Treatment Overview
Mint Thread Lift is a minimally invasive lifting and skin‑tightening procedure developed in Korea using medical‑grade PDO (polydioxanone) threads. These molded, barbed threads mechanically reposition sagging tissue while stimulating collagen (neocollagenesis) for progressive firmness and improved skin quality.
Unlike fillers that add volume or skin boosters that focus on hydration, Mint Thread Lift elevates and suspends the tissue along precise vectors to refine facial contours (jawline, jowls, midface, brows) and enhance elasticity without changing your natural facial identity.
Purpose & Benefits
- Immediate Lift: Barbed PDO threads reposition and secure lax tissue along mapped vectors.
- Skin Tightening: Ongoing collagen remodeling improves dermal density and firmness.
- Contour Definition: Sharper jawline, reduced jowls, and midface support.
- Wrinkle Softening: Diminishes nasolabial and marionette folds appearance.
- Natural Rejuvenation: Subtle, customizable results that preserve facial expression.
- Minimally Invasive: Local anesthesia, micro‑entry points, and minimal downtime.
- Synergy‑Ready: Often paired with skin boosters (e.g., HA/PLA), RF microneedling, or lasers.
Ideal Candidates
- Men and women in their 30s–60s with mild to moderate skin laxity.
- Individuals noticing early jowling, blunted jawline, or midface descent.
- Patients with fine lines, enlarged pores, or textural decline seeking tightening.
- Those preferring non‑surgical lifting with natural results.
- Individuals pursuing preventive anti‑aging or maintenance after other treatments.
Possible Risks & Complications
- Temporary redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or tightness along vectors.
- Mild dimpling, puckering, or asymmetry that typically settles as tissue adapts.
- Thread palpability/visibility in thin skin, or rare thread migration/extrusion.
- Infection, hematoma, or nerve/vessel irritation (uncommon with skilled technique).
Techniques Used
- Thread Type: Mint molded, barbed PDO threads in varied lengths/gauges for lift and anchoring.
- Vector Design: Customized entry points (e.g., temporal/preauricular) and lift vectors for jawline, jowls, cheeks, brows, or neck.
- Placement Plane: Typically deep subcutaneous/SMAS‑adjacent for durable support.
- Combination Care: May add mono/screw PDO for skin quality, or pair with injectables/energy devices.
- Protocol: Often a single session using a tailored number of threads; maintenance as laxity returns.
Recovery & Aftercare
- Immediately: Local tenderness, mild swelling/bruising, and possible dimpling; compression taping may be used.
- 1–7 Days: Bruising settles; puckering smooths as tissue adapts.
- 1–3 Months: Collagen remodeling enhances firmness and skin texture.
Aftercare Tips:
- Sleep on your back; avoid face‑down/side sleeping for ~1–2 weeks.
- Avoid heavy chewing, big yawns, dental work, saunas/steam, and strenuous exercise for 1–2 weeks.
- Do not massage/manipulate treatment areas.
- Use SPF 50+ daily; minimize alcohol and smoking to support healing.
- Keep skin clean; delay facials or energy treatments for 2–4 weeks unless advised.
Results & Longevity
- Immediately: Noticeable lifting and contouring, with temporary tightness or puckering.
- 2–3 Months: Progressive tightening and smoother texture as collagen matures.
- Longevity: Commonly 12–18 months, varying with skin quality, lifestyle, and number of threads; periodic maintenance extends benefits.
Treatment Process in Korea
Consultation & Vector Mapping
A dermatologist evaluates laxity, skin thickness, and facial dynamics, then plans individualized lift vectors.
Preparation
Cleansing, marking, and topical/local anesthesia for comfort; strict aseptic technique.
Treatment Session
Step 1: Entry points are created; threads are introduced via needle or cannula.
Step 2: Threads are positioned along mapped vectors; gentle counter‑traction secures lift.
Step 3: Thread ends are trimmed; light molding and soothing/cooling care may follow.
Duration: Approximately 30–60 minutes depending on areas and thread count.
Why Korea is a Top Destination
- Korea pioneered advanced PDO thread technologies; Mint threads are widely utilized in leading clinics.
- High‑volume specialists refine vector design for subtle, natural outcomes.
- Protocols emphasize layered anti‑aging and combination therapies tailored to skin type.
- Competitive pricing versus many Western markets with authentic materials and expertise.
- Global reputation for innovation in minimally invasive lifting and collagen‑stimulating care.
Cost Range (Estimated)
- Mint Thread Lift (per area/session): USD 800 – 2,000 (varies by thread type/quantity and complexity).
- Add‑on Mono/Skin‑Quality Threads: USD 200 – 600.
- Combination Packages (e.g., threads + boosters/energy): USD 1,500 – 3,500.
Actual pricing varies by clinic, physician experience, thread numbers, and treatment scope.
Popular Clinics in Seoul
- Oracle Dermatology: Thread‑lifting programs with PDO options (including Mint) for jawline and midface refinement.
- Banobagi Dermatology: Advanced vector‑based lifting protocols using molded PDO threads.
- Renewme Skin Clinic: Customized thread‑lift plans and maintenance programs for elasticity and contour.
- View Dermatology / Plastic Surgery: V‑line and jowl correction with PDO lifting techniques.
- Chaum Anti‑Aging Center: Premium, integrative anti‑aging pathways combining thread lifts with regenerative therapies.
