Who is MINT Lift suited for? A guide to satisfaction based on age and number of threads

MINT Lift is best suited for people whose sagging is not severe and who desire natural tightening rather than dramatic change. A Japanese study of 1,500 people found that return visits citing "insufficient results" were more common among those aged 43 and older and those who received more than 10 threads[1]. However, results are not determined by age alone; the extent of sagging and skin condition alter the answer.

What can MINT Lift change, and what is difficult to change?

MINT Lift is a treatment in which barbed PDO threads are passed beneath the skin to lift sagging tissue[2]. PDO threads are absorbed by the body over approximately 6–8 months, and are described as promoting collagen production during that period[3].

On the other hand, it is considered difficult for threads alone to completely restore pronounced sagging or deep wrinkles in older individuals[2]. Nevertheless, changes such as refining facial contour and softening wrinkles can be expected, according to reports[2].

Does being older mean it is not suited?

It cannot be said it is unsuitable, but a tendency toward dissatisfaction does emerge. In the 1,500-person study, 3.4% of those who experienced insufficient results required a return visit, with this rate increasing with age[1].

The study authors believe that tissue laxity with age and slower collagen recovery influence the outcome[1]. However, this is correlational research. There is no cutoff stating that those over 43 cannot receive treatment.

Is more thread always better?

Not necessarily. The same study found greater dissatisfaction among those receiving more than 10 threads[1].

In the first place, there is no established guideline on how many threads should be used for each concern[4]. What matters more than thread count is whether the threads can reach the area corresponding to your sagging.

Does thread type affect suitability?

Yes, it does. Thicker threads with larger barbs are suited to heavy sagging in the lower face, while fine threads are suited to thin areas such as around the eyes, according to descriptions[2].

Shape also differs. U-shaped threads have strong lifting power, and visible lift was reported in 85–90%[2]. In exchange, skin depression occurred in 12–18%[2]. Straight I-shaped threads produce more modest changes, while complications were reported in fewer than 5%[2].

The same paper concludes that what determines results is not thread type but rather selecting suitable candidates and sound planning[2].

Do many people combine this with other treatments?

Yes. A Japanese report examining over 110,000 thread lift procedures found that more than 60% of patients also underwent treatments such as hyaluronic acid or botulinum toxin injections at the same time[5].

Thread lift excels at "lifting"; volume and skin quality are strengths of other treatments[2]. Whether your concerns lean more toward one or the other determines whether you use threads alone or combine treatments. Recovery is described as taking several days to around one week[6].

What should be examined during consultation to determine if it is right for you?

There are three things to confirm: the amount and location of sagging, skin thickness, and the degree of change you expect[1][2]. It is noted that data examining differences by skin type and population are still limited[7].

These three points cannot be determined from articles or photographs alone. During your consultation, have your face examined in person, confirm where threads can and cannot reach, and verify the rationale for the number and type of threads to be used.