Some Info on how I do my Cog Threads-

Extract from a recent conversation I had with a Redditor! "So- I'd recommended numbing cream for your pilot hole - occluded according to the directions. I skip this bit. Just for the entry needle. I know professionals numb with liquid lidocaine for the entire length of the thread but I dont.. I want to FEEL where the thread is traveling and it shouldn't hurt. If it does you are in the wrong plane. I usually use an 18g needle cos I usually use 19g threads. It needs to be thicker than your threads. I'd say I go in about 5mm for the pilot hole. I've read its roughly the depth of the bevel on the pilot needle. I have done the hole only but do find making a small starting tunnel can help too. Try making the hole first. Then insert the cannula and angle it down until it enters the sub q plane and goes through easily. If it doesn't, try doing the pilot hole again. The pilot hole will likely bleed. This is normal, if it bleeds intensely remove the pilot needle and apply pressure until it stops. If you hit a blood vessel apply pressure til it stops and move the place of the pilot hole. In the right place the thread should glide through without pain. . Different tunnels for each thread- yes. Design your vector ( lots of this in my videos). You can have a few pilot holes and place up to 3 ( some experts do more) from the same hole. They will ' radiate' from that hole to reach the points you want to lift. They will be cut and buried at the same entry point ( pilot hole). - number of threads- I tend to max at 3 per entry point. I've done up to 4. I'd say try 1 - 2 to start with. It doesn't hurt me but I find it emotionally/ mentally draining! - With regards to not gliding easily- The threads I have used 'w' type - they have a 'staw' type stopper which means you can back up and adjust the direction/ plane without the threads engaging. So those are good for newbies. I do struggle to get the straws off, but I'm usually videoing it so that makes me less patient. . Just listen for pain- back up if you feel pain! Also I have acne scars tissue which is sometimes hard to get through. I will press on the tip ( beneath the skin) and this can help, but that can be a bit tricky. Whew!! I hope this helps. I'm going to put all this on my blog ( not mentioning you , of course) cos I guess a lot of people have these questions . Please remember I'm a DIY ' er, not professional so I'm just sharing what's helped me!