MINT™ stands for Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Thread. It is a monofilament suture made out of complex sugar polydioxanone (PDO). There are barbs molded along the thread that anchor into the fat pads of the skin and reposition tissue to help reduce the appearance of sagging skin.
PDO sutures have been used in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgeries for over 30 years. This technology was studied and refined in countries like South Korea where MINT™ PDO was founded. MINT™ has since become a globally recognized brand with certifications in multiple countries.
1. How do MINT™ PDO threads work?
MINT™ is a safe, absorbable suture designed to approximate sagging tissue. Once the thread is inserted into the skin, the tiny barbs on the thread anchor onto sagging tissue and are then maneuvered to contour and define your natural features. The thread dissolves in 6-8 months and can stimulate your body to produce its own collagen to further improve the appearance of your skin.
Additional information:
MINT™ PDO threads are designed with a unique patented technology where barbs are strategically press molded in a 360-degree helical design. Threads are placed into the skin, and the barbs anchor onto soft tissue and are then approximated to contour and rejuvenate the skin. Not only can it improve the appearance of sagging skin, PDO can help promote the stimulation of collagen and neovascularization which helps to improve skin elasticity, texture, fine lines, and volume for a beautiful rejuvenation.
2. How safe is it?
MINT™ threads are made from a complex sugar polydioxanone or PDO – a safe suture material that has been used in orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries for over 30 years.
Not only that, MINT™ is also backed by more than 6 years of published studies for its safety and is the first PDO suture in the US market to have received two FDA clearances.
3. When can I see results?
The procedure takes an average of 1 hour, and results can be seen immediately. Patients will experience minimal pain, minimal scarring, and minimal downtime compared to surgical procedures, and results will improve over time as the swelling, redness, and bruising go down.
4. How long is the downtime?
After the procedure, you may immediately resume your daily activities. More intense activities, such as exercise should be resumed after a week, but please consult with your provider beforehand.
5. Am I a good candidate for PDO threads?
Please schedule a consultation first to determine if you are an ideal candidate for MINT™ procedures. During the consultation, you should discuss what concerns you want to address and the look you desire so the provider can properly address the area of concern.
6. Can I get PDO threads more than once?
While one treatment may be enough for some, you may consider getting PDO threads another time. The threads dissolve completely in 6 to 8 months, so the treatment can be repeated as desired after consulting with your practitioner.
7. Can I get other treatments in combination with PDO threads?
Yes! MINT™ is compatible with many other procedures, so you can take advantage of all the best things each treatment has to offer for synergistic effects. Target wrinkles with neuromodulators, restore volume with dermal fillers, address skin texture with laser treatments, and take care of sagging skin with MINT™.
8. Are there any side effects?
Common side effects may include soreness, minor bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort. If you experience any other complications or an extended period of side effects, please consult with your provider. To avoid the risk of complications, we recommend that you verify your provider has received professional PDO thread training credentials.
9. Are all PDO threads the same?
While PDO threads are made of the same material, the manufacturing process of the thread itself varies from brand to brand. Conventional PDO threads cut the barbs from the integral core of the thread, which weakens it and makes it more prone to breakages. MINT™ uses an innovative patented technology to press-mold the barbs onto the surface of the thread to maintain its structural integrity.
10. What’s the difference between facelifts and PDO threads?
A facelift is a great option for those with severe sagging skin and tissue who can invest in this long-term solution and time off to recover. The results of a facelift are drastic and can last up to ten years. In contrast, PDO threads can be a fantastic alternative for those who are looking to address sagging skin through a minimally invasive procedure without invasive surgery and at a fraction of the cost of a facelift. The results are natural and instant, with minimal downtime and trauma.
11. How long will the results last?
The body absorbs PDO threads in 6-8 months after insertion, but the results can last for up to one year as the threads can help stimulate collagen production in the skin. However, results will vary depending on the degree of sagging, the thickness of the skin, and the facial structure of the patient.
12. How much does it cost?
The cost of PDO threads varies between clinics and the area of treatment. We recommend receiving an assessment from a provider to determine how much a treatment will cost.
13. Can men take advantage of this treatment?
Yes. PDO threads can help both men and women.
14. How painful is the procedure?
Providers will normally administer local anesthesia prior to the procedure. You may feel pressure during the insertion of the threads and/or hear the “clicking” sound of the threads, but you should feel minimal pain during the procedure.
15. Is it safe for me to get PDO threads if I plan on getting a facelift in the future?
PDO threads dissolve in 6-8 months after insertion and should not pose a problem for a patient who plans to get a facelift in the future. However, cases can vary greatly from patient to patient, so we recommend consulting with a provider who has experience with both PDO threads and facelifts.
16. What makes MINT™ different from other PDO threads?
While PDO threads are made of the same material, the manufacturing process of the thread itself varies from brand to brand. Conventional PDO threads cut the barbs from the integral core of the thread, which weakens it and makes it more prone to breakage. MINT™ uses an innovative patented technology to press-mold the barbs onto the surface of the thread in a 360-degree helical design. This helps it maintain its structural integrity and offers an all-around approximation for maximum tensile strength and anchorage.
17. Are all molded PDO threads the same?
No, each brand is different in terms of barb design, level of safety (clinical studies and FDA clearances), and packaging. Other PDO threads have barbs molded and positioned in linear or 2D fashion and repackaged from a contracted supplier. Under its patented technology, MINT™ is the only PDO thread in the market with barbs positioned in a 360-degree helical design to anchor soft tissue in all directions and directly manufactured and packaged in our R&D center. MINT™ threads come in 3 layers of sealing for the highest quality and safety standards.
18. Is MINT™ FDA cleared?
MINT™ is the first in the industry to have three FDA clearances and is globally recognized with MFDS approval, CE certification, and CFDA certification.