MINT PDO Threads in Portland — The Non-Surgical Lift You’ve Been Looking For
Maybe you’ve noticed a softening along the jawline. A heaviness in the lower face that wasn’t there five years ago. A slight drooping at the corners of the mouth or brows. You’re not ready — or interested — in surgery. But you want something that actually works. MINT PDO threads might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
What Are PDO Threads?
PDO (polydioxanone) threads are fine, absorbable sutures that have been used in cardiovascular and orthopedic surgery for decades. In aesthetic medicine, they’re used to physically lift and tighten sagging skin — and to stimulate collagen production along the thread’s path.
At Maine Aesthetic Medicine, we use MINT (Minimally Invasive Non-Surgical Thread) PDO threads — a premium option known for their barbed design, which anchors tissue more effectively than smooth threads for better lift and longer-lasting results.
How Does a Thread Lift Work?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia in our Portland studio. Fine needles are used to insert the threads into specific planes of the face. Once placed, the barbs on the MINT threads grip the tissue and hold it in a lifted position. Over the following months, the thread is gradually absorbed by the body — but the collagen that forms around it remains, providing continued support and improvement long after the thread itself is gone.
The entire procedure typically takes 45–90 minutes, depending on how many areas are being treated. Most patients experience some mild swelling and bruising for 5–10 days. After that, results are visible and continue to improve.
What Areas Can MINT Threads Treat?
Thread lifts are most effective for addressing mild to moderate laxity in the following areas:
- Jowls and lower face — one of the most common concerns and most satisfying thread lift results
- Nasolabial folds (smile lines) — lifting the midface reduces their appearance naturally
- Brow and lateral forehead — a subtle brow lift opens the eyes and refreshes the upper face
- Neck and jawline definition
- Cheeks and midface — lifting the midface restores youthful fullness and contour
MINT PDO Lift Threads vs. Smooth Threads
At Maine Aesthetic Medicine, we offer both types of PDO threads for different goals:
MINT PDO Lift Threads
Barbed threads that physically lift and anchor tissue. Best for jowls, midface, and brows. More dramatic, longer-lasting results. Performed under local anesthesia.
$1,500 per area
PDO Smooth Threads
Smooth threads placed in a mesh pattern to stimulate collagen throughout the treatment area. Best for fine lines, skin quality, and neck texture. Can be combined with lift threads.
$500
How Do Threads Compare to Surgery?
A traditional surgical facelift and a thread lift are not in competition — they serve different patients at different stages. Here’s how to think about it:
- Thread lift: Best for mild to moderate laxity, minimal downtime (days, not weeks), no general anesthesia, results visible but subtle and natural, no scarring, repeatable as needed
- Surgical facelift: Best for significant laxity or excess skin, weeks of downtime, more dramatic transformation, not easily reversible, longer-lasting structural results
For many Portland patients in their late 30s to 50s, a thread lift paired with neurotoxin and collagen-stimulating treatments like Sculptra or GeniusRF delivers a comprehensive rejuvenation with a fraction of the downtime and cost of surgery.
Thread Lifts as Part of a Comprehensive Plan
Our approach at Maine Aesthetic Medicine is rarely single-treatment. Thread lifts work beautifully in combination with:
- Daxxify — relaxes dynamic lines while threads lift structural laxity
- Sculptra — rebuilds collagen volume while threads reposition tissue
- GeniusRF Microneedling — improves skin quality in the areas threads have lifted
- Filler — adds targeted volume to complement the lift
A full consultation will help us determine what combination makes the most sense for your face, your goals, and your timeline.
Is a Thread Lift Right for You?
Book a consultation at Maine Aesthetic Medicine in Portland. We’ll assess your facial anatomy and recommend a personalized lifting and rejuvenation plan — with or without threads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do MINT PDO thread results last?
Most patients see results lasting 12–18 months. The lift itself gradually softens as threads absorb, but the collagen stimulation provides ongoing skin quality improvement. Many patients refresh their threads annually.
Is the procedure painful?
The area is numbed with local anesthetic before thread placement. You may feel pressure and pulling during the procedure, but significant pain is uncommon. Post-procedure, mild soreness and tightness are normal for a few days.
How long is recovery?
Most patients experience swelling and bruising for 5–10 days. You’ll be asked to avoid strenuous activity, sleeping on your face, and certain facial movements for a couple of weeks. Many patients schedule their thread lift on a Thursday or Friday to use the weekend for initial recovery.
Can threads be combined with other treatments at the same appointment?
Yes and no — we’ll discuss what can be done in the same session and what’s better staged. Daxxify is often done at the same appointment; some treatments are better 2–4 weeks before or after threads. Your consultation will map this out.
Maine Aesthetic Medicine is Portland’s boutique medical spa for non-surgical lifting, rejuvenation, and skin treatments. Located at 163 Fore Street, Floor 2.