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MINT™ is a safe, absorbable suture designed to approximate sagging tissue. Once the thread is inserted into the skin, the small barbs on the thread anchor onto sagging tissue and are then maneuvered to reposition the tissue for a more youthful and contoured appearance. There are also smooth threads, or threads without barbs, that are used to help tighten and volumize the skin by stimulating collagen production.

MINT™ PDO threads are FDA cleared for use in soft tissue approximation where use of an absorbable suture is appropriate. It is also indicated for use in mid-face suspension surgery to temporarily fixate tissue in an elevated position for the treatment of moderate to severe nasolabial folds.

The procedure takes an average of 1 hour, and results can be seen immediately. Results will improve over time as the swelling, redness, and bruising go down in 2-4 weeks. Best results can typically be seen after 1 month once the threads have time to settle.

PDO threads fully dissolve in 6-8 months from insertion, and can continue to stimulate collagen production in your body for up to 1 year to further improve the laxity and texture of the skin. The longevity of the results can highly vary depending on individual anatomy, degree of skin laxity, the number of threads used, the vector pattern used for the treatment, and other factors.

MINT™ PDO threads are a minimally invasive procedure that is typically performed under local anesthesia. It may take a few hours for the anesthesia to fully wear off, but daily activities may be resumed immediately. It is highly advised to avoid causing tension or applying pressure to the treated areas (strenuous activities, massages, dental procedures, eating foods that require opening mouth widely and/or heavy chewing). Because swelling, redness, bruising, and other potential side effects can occur, it is also advised not to get PDO threads less than a month prior to an important event to allow the threads to settle for the best results.

Patients are typically administered local anesthesia for barb PDO threads or topical anesthesia for smooth PDO thread treatments. Patients may experience discomfort or pain during the numbing process that is similar to the sensation from injectables, such as toxins and dermal fillers. During the PDO thread procedure, patients will feel pressure during the insertion and may feel the “clicking” sensation of the barbs anchoring into the tissue, but should feel minimal discomfort or pain otherwise.

The cost of the treatment can vary according to the area of treatment and degree of skin laxity. It is best to consult with a provider to determine the cost.

MINT™ threads are made of polydioxanone or PDO, a biodegradable polymer that has been used in orthopedic and cardiovascular surgeries for over 30 years. PDO is dissolved via hydrolysis, a process that breaks the material down into water and carbon dioxide which is then fully metabolized by the body. PDO has been found to not elicit an immune response because it is nonantigenic and only elicits a slight tissue reaction during absorption.

Potential side effects include, but are not limited to, soreness, bruising, dimpling, swelling, and mild discomfort. Most side effects will resolve on their own in 1 to 2 weeks. If side effects persist for an extended period of time, consult with your provider. To lessen the risk of complications, it is recommended to verify that your provider has been certified to use MINT™ PDO threads.

Patient selection is a crucial part in determining the success and longevity of the results achieved with PDO threads. Some factors taken into consideration are skin thickness, degree of laxity, and medical history. It is highly recommended to schedule a consultation to determine if you are an ideal candidate for PDO threads, discuss what concerns you want to address, and set realistic expectations that is in line with the treatment plan offered by the provider.

Yes, MINT™ is compatible with other treatments and often combined with them to achieve comprehensive results. Muscles can be relaxed with neurotoxins, volume can be restored with dermal fillers, skin texture can be improved with lasers, and sagging tissue can be repositioned with MINT™. For best results, it is recommended to consult with a provider who can create a treatment plan and timeline that can address your concerns.