MINT ™ PDO Threads

MINT™ PDO Threads are Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Threads for subtle lifting and repositioning of sagging skin

How Mint™ PDO Threads work

MINT™ PDO Threads are a dissolvable, suture-like material that is placed under the skin to allow repositioning of the area desired. Think of them as internal support beams that hold skin and fat pads in place. Not only do they lift and reposition, but they also stimulate collagen production. Over time, the threads dissolve, leaving a band of collagen to naturally support the skin and tissues.

PDO Threads work great on their own, but are best when combined with dermal filler and wrinkle relaxers. By combing all 3 treatments, a full facial rejuvenation can be accomplished.

PDO threads come in barbed and smooth varieties. The barbed threads are used for lifting and holding tissue in place, while smooth threads are used to soften lines, provide support and enhance structure.

Barbed and smooth threads are offered at Limelight Medical Aesthetics. Check the pricing page for areas treated and cost.

Patient selection is crucial for best outcomes with PDO threads. Below are criteria used to determine if the patient is an optimal candidate:

  • Age: 30 to 60-year-old patients are typical but may vary depending on other factors on this list.

  • Skin type: excessively too thin-skinned or thick-skinned patients are not ideal candidates for MINT. When patients are too thin-skinned, their veins may be seen easily and when threads are used, they will have significant bunching and dimpling. When patients are too thick-skinned, they will have a thick dermal layer and even if the threads are placed in the correct plane, the lift will not be apparent.

  • Laxity: patients who have significant laxity and redundancy are not good candidates for this procedure as the threads can cause bunching due to prominent lift.

  • Medical history: patients who are on blood thinners, smoke cigarettes regularly, and drink heavily are not good candidates for the procedure.

  • Prior to Arrival

    Prior to arrival, you would have received a questionnaire and consent for treatment. Dr. Tyler will review these forms with you and answer any questions you may have.

    Photos

    Dr. Tyler does photos with each visit. Not only does it show progress through your aesthetic journey, it also helps to understand and tweak subsequent treatments, based on outcomes from each encounter.

    Preparation

    The skin is cleansed and the anatomical areas are measured and marked. Dr. Tyler will adjust an reposition the skin to best determine the direction the threads need to be placed.

    Injectable lidocaine is used to provide comfort during the treatment. The area for thread insertion is injected locally and also along the path that the thread will be placed. Topical anesthetic is ineffective at providing comfort when using barbed threads. However, it may be used for smooth thread insertion.

    Thread Insertion

    First, a needle is used to puncture the skin. This hole allows for insertion of a blunt cannula, through which the thread is attached.

    The cannula is then gently guided under the skin. Oftentimes, there are moments where the cannula needs more force to push through tough tissue. This is desired, as it means the thread will have structural support known as anchoring. Once the cannula is in the proper place, the skin is molded over the end of the cannula, activating the barbs and securing the tissue. The skin is then massage upwards as the cannula is withdrawn, leaving the thread in place, and the tissue repositioned.

    Once all threads are placed, they are gently pulled make fine adjustments and allow for further lift. They are then tied together and the loose ends are cut. The skin is then massaged over the area, covering the thread knot that remains.

    This process is repeated in each area being treated.

    Smooth thread insertion differs from barbed threads. Smooth threads are attached to sharp needles and are placed just under the skin. There is no massage, pulling or repositioning of skin. Multiple threads are placed in each area for maximal collagen stimulation.

    Complications/Side Effects

    BRUSIING

    Bruising and swelling are expected after PDO thread treatment. To lessen the chance of bruising, Dr. Tyler will attempt to place the threads away from major vessels. To lessen the chance of bruising, please refrain from alcohol, turmeric, fish oils, aspirin, and other blood thinning supplements/medications for at least 24 hours. If bruising occurs, arnica gel or tablets can assist in resorption. The threads, injected lidocaine, and tissue trauma will cause some swelling. Use cool packs to lessen swelling and bruising.

    INFECTION

    Infection is rare. But because we are placing a needle and threads through and in the skin, it is possible. Dr. Tyler will cleanse the skin with antibacterial solution and use clean surgical techniques to prevent infection. If there is concern for infection, antibiotics can be prescribed.

    DIMPLING

    Dimpling is a common complication of threads. Dimpling occurs when the thread adheres too closely or tightly to the surface of the skin. This is a temporary complication and will lessen and resolve over 2 weeks without need for intervention. Dr. Tyler will smooth the threads and adjust the placement, prior to sending you home, to lessen the chance of this occurring.

    DISORDER OF FACE MOVEMENT

    Disorder of face movement is rare, but depending on the pulling within the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer, it can affect a branch of the facial nerve and can cause disorders in facial movements, but this typically recovers over time.

    DAMAGE TO DEEPER STRUCTURES

    Damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels, and muscles may be damaged during the procedure. The potential for this to occur varies according to the location the procedure is being performed. Injury to deeper structures may be temporary or permanent.

    THREAD VISIBILITY

    Thread visibility may occur in patients with thin skin or when inserted into thin-skinned areas of the face. Should this occur, additional treatments may be necessary.

    ASYMMETRY, THREAD MIGRATION, AND THREAD BREAKAGE

    Asymmetry, thread migration, and thread breakage after the procedure can occur and may require an additional procedure for adjustment.

  • Day 1-7: Immediately after your treatment, you’ll see improvement in skin laxity. It may feel that the skin is pulled too tightly or there is too much lift. This is expected. There will likely be some soreness during this time.

    You will have swelling for the first 48 - 72 hours. Additionally, you will likely hear popping as the threads adjust to your facial movements. While these sensations can be alarming, they are expected. Sometimes, a dimple may develop as well. These often resolve on their own after 2 weeks.

    Day 8-14: The soreness and the tightness will start resolving. As the threads settle, some of the lift will lessen to a more natural state.

    If you still have a dimple in the skin at the 2 week mark, please reach out to Dr. Tyler. A follow-up may be needed to reactivate the thread.

    Day 15-30: The soreness and bruising should be gone. You may still notice some popping noises, but they should be mostly gone.

    This is the time to consider dermal filler for volume replenishment, completing your facial rejuvenation.

    Month 2-6: The threads are dissolving and building collagen. You may even see a little of the initial lift come back.

    Month 6-12: The threads have dissolved, but your results remain thanks to the collagen stimulating benefits. 

    To reinforce the new tissue positioning and collagen production, this is the time to consider hyperblended Radiesse for further skin rejuvenation and lift.

    Month 12 and onward: While the on-label duration is 12 months, most patients see continued results after 1 year.

    If you feel that your skin is loosing the lifted position, reschedule with Dr. Tyler to explore re-threading or other treatments.

Instructions + Forms

Prepare for your appointment and learn how to take care of your treated area after your procedure for the best results in a reasonable amount of time based on the treatment received.

    • Please do not drink alcohol for 1-2 days prior to the procedure.

    • Please do not smoke 1-2 weeks before and 1-2 weeks after the procedure. 


    • Please discontinue fish oil, turmeric, aspirin, and blood thinners 2-3 days before the procedure. Please consult with your prescribing physician before discontinuing your blood thinners.

    • You may go back to everyday life (i.e. eating, walking, etc.) right after the procedure. 


    • Swelling may be present after the procedure but the use of ice packs for 30 minutes for a few days will help lessen the swelling.

    • You may experience a popping sensation for a few weeks. This is due to the threads settling and adjusting to your facial movements.

    • You should avoid washing hair and taking a shower for the next 24 hours after the procedure. When washing face after 24 hours, gently wash the area. 


    • You should avoid drinking or smoking for 1-2 weeks to prevent possible infection. Smoking and drinking can slow down the healing process.

    • You should avoid aggressive or prolonged chewing, wide yawns, and big smiles for up to 1 month. 


    • You should avoid lying down either in a prone or side position within 4 hours after the procedure to decrease the possibility of the movements of threads. It is recommended that the patient sleeps in a supine position for the next 3-5 days to prevent the movement of threads. 


    • You should avoid headstands, yoga, strenuous workouts, and exaggerated facial expressions for about 2-3 weeks (avoid dental treatments during this time if possible). 


    • Your face may be bound with bandages for 1-2 days after the procedure to help with swelling and stability if needed. 


    • You should avoid deep facial massages for the next couple of months, but laser treatments may be done after one month from the procedure.

  • MINT™ PDO Procedure Consent to Treatment

Science + Education

The natural aging process involves bone resorption (resulting in loss of definition and structure) and loss and migration of fat pads (resulting in loss of volume). When you loose the support structures in your face (bone and fat) the skin sags, moving down and inward. Threads work by reapproximating the skin back to its original position. When combined with filler, and volume is replaced, more dramatic, longer lasting results are achieved.

PDO (polydioxanone) is a synthetic polymer that stimulates collagen production. It has been used for years in absorbable sutures. The thread is fully absorbed by 6 months, but it continues to stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen for an additional 4-6 months, making the results of PDO thread lifts last upwards of 12-18 months.

  • Short-term Treatment Outcomes of Facial Rejuvenation Using the Mint Lift Fine

    Two years' outcome of thread lifting with absorbable barbed PDO threads: Innovative score for objective and subjective assessment

    Minimally Invasive Techniques for Facial Rejuvenation Utilizing Polydioxanone Threads

  • MINT™

Holistic Aesthetic Approach

correct with Mint™ PDO Threads

MINT™ PDO Threads are used to correct and reposition sagging tissue. To enhance your results and improve the longevity of the lift, consider pairing with our regenerative treatments such as EXION™, Sculptra® or hyperdillute Radiesse®

Are you ready for your moment in the limelight?