Mint Thread Lift: From the Principles of Lifting a Sagging Face to Side Effects

Mint Thread Lifting is a non-incision lifting procedure that physically lifts sagging tissues by engraving microscopic protrusions called Cogs on PDO (polydioxanone) absorbable threads. The core mechanism is a dual-action structure where the cogs on the thread surface hook sagging skin and fat to pull them upward, and as the thread dissolves over time, collagen grows in its place.

Here, MINT is not just a generic term for 'thread' but a specific brand name used as an acronym for 'Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Thread', and it is a product approved by the US FDA 510(k) and the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Understanding the immediate pulling effect and the gradual restoration of elasticity separately will reduce postoperative disappointment.

🧵 How does Mint Thread Lifting work?

The principle is divided into two pathways. First is physical traction. The bidirectional cogs engraved on the thread hook the tissue and immediately shift it upward. This is why you can see the change in front of the mirror right after the procedure is finished.

Second is collagen and elastin induction. PDO is a material that has been used as a surgical suture for decades and dissolves through hydrolysis in the body over a period of about 6 to 12 months. As the thread decomposes, the surrounding tissue reacts to produce new collagen, and this effect gradually appears between 1 to 3 months after the procedure. It operates on a different timeline than the immediate lifting effect.

One structural feature of the MINT thread is that the cogs are molded (press-molded) rather than made by cutting the thread surface with a blade, which is explained to reduce the loss of tensile strength. In a procedure where pulling power is essential, it would be problematic if the thread itself broke or lost its strength.

📌 Key Summary: Mint Thread Lifting = Immediate traction of cogs + Collagen generation during PDO decomposition. These two effects work with a time difference.

⏳ When do the effects appear and how long do they last?

The immediate effect of pulling is noticeable right after the procedure, while the improvement of elasticity by collagen takes place over a period of 1 to 3 months. It is good to know beforehand that the timing of these two effects is different.

Although the duration varies greatly depending on the individual, it is generally considered to be 6 to 18 months. Since the collagen formed in place of the dissolved PDO threads supports elasticity for a while, the effect does not disappear immediately even after the threads are gone.

There are many misunderstandings regarding the number of threads, but a higher number of threads is not unconditionally better. It is adjusted within approximately 4 to 10 threads per side depending on the degree of sagging and the area, and what determines the outcome is the design of the insertion direction, layer, and fixation point rather than the count.

📌 Key Summary: Immediate pulling happens right away, collagen effects take 1–3 months, and duration is roughly 6–18 months. Design, rather than the number of threads, creates the results.

🔬 What are the differences among thread materials? (PDO, PLLA, PCL)

Absorbable threads have different dissolving speeds and characteristics depending on the material. While PDO is the representative type for Mint threads, knowing the spectrum of materials makes consultation easier.

Just because a material lasts longer in the body does not mean it is unconditionally superior. The suitable material varies depending on the facial area, skin thickness, and desired duration. When consulting for thread lifting at Onlif Clinic, this aspect is also tailored to the individual's skin condition.

🆚 How is it different from Ultherapy, Thermage, and Facelift Surgery?

The lifting category is broad. Each approach targets different layers and methods, so their purposes diverge rather than one substituting for another.

Since ultrasound HIFU and radiofrequency RF treatments like Ultherapy and Thermage build up elasticity using thermal energy, combining them with the physical traction of threads can complement each other at different layers. Onlif Clinic also takes an approach of combining thread lifting with HIFU and RF tailored to the skin's condition.

A facelift is an incision surgery that directly dissects and fixes the SMAS, showing clear effects for severe sagging, but it has a long recovery time and is invasive. Onlif is a clinic from a dermatological perspective that does not perform incision surgeries requiring a scalpel, and recommends approaching sagging and loss of elasticity with non-surgical procedures first. However, we honestly inform you that if the sagging is so severe that the threads cannot support the weight of the tissue, there are limits to what threads alone can achieve.

📌 Key Summary: Threads provide immediate traction, while HIFU/RF build elasticity with heat. They can be combined or approached differently depending on the degree of sagging.

⚠️ What are the side effects and precautions?

Even if it is non-surgical, it is clearly an invasive procedure. Let's break down reactions from common to rare but critical ones.

• Swelling: several days to 2 weeks / Bruising: 1 to 2 weeks / Foreign body sensation or pulling: around 1 to 4 weeks

• Dimpling (skin depression): A phenomenon where the skin surface is slightly depressed at the thread insertion site. This is one of the most common reactions and usually subsides over time.

• Asymmetry, foreign body sensation, thread exposure: These can be related to the design or depth of insertion, making the practitioner's skill level crucial.

• Infection and granuloma: These are rare but serious side effects that require early intervention if they occur.

Particular emergency signals to watch out for: If the skin color turns pale or purple, it suggests potential blood vessel compression or damage, so you must contact the medical staff immediately. These symptoms should not be left unattended.

There is also a pre-procedure checklist. Anticoagulant components such as aspirin, warfarin, omega-3, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba extract increase the risk of bleeding and bruising, so you must inform us in advance. If you have a keloid constitution, autoimmune disease, are taking immunosuppressants, have uncontrolled diabetes, or are pregnant/breastfeeding, the suitability of the procedure must be carefully evaluated.

📌 Key Summary: Swelling, bruising, and dimpling are common recovery reactions, while pale or purple discoloration requires immediate contact. Informing about anticoagulant intake beforehand is mandatory.

🕐 What is the procedure and recovery like?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Since the flow involves inserting threads through an entry point after anesthesia, pulling them in the right direction, and fixing them, the burden is significantly lighter compared to incision surgery. In many cases, returning to daily life is possible on the same day or the next day.

However, care is required for about 4 weeks after the procedure. Avoid strong facial massages, saunas, strenuous exercise, drinking alcohol, sleeping face down, and opening your mouth too wide. If you overdo it before the threads settle, they may shift or lose their holding power.

A practical tip: If you have dental treatment or other appointments where you must open your mouth wide for a long time, it is better to schedule them before or well after the procedure. Conversely, you do not need to worry about MRI scans. PDO is a polymer absorbable material, not metal, so it generally does not affect MRIs.

📌 Key Summary: Local anesthesia for 30–60 minutes, return to daily life on the same or next day. The key is allowing 4 weeks for the threads to settle in place.

🎯 Who is it suitable for, and when should you reconsider?

Mint Thread Lifting is well-suited for early to moderate sagging, and cases where the nasolabial folds, cheeks, or jawline are beginning to sag. It is a suitable direction for those who want natural improvement rather than drastic changes.

On the other hand, if sagging is severe and the tissue weight is substantial, the threads may struggle to support that weight, resulting in limited effectiveness. Additionally, if the skin is too thin and lacks fat, the risk of threads showing through must be considered. Such conditions should be pre-screened during the diagnosis before the procedure.

Under the premise that no single doctor can excel at everything, Onlif Clinic operates a doctor specialty system where doctors take charge of the procedures they perform best in each field. Thread lifting is a procedure where an understanding of anatomy and insertion design sense heavily influence the results, so we view this aspect with particular care. Rather than changing the shape of the eyes, nose, or mouth, our direction is to restore the natural impression that aging and sagging have obscured. That is Onlif's attitude toward lifting.

📌 Key Summary: Suitable for early to moderate sagging; separate judgment is required for severe sagging or very thin skin. Design sense shapes the results.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Mint Thread Lifting and general thread lifting?

MINT is a specific brand name characterized by a structure that reduces the loss of tensile strength by molding bidirectional cogs using a press-molding technique. Its approval by the FDA 510(k) and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety also distinguishes it from general threads.

How long does the effect last?

Although there are individual differences, it generally lasts 6 to 18 months. Even after the PDO threads dissolve over 6 to 12 months, the formed collagen supports elasticity for a certain period.

When do the effects start to show after the procedure?

The immediate lifting from the pulling is felt right after the procedure, while the elasticity improvement from collagen production gradually appears between 1 and 3 months after the procedure.

How long do swelling and bruising last?

Swelling can last from several days to 2 weeks, bruising for 1 to 2 weeks, and a foreign body sensation or pulling for around 1 to 4 weeks. Most of these subside over time.

What should I do if dimpling (skin depression) occurs?

It is a common phenomenon that appears at the thread insertion site and usually resolves over time. If it persists or is severe, it is recommended to consult the treating medical staff for correction.

Is it effective for severe sagging?

If sagging is severe, the threads may find it difficult to support the weight of the tissue, resulting in limited effects. In this case, suitability must be carefully judged during the pre-procedure diagnosis, and unreasonably increasing only the number of threads is not recommended.

Is it more effective when combined with Ultherapy or Thermage?

Since threads provide physical traction and HIFU/RF build elasticity with thermal energy, they can complement each other at different layers. However, it is safe to consult with a specialist to determine the interval and order of combination therapy based on your skin condition.

I have an MRI scan coming up; can I still undergo the procedure?

PDO is a polymer absorbable material, not metal, so it generally does not affect MRI scans. However, it is recommended to inform the scanning institution of your procedure history.

I am taking anticoagulants/aspirin; can I still receive the treatment?

Aspirin, warfarin, omega-3, vitamin E, and ginkgo biloba extract increase the risk of bleeding and bruising. Do not stop taking them arbitrarily, and make sure to inform the medical staff of your medication status before the procedure to adjust.

What should I do if the thread is felt or visible outside the skin after the procedure?

There may be a foreign body sensation initially, but it usually subsides. If the thread is exposed outside the skin or accompanied by discoloration or pain, do not leave it unattended; contact the treating clinic immediately for a checkup.

Mint Thread Lifting: Things to check before choosing a clinic

Even for the same procedure, the results and recovery process vary depending on where, by whom, and how it is performed.

Asking the following questions during your consultation will help you make a decision.

• Is it a place that performs this procedure frequently? — Every clinic has different focus areas. Check if they regularly perform Mint Thread Lifting.

• Can I verify the products and equipment used? — Ask if you can verify the product name and authenticity (whether it is an officially imported product and if there is an unboxing verification process) during the consultation.

• Do they explain the breakdown of the cost? — Rather than just hearing the total amount, you need an explanation of what product is used, how much, and on which areas to make a proper judgment.

• Do they design with the whole face in mind? — Even for the same procedure, the placement location and quantity vary depending on facial shape, skin condition, and left-right asymmetry.

• Do they explain adverse reactions and the recovery process first? — A place that informs you of potential adverse reactions and coping methods is better to make a decision than a consultation that only talks about expected positive changes.

• Is there a way to follow up after the procedure? — Check if the timing for checking progress, how to contact them if there is an issue, and the criteria for revisit are established.

How Onlif Clinic performs Mint Thread Lifting

• We divide responsibilities — Based on the belief that a single doctor cannot handle all procedures perfectly, Onlif divides medical treatment among dedicated doctors for each field.

• We verify products and equipment together during consultation — We guide you through the products used and the unboxing verification process during the consultation.

• Costs are guided along with the plan after diagnosis — Since the area, volume, and scope differ for each person, we explain what costs are incurred and for what.

• We design by looking at the balance of the entire face — We view the face through three axes: texture, balance, and youth signals, planning to refine the areas obscuring your natural impression rather than changing your facial shape.

• We discuss adverse reactions and the recovery process first — Along with the expected changes, we guide you through individual differences, potential adverse reactions, and countermeasures before the procedure.

• We monitor progress together after the procedure — If verification is needed during the recovery period, we provide guidance on revisit schedules and communication channels.

If you are considering Mint Thread Lifting, it is best to first check what is possible and what is difficult in your current condition.

An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can only be determined through an in-person medical examination. Come and find out through a consultation at Gangnam Onlif Clinic.