-style shopping lift. If you have any questions regarding the treatment, please refer to this section.

What is a Korean style shopping lift?

The Korean-style shopping lift is a treatment where a needle with a dissolvable thread is inserted into areas where sagging is a concern, and the thread is left under the skin.

By stimulating collagen production in the skin, this treatment helps rejuvenate the skin. One of the main characteristics of the Korean shopping lift is that it involves less swelling and internal bleeding compared to other methods.

Is there any downtime or side effects with the Korean Shopping Lift?

There is almost no downtime or major side effects associated with the Korean shopping lift. Some patients may experience mild redness or a sensation of heat immediately after the procedure, but this usually resolves within a few hours.

Temporary internal bleeding can occur due to the needle insertion, but it typically subsides on its own within 1 to 2 weeks. The likelihood of internal bleeding increases with the number of threads inserted during the procedure, so it's important to consult with your doctor before undergoing the treatment.

Cost of Korean Style Shopping Lift

Set Plan
① Korean Style Shopping Lift + ② Hyaluronic Acid

Quantity/Unit Cost
① 20 pieces
② 1 piece
197,340 JPY

Korean Style Shopping Lift

Quantity/Unit Cost
20 pieces 131,340 JPY
40 pieces 230,340 JPY
60 pieces 323,400 JPY
100 pieces 1,138,500 JPY
Every 10 pieces thereafter 113,850 JPY

Recommended Treatments for
Wrinkle and Sagging Concerns

Spring Lift

Recommended for those considering Spring Lift

  • Looking to improve facial sagging without surgery
  • Seeking a lift for the mid-face (cheek area)
  • Wanting to lift the lower face (corners of the mouth and jawline)
Description Lift treatment using stretchable threads placed in 4 directions
Side Effects Heat sensation, headache, hives, itching, swelling, fever, discomfort, etc.
Cost ¥197,340–¥1,973,400
Fractional CO2 Laser

Recommended for those considering Fractional CO2 Laser

  • Looking to improve signs of skin aging
  • Concerned about pain and downtime
  • Seeking to improve pores and acne scars
  • Wishing to reduce wrinkles
  • Wanting to improve facial sagging
Description Laser treatment to improve enlarged pores, acne scars, dullness, and fine wrinkles
Side Effects Redness, heat, itching, pain, tingling, dryness, etc.
Cost ¥75,900–¥1,897,500

Case Photos of the Korean Style Shopping Lift

Korean Style Shopping Lift

Before

After

Treatment Name Korean Style Shopping Lift
Description Lift treatment to improve skin firmness and sagging using ultra-fine needles containing absorbable threads
Side Effects Internal bleeding, redness, swelling, pain, heat, induration, etc.
Fees ¥131,340~¥1,138,500
Korean Style Shopping Lift

Before

After

Treatment Name Korean Style Shopping Lift
Description Lift treatment to improve skin firmness and sagging using ultra-fine needles containing absorbable threads
Side Effects Internal bleeding, redness, swelling, pain, heat, induration, etc.
Fees ¥131,340~¥1,138,500

Medical Equipment and Medications Used


  1. This product has not been approved under Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
  2. The unapproved drugs used in this treatment have not received approval under the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act.
    They are legally provided through in-house dispensing (partially outsourced). In Japan, the use of unapproved drugs is permitted under the prescribing physician’s responsibility.
  3. There are no other approved drugs in Japan with the same ingredients or properties.
  4. Potential serious side effects may not yet be fully known.

Clinic Locations

Shibuya Clinic

Shibuya Clinic

1-minute walk from the station. Open until 11:00 PM on weekdays.

0120-11-0811

22-2fe, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Shibuya Nishimura Sohonten Building, 4th Floor

Shinjuku Clinic

Shinjuku Clinic

3-minute walk from the station. Open until 8:00 PM on weekdays.

0120-222-414

3-29-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Shinseido Building, 6th Floor

Ikebukuro Clinic

Ikebukuro Clinic

3-minute walk from the station. Open until 11:00 PM on weekdays.

0120-96-3720

2-27-8 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Nansui Building, 7th Floor

Yokohama Clinic

Yokohama Clinic

4-minute walk from the station. Open until 8:00 PM on weekdays.

0120-15-4282

2-11-1 Minamisaiwai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture

Yokohama MS Building, 7th Floor

Shinbashi Clinic

Shinbashi Clinic

Located right by the station. Open until 8:00 PM on weekdays.

0120-88-0401

2-18-9 Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

3rd Kowa Building, 4th Floor

Official Social Media Accounts

Physician Supervision

Shibuya Cosmetic Surgery Clinic is staffed by medical doctors and specialists with expertise in a wide range of fields.

Director of Ikebukuro Clinic

Founder of Ikebukuro Clinic
Kiyoshi Minegishi

Director General
Director of Shibuya Clinic

Founder of Shibuya Clinic
Toru Nakajima

Director of Shinjuku Clinic

Founder of Shinjuku Clinic
Natsumi Noguchi

Director of Yokohama Clinic

Founder of Yokohama Clinic
Hidenori Matsuda

Director of Shinbashiin

Founder of Shinbashiin
Miyu Yang

Shinbashiin Doctor
Yuuto Kurazono

Director of Ikebukuro Clinic
Founder of Ikebukuro Clinic
Kiyoshi Minegishi
Director General
Director of Shibuya Clinic
Founder of Shibuya Clinic
Toru Nakajima
Director of Shinjuku Clinic
Founder of Shinjuku Clinic
Natsumi Noguchi
Director of Yokohama Clinic
Founder of Yokohama Clinic
Hidenori Matsuda
Director of Shinbashiin
Founder of Shinbashiin
Miyu Yang
Shinbashiin Doctor
Yuuto Kurazono

At Shibuya Cosmetic Surgery Clinic

Members of the Japanese Society of Cosmetic Surgery and the International Society of Plastic Surgery,

the Japanese Society of Cosmetic Dermatology, and the Japanese Society of Anti-Aging Medicine

Board-certified plastic surgeons from the Japanese Society of Plastic Surgery, anesthesiology specialists,
and physicians from various disciplines, including members of the Japanese Society of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, are on staff.

The clinic operates under the supervision of licensed physicians.