Hello everyone, I’m Dr Maysa from Absolute Cosmetic. I want to make it easier to understand Thread Lifts by walking you through one of the types of threads we use most commonly, the MINT™ PDO Threads.
I think threads get talked about a lot without anyone actually showing you what’s involved, so let’s start there.
What is a mint thread lift?
A MINT™ thread lift is a non-surgical treatment that uses fine PDO threads, loaded with tiny barbs, to lift and reposition soft tissue under the skin without any cutting. MINT™ threads are made of polydioxanone, a material that’s been used safely in medical sutures for decades, and they come pre-loaded inside a cannula, which is the delivery device that carries them into place.
The cannula itself is worth understanding, because it’s not a standard needle. It’s a hollow metallic device, blunt at the tip, and that bluntness is deliberate. It makes the procedure much less traumatic for the surrounding tissues than a sharp needle would be. We use the cannula to introduce the thread into the fatty layer of the skin, avoiding deep muscle and the more superficial layers.
Once the thread is released from the cannula, it stays anchored under the skin, covered end to end in microscopic barbs, sometimes called cogs. Those barbs are what do the actual lifting work.
Who is a good candidate for a MINT™ thread lift?
The barbs are the reason this treatment works at all. Once inserted, they anchor firmly to the soft tissue of the face, which makes it possible to actively manipulate and lift the tissue rather than having the thread just sit there passively. By gently pulling on the top end of the thread, we can mobilise facial tissue in the direction we want.
That tends to suit patients in their thirties to fifties best, where sagging is mild to moderate. If facial laxity is more advanced, a thread lift usually won’t deliver the result you’re picturing, and that’s always a conversation worth having honestly during your initial consultation rather than after the fact.
What happens after the thread is in place?
There’s a fair bit of skill involved in deciding where threads go, how many are used, and how much traction is applied. But what happens after they’re placed is where the longer-term benefit actually lies.
Even after MINT™ threads naturally dissolve over a few months, the collagen response they’ve stimulated along the way stays behind. The physical lift from the thread itself is temporary, but that newly generated collagen keeps firming and supporting your skin long after the thread itself has gone.
What are your options, from least to most invasive?
It generally follows a progression depending on your goals and how much laxity you’re dealing with. PDO mono threads sit at the gentler end, suited to early fine lines and general looseness. These are smooth threads that stimulate collagen production without physically pulling or repositioning tissue.
MINT™ thread lifts are a step up from that. The barbed design lets them actually reposition sagging tissue around the jawline, cheeks and brows, rather than just tightening the skin around it, and longer, thicker threads are available for tougher areas that need more of a hold.
If skin laxity has progressed beyond what threads can address, a surgical facelift is the more appropriate option. It’s a bigger commitment in terms of cost and downtime, but it corrects deeper structural changes and excess skin that threads were never designed to fix.
Whichever path suits you, it starts with an honest assessment. Not everyone who asks for a thread lift is an ideal candidate, and that’s something we’d always rather tell you upfront.
What does recovery from a MINT™ thread lift look like?
Recovery is generally short compared to surgery, but it’s not nothing. You can expect some minor redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness around the entry points, usually settling within a few days. Slight dimpling or puckering can also show up immediately after treatment, and this typically resolves on its own over a few days to weeks. As with any treatment that involves inserting something under the skin, there’s a small risk of infection, though it remains uncommon.
FAQ
What does MINT™ stand for?
MINT™ stands for Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Thread, which reflects exactly what the treatment is: a non-surgical way to lift tissue using fine threads rather than an incision.
How long does a MINT™ thread lift last?
MINT™ PDO threads dissolve within a few months, but the collagen matrix they build continues supporting the skin well after the thread itself has gone.
Does a MINT™ thread lift hurt?
Most patients experience mild discomfort during placement, followed by temporary tenderness or swelling that resolves within days.
Are MINT™ threads the same as PDO mono threads?
No. Mono threads are smooth and primarily tighten skin by driving collagen production. MINT™ threads have barbs designed to anchor and physically lift sagging tissue.
Can a thread lift replace a surgical facelift?
Not for advanced laxity. Threads work well for early to moderate sagging, but once tissue looseness passes a certain point, a surgical facelift is needed for the best result.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and individual results vary depending on factors including genetics, skin condition, age and overall health. This information is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice. Before proceeding, we recommend seeking a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
