Avoiding regret with MINT lift. When is 'less change than expected' most likely to occur?

Common regrets with MINT lift include 'less change than expected' and 'it reverted quickly' — a gap between expectation and reality. A Japanese study of 1,500 people found that 3.4% returned for follow-up due to insufficient results, with the rate increasing at higher ages and with more threads used[1]. MINT lift is one type of Thread lift using PDO threads; the figures here derive from research on PDO thread lifts overall.

What are the main sources of regret?

The most common complaint is insufficient results. In the 1,500-person study, 51 people (3.4%) returned for follow-up due to inadequate effect.[1].

The same study found higher dissatisfaction among people aged 43 and older and those receiving more than 10 threads.[1]However, this study examined association only. It does not mean that reducing thread count will guarantee satisfaction.

Why is insufficiency more likely with higher age?

As skin laxity increases, threads alone become unable to provide adequate support. The study authors believe that progressive skin sagging with age and slower collagen recovery influence the outcome.[1].

Even when threads lift the skin, it tends to return to its original position. Pulling too hard can lead to other complications.[2]. The Japanese Association of Plastic Surgeons' guidelines note that while Thread lift can be expected to deliver temporary improvement, the effect is modest and duration short, requiring thorough informed consent.[3].

How long does the effect typically last?

A realistic expectation is that results reverse over several months to one year. A large group handling over 110,000 thread lifts reported effect duration of approximately 6–12 months, with PDO threads degrading in 6–8 months.[4].

Faster reversal has also been reported. Earlier research showed that in half of cases sagging returned within 6 months, and in 14% the effect reverted within 8 weeks after treatment.[5]If you expect "results that last for years from a single treatment," the gap between expectation and reality will be large.

How often do visible problems occur?

Some kind of complication occurs in about 1 in 8 patients. A study examining 2,000 cases across 105 clinics found complications in 12.4% of cases.[6].

The most common were skin dimpling (depressions) at 6.35%, asymmetry at 2.9%, and pain at 1.75%.[6]It has also been reported that in people with very thin skin, irregularities from the threads can occur.[7].

The thread shape also makes a difference. U-shaped threads have strong lifting power but result in dimpling in 12–18% of cases, while straight I-shaped threads show complications in less than 5%, according to reports.[2]When threads emerged from or contacted the skin, most cases were resolved by gently removing the threads.[8].

What can you do before treatment to reduce regret?

There are three key points. First is whether your sagging (skin laxity) is within the range the threads can reach.[1][3]Second is how many threads, in what shape, will be used, and the reason why.[1][2]Third is the expected timeline for when effects fade, and how complications like dimpling or asymmetry will be managed.[6][4].

If you cannot feel confident after hearing answers to these three points, there is no harm in comparing other methods before deciding.

How do you determine if a treatment is right for you during consultation?

The amount of sagging (skin laxity), skin thickness, and the extent of change you expect cannot be determined from articles or photographs alone. During your consultation, have your skin laxity actually examined, and confirm where the threads can and cannot reach.