Tweakments: MINT Lift™ PDO Threads with Dr Danielle Waxman at Central CosMedic in Hawkes Bay
As we age, our facial support structure weakens, and we lose facial fat. The affected areas generally include the cheeks, the eyebrows and other areas around the eyes, the jowls and the neck. The result is a longer, older-looking face, perhaps much older than our years.
Over time, the overall face shape changes, with the jowls becoming more prominent and cheekbones less defined. One way to address these changes is by exploring thread lifts or suture lifts, which involve the use of PDO threads or sutures made from materials used in surgery to close wounds. When threads are carefully placed under the skin they can tighten and lift loose or sagging areas in various parts of the face and body, helping reduce the effects of gravity and aging.
Dr Danielle Waxman at Central CosMedic in Hawkes Bay offers MINT Lift™ threads, which can help to restore sagging skin to deliver a more youthful looking jaw line and more refined facial contour. Wherever they are placed they provide a natural lift and stimulate new collagen production in the area, and recovery time is quick so you can go back to daily life not long after your procedure.
What does the procedure involve?
A treatment with MINT Lifting threads takes less than one hour, with minimal tissue trauma and swelling. After administering local anaesthesia to help reduce any discomfort, a small entry port is made using a fine needle and an absorbable suture thread containing 360-degree helical barbs is inserted beneath the skin. The threads are placed under the skin via this single entry point on each side of the face according to the area of concern.
The thread is not visible under the skin and the skin overlying the thread is then gently compressed to reshape the area by hand and achieve the desired lifting effect. The facial thread lifts sagging facial tissues giving you the look of a facelift but without the downtime or significant expense, as well as no scarring.
There may be slight swelling or bruising after the treatment, but this usually subsides in a few days. Any discomfort felt post-procedure can be managed with paracetamol.
So how exactly do the threads work?
The absorbable threads cause tension in the skin that gives an immediate lifting effect. The material that they are made from, PDO, also stimulates the production of collagen and elastin and hyaluronic acid in the skin, creating a more youthful effect over time.
Who is suitable for MINT Lift™ threads?
This treatment is recommended for men and women over the age of 30 that are showing signs of aging but are not wanting to undergo a full facelift or other invasive surgery.
Which areas can be treated using MINT Lift™ threads?
Facial contours – to redefine the contours of the face, giving a fuller look to the cheeks and firming the skin
Lower jaw/jowls – to lift the area, lessening their appearance
Neck – to give the neck more definition and a stronger contour
Cheeks – to enhance the cheeks and reduce the nasolabial folds
Marionette lines – to soften and lift the area, reducing the appearance of lines and lending a slight natural lift to the corners of the mouth
Eyebrows – opening up the eye area and raising the outer edge of the eyebrow
When can I see results and how long will they last?
Results can be seen immediately, and continue to improve over time. Full results may be seen 6-12 weeks after the procedure and last a minimum of 12 months. The procedure can then be repeated annually or as required to continue to maintain the desired effect.
How much does it cost?
The cost is $350 per barbed thread, with typically four to twelve threads required, so around $1400 to $4200 in total. More threads may be used on same day or at a later date if desired.
These PDO threads are often used in conjunction with Dermal Fillers and neuromodulators such as Botulinum Toxin-A.
Contact Dr Danielle Waxman to find out if this procedure may be suitable for you .
E-docdani@centralcosmedic.co.nz
