MINT Thread Lift in Apgujeong, Gangnam Seoul
Board-Certified Dermatologist Top 2% in Korea 13+ Years
MINT Thread Lift · quick answer
What a MINT thread lift does, in one paragraph
MINT is a brand of cogged PDO (polydioxanone) threads developed in Korea. Each thread carries small barbs that grip the tissue under the skin, so after insertion through a fine cannula they can lift and hold sagging cheeks, jowls or jawline in a higher position. As the PDO slowly dissolves, it stimulates collagen around it. It suits mild to moderate sagging. At Ever Skin Clinic, a board-certified dermatologist decides how many MINT threads to use and maps their vectors for your face.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jieun Kim, M.D. Founder & Director, board-certified dermatologist. Dermatology residency at Hanyang University Hospital; adjunct professor, Hanyang University College of Medicine. Meet our dermatologists Last reviewed October 2026
- Material
- Cogged (barbed) PDO threads, dissolvable
- Best for
- Midface descent, nasolabial folds, jowls, jawline, brows
- Treatment time
- About 30 to 45 minutes, under local anaesthetic
- Downtime
- Swelling, bruising or tightness for about 3 to 7 days
- Results
- Immediate lift; commonly around 9 to 18 months
The treatment
What is a MINT thread lift?
MINT threads are cogged threads: their barbs are designed to engage tissue in more than one direction, which helps them hold a lift better than smooth threads. They are made of PDO, the same absorbable material used in surgical sutures for decades, and are typically placed with a blunt cannula to reduce bruising.
Compared with classic smooth PDO threads, which mainly support skin quality, MINT is chosen when a stronger mechanical lift is needed. See PDO vs MINT threads for a side-by-side comparison.
Common MINT treatment areas
- Midface — lifting descended cheeks to soften nasolabial folds
- Jowls and jawline — a sharper lower-face contour
- Marionette area — reducing heaviness at the mouth corners
- Brows — a subtle lift of the outer brow
- Neck — support for mild laxity
Is it right for you?
Who is a good candidate?
MINT threads suit adults with mild to moderate sagging and reasonable skin thickness who want a visible lift without surgery. They are often combined with HIFU or RF for overall tightening and with filler where volume is lost.
If you have very thin skin, heavy jowls or a lot of excess skin, threads may give only a limited or short-lived lift, and your dermatologist will discuss other options.
MINT may suit you if you
- Have early jowls or a softening jawline
- See deepening folds as the cheeks descend
- Want an immediate, visible lift
- Can allow about a week for swelling to settle
- Prefer local anaesthetic to surgery
Your visit
What happens during a MINT thread lift
The procedure is done in clinic under local anaesthetic and you go home the same day.
- Design Your dermatologist marks entry points and lifting vectors while you sit upright.
- Anaesthesia Numbing cream and local anaesthetic are applied at the entry points and along the thread paths.
- Insertion MINT threads are placed with a fine cannula, anchored and adjusted for symmetry over about 30 to 45 minutes.
- Aftercare We check the result, explain aftercare and arrange review if your stay allows.
Real patient · before & after
An example of our non-surgical lifting results
This case shows filler dissolving followed by Shurink HIFU lifting, shown as an example of non-surgical lifting at our clinic. No threads were used.
Ask us for MINT-specific cases at consultation.
Photos are shared with the patient's consent and are not retouched apart from privacy blurring. Results differ from person to person and are not guaranteed.
See more before & after photosRecovery & safety
Recovery, side effects and aftercare
Swelling, bruising, tenderness and tightness are common for about three to seven days, and many people return to daily life within one to two days. Small dimples at entry points usually settle within one to two weeks. Less common problems include asymmetry, a palpable thread, infection or prolonged pain, which can usually be managed.
Tell your dermatologist if you take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, an active skin infection, an autoimmune condition, keloid tendency, permanent fillers in the area, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Aftercare tips
- Eat soft foods for 2 to 3 days if the lower face was treated
- Avoid wide mouth opening, dental work and facials for about 2 weeks
- Sleep on your back and avoid rubbing the face for about a week
- Use a cold compress gently in the first 24 hours
- Skip intense workouts, saunas and alcohol for about a week
Questions we hear every day
MINT Thread Lift FAQ
How long does a MINT thread lift last?
Results commonly last around nine to eighteen months, depending on the number of threads, skin quality and ageing. The PDO dissolves within months, but collagen formed around the threads helps maintain some support.
Is MINT stronger than regular PDO threads?
MINT threads are cogged, with barbs that grip tissue in more than one direction, so they generally hold a lift better than smooth PDO threads. Smooth threads are mainly used for skin support. Your dermatologist may combine both.
Does it hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used along the thread paths, so most people feel pressure and pulling rather than sharp pain. Soreness and tightness for several days afterwards are common and usually eased with simple painkillers.
When can I fly after MINT threads?
Flying is generally fine after a day or two. Swelling and bruising may last up to about a week, so leave a buffer before important events and avoid lifting heavy luggage straight after treatment.
Can MINT be combined with fillers or HIFU?
Yes. Threads lift tissue but do not add volume or tighten skin broadly, so many plans combine MINT with filler or HIFU. Your dermatologist will advise on order and timing.
Talk to a board-certified dermatologist in Apgujeong
Send us your skin concern and photos on WhatsApp. An English-speaking team member will reply and arrange your consultation.
Mon & Thu 10:00–19:00 · Tue & Fri 10:00–20:00 · Sat 10:00–16:00 · Closed Wed, Sun & holidays
