Precision Thread Lifting with MINT Lift Fine: A Clinical Look at Short-Term Facial Rejuvenation Outcomes

Based on Dr. Hyoung-Jin Moon et al. | PRS Global Open, 2020

Introduction

The increasing demand for subtle, non-surgical facial rejuvenation has driven the evolution of thread lifting procedures. Among emerging technologies, MINT Lift Fine, a polydioxanone (PDO) monofilament with 360° barbs, offers a tailored approach for patients with early facial laxity. It promises to improve skin sagging while minimizing trauma and downtime—key concerns for today’s aesthetics clients. Unlike traditional lifting techniques that rely on large barbs or anchoring mechanisms, MINT Lift Fine is engineered for delicate adjustments with controlled lift, particularly in the midface, jowl, and perioral regions.

In this study, Dr. Hyoung-Jin Moon and colleagues aimed to assess the short-term efficacy and safety profile of MINT Lift Fine through a retrospective review of 21 patients. These patients presented with varying degrees of skin laxity and underwent targeted thread placement under local anesthesia. The outcomes were evaluated using standardized aesthetic metrics and clinician assessments over a six-month period. The study offers valuable insights for practitioners who want to integrate light-thread techniques into their facial rejuvenation protocols, especially for clients with subtle sagging but high expectations.

Thread Design and Insertion Strategy: A Precise Lift for Mild Facial Laxity

The MINT Lift Fine is a polydioxanone (PDO) monofilament thread designed for refined lifting and repositioning of sagging facial tissues. What distinguishes it from other threads is its multi-directional 360° barbed configuration, which enhances the anchoring capacity without increasing insertion resistance. The thread is introduced using an 18-gauge W-type blunt cannula, which reduces trauma during passage and allows safer, smoother navigation through delicate soft tissue planes. This design makes MINT Lift Fine particularly well-suited for patients with thin skin or mild-to-moderate laxity in areas such as the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, cheeks, and jowls.

To ensure precise thread placement and tensioning, a triangular anatomical mapping system was employed in the study. This method considers key anatomical landmarks while protecting vital structures such as the temporal branch of the facial nerve. The entry points were designed to allow vertical lifting vectors, with the goal of repositioning descended fat pads and restoring youthful contour without visible surface irregularities or thread palpability. Importantly, the threads were placed in the superficial subcutaneous fat layer, a plane that balances effectiveness and safety while supporting optimal integration and neocollagenesis.

Thread Insertion Steps Using MINT Lift Fine:

Step 1: Facial Assessment and Mapping

Identify facial zones requiring lift (e.g., midface, jowl, marionette line) and mark anatomical landmarks using three reference lines:

• The Pitanguy line to avoid the temporal facial nerve branch

• The zygomatic arch

• A vertical line from the temporal process to define treatment borders

Step 2: Entry and Exit Point Designation

Within the mapped triangle, mark:

• 4 entry points positioned just below the Pitanguy line

• 4 exit points corresponding to targeted fat compartments (e.g., nasolabial fold, jowl)

Step 3: Anesthesia and Hydrodissection

• Administer local anesthesia at entry points and along planned trajectories

• Use hydrodissection to reduce resistance and minimize tissue trauma during cannula advancement

Step 4: Thread Insertion

• Insert MINT Lift Fine threads through the entry points using the blunt cannula, carefully guiding them through the subcutaneous fat layer toward the exit zones

• The 360° barbs automatically engage with soft tissue along the way, eliminating the need for fixation or knotting

Step 5: Tensioning and Finishing

• Once threads are placed, apply gentle tension to lift the target area

• Cut and remove excess thread ends, then apply a sterile dressing or compression tape over the entry sites

Source: Moon, H.-J., Lee, J. H., & Bae, K. I. (2020). Short-term treatment outcomes of facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift Fine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 8(6), e2927.

Patient Population and Evaluation Process

The study population included 21 patients (19 women and 2 men), with a mean age of 49.2 years, all presenting with mild-to-moderate signs of facial aging. Eligible participants showed early sagging in regions like the jowls, cheeks, marionette lines, and nasolabial folds, but did not require surgical lifting. Patients with previous facelift surgeries, extensive facial volume loss, or contraindications to thread lifting were excluded to ensure homogeneity.

Outcomes were assessed using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) at 6 months post-procedure, with two independent clinicians evaluating serial photography to ensure objectivity. The GAIS scores ranged from 1 (“worsened”) to 5 (“very much improved”). Additional clinical observations included postoperative photographs, patient self-reports, and documentation of any complications or adverse effects.

Source: Moon, H.-J., Lee, J. H., & Bae, K. I. (2020). Short-term treatment outcomes of facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift Fine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 8(6), e2927.

This bar graph displays the distribution of GAIS scores, with most patients scoring either “much improved” or “very much improved,” reflecting consistent satisfaction across different treatment zones.

Clinical Results: Lifting Efficacy Across Facial Zones

The short-term results of MINT Lift Fine were favorable across the patient cohort. The mean GAIS score was 3.62 ± 0.84, indicating that patients on average experienced an outcome between “improved” and “very much improved.” There was no statistically significant difference in outcome between the midface and lower face zones, suggesting that the thread performed reliably across multiple facial compartments. This is especially notable given the fine structure of the thread, which was able to lift soft tissue without aggressive anchoring or high-tension vectoring.

Photographic results demonstrated improved contour of the nasolabial fold, reduction of jowl sagging, and enhanced cheek volume. In a highlighted case of a 39-year-old woman with moderate jowl descent, visual lifting was still evident at the 6-month follow-up, with smoother jawline definition and sustained contour improvement. This supports the MINT Lift Fine as a viable modality for younger patients or those not yet ready for full surgical intervention.

Source: Moon, H.-J., Lee, J. H., & Bae, K. I. (2020). Short-term treatment outcomes of facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift Fine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 8(6), e2927.

Safety and Complications: Mild and Self-Resolving Issues

The safety profile of MINT Lift Fine was confirmed to be favorable, with only four patients (19%) experiencing minor complications, all of which resolved spontaneously without further treatment. Reported issues included one case of slight depression at the entry point, two cases of minor skin irregularity, and one case of transient asymmetry. These findings align with expectations for PDO thread lifts, especially when placed in deeper subcutaneous layers where visible surface distortion is minimized.

Importantly, there were no cases of infection, thread extrusion, skin necrosis, or nerve injury, reinforcing the technique’s viability for clinical use. The use of a blunt cannula and careful anatomical mapping likely played a significant role in preventing complications. Patients were able to return to daily activities quickly, and postoperative protocols—such as applying cold compresses, short-term antibiotic use, and compression garment wear—contributed to uneventful healing.

Source: Moon, H.-J., Lee, J. H., & Bae, K. I. (2020). Short-term treatment outcomes of facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift Fine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 8(6), e2927.

Conclusion

The MINT Lift Fine offers a highly controlled, minimally invasive option for facial rejuvenation in patients with mild sagging. Its thin profile, multi-directional barbs, and blunt cannula delivery make it ideal for those seeking subtle yet meaningful improvement without the risks of deep anchoring or surgical recovery. As demonstrated in this study, it provides consistent lifting effects with a low incidence of minor complications and excellent patient satisfaction within a 6-month follow-up.

While the technique may not replace lifting procedures in advanced aging, it fills an important niche in aesthetic medicine—particularly for younger patients or those in transitional treatment phases. Surgeons and aesthetic practitioners seeking to diversify their thread portfolio will find MINT Lift Fine a valuable addition for fine-tuning facial contours with precision and safety.

Reference

1. Moon, H.-J., Lee, J. H., & Bae, K. I. (2020). Short-term treatment outcomes of facial rejuvenation using the Mint Lift Fine. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open, 8(6), e2927.

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