Facelift NZ

The world of aesthetics is continuously evolving, and more advanced treatments are being introduced every day. As we all know, ageing is unavoidable, but everybody wants to look youthful and refreshed. Many aesthetic procedures are out there that assist in regaining confidence and rejuvenating a dull and tired-looking face.

And so you have probably already heard about Dermal Fillers and Mint Threads as anti-ageing treatments. But a lot of people get confused between the two and face a hard time choosing the right one. We are here to help you learn the difference between Mint Threads and Dermal Fillers. In addition, this blog will provide insight into which of the two treatments offer a better facelift.

What are Mint Threads?

Mint Threads are threads made of a material called PDO (polydioxanone). The threads are unique in the sense that they can be absorbed by our bodies. This usually happens over 3 to 4 months. For exactly that reason, doctors often use these absorbable threads in surgical procedures. This is because the surgeon can just stitch a wound back together and wait for the stitches to self-absorb, there is no need for him to perform another surgery just to remove them.

Over the last 30 to 40 years, Mint threads have become more and more popular in aesthetic medicine. To perform a facelift, the doctor will use special threads that have tiny, little hooks attached to them. These threads are strategically inserted under the skin’s surface. The tiny hooks attached to the threads gently pierce the skin and lift it up. Over the next 3 to 4 months, the threads gradually dissolve. But many people wonder how can they actually lift your face when they are dissolved. The answer to that is, that the threads stimulate collagen. This collagen thickens the skin and provides it with a lifting effect.

Mint threads are best to reduce the sagging in the mid-face, especially around the nasolabial folds; but they can also lift your eyebrows, reduce heaviness under the eyes, sculpt your jawline, tighten the neck, and help to achieve more defined and fuller lips.

What are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are made of a type of sugar that naturally occurs in our skin. The sugar consists of thousands of tiny, little sugar molecules. These molecules are linked with each other in a laboratory. Due to the linking process, the sugar molecules stick closer together and turn into a gel. The more links the gel has, the thicker it will be.

To lift your face, a qualified medical professional can gently inject a very thick dermal filler onto the bones in your face. As a result, the skin on top of the filler will be lifted and this process also lifts parts of the face. Dermal filler is also an excellent treatment for adding extra volume that has been lost due to the ageing process.

What are the Possible Risks for MINT Threads and Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers and MINT threads are safe procedures if performed by a trained physician. However, you will likely experience more pain and discomfort with MINT threads than with dermal fillers. That’s why it is important that you turn up approximately 20 minutes early to your appointment for a MINT Thread Facelift so that we can apply numbing cream to your face.

Very rarely, a small amount of dermal filler can accidentally be injected into a vessel in your face. This is an extremely rare but potentially serious complication.  And again, to avoid this from happening, it is important that you get this treatment done by a fully qualified medical professional with expertise in cosmetic medicine. MINT threads can not cause this complication as no foreign substance is injected that could block any vessels. But one of the main problems with MINT Threads is that they often cause so-called puckering of the skin which can be quite bothersome for some people. But the good news is that this will always!  resolve over 7 to 10 days.

MINT Threads or Dermal Fillers, which is More Comfortable?

Dermal fillers are much quicker than MINT threads. They are injected with the help of a needle or cannula and usually do not require a numbing cream. Compared to that, the practitioner usually numbs the skin first before a MINT thread procedure. The pain associated with dermal filler injections is equivalent to a bug bite or a rubber band snap, and people often rate it on a scale of four. In contrast, the pain associated with MINT threads scores seven, so local anaesthetics are used for the procedure, and this usually makes it a lot more comfortable.

Mint Threads or Dermal Fillers, which is Best for You?

If you are looking for a more non-invasive and subtle approach, then dermal filler may be the right choice for you. It enhances volume in one or a few areas of concern and also provides you with a good facelift. For example, you can immediately lift or volumize your cheek area without any recovery time. But if you are looking for a complete facelift, MINT threads are an excellent procedure to consider.

Dr Nadja Haub says

Often people ask me what is better for me to lift my face, MINT threads or dermal filler? The thing is that there is no right or wrong answer. Dermal filler can provide a great lifting effect to your face and they are popular because you can see results immediately. Customer satisfaction rates are high with approximately 90% of clients who are very happy. But there are also many people who are reluctant to have dermal filler because they are worried that they may end up looking overfilled or unnatural. In this case, you are probably better off with a MINT thread lift. Results are very natural and approximately 70% of our clients are happy with their result. The downside is that MINT threads are a bit more invasive and often cause puckering of the skin but the good news is that this will always resolve within 7 to 10 days.

In actual fact, a few studies have shown that the combination of MINT threads and dermal filler offers highest customer satisfaction rates for a facelift.

How Long Do the Results Last for Mint Threads and Dermal Fillers?

The results of both dermal fillers and MINT Threads usually last 12 to 18 months. One study showed that almost all customers are very happy with their MINT Thread facelift after one week and one month. After one year, approximately 60% of the clients are still happy.

What are the Possible Risks for Mint Threads and Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers and Mint threads are safe procedures if performed by a trained physician. However, you will likely experience more pain and discomfort with Mint threads than with dermal fillers. In addition, facial asymmetry can be another possible complication of mint threads, and it is hard to correct the issues. At the same time, it is pretty easy to fix the asymmetrical problems associated with dermal fillers. The possibility of potential risk is negligible if you choose a licensed aesthetician for the treatment.

Can You Get Dermal Fillers and Mint Threads Together?

Yes, you can get both treatments together for complete facial rejuvenation. A few studies have shown that combining dermal filler with MINT threads provides superior results. However, only an expert can offer you a fully customized treatment plan combining the benefits of mint threads and dermal fillers. Please bear in mind that you can not have dermal filler and MINT threads done in one session. This requires a more staged approach and usually, two sessions are necessary, ideally one or two weeks apart.

Book a Consultation at Satini Cosmetic Clinic

Our injectable expert, Dr. Nadja Haub at Satini Cosmetic Clinic, will gladly review your concerns and develop a plan according to your facial needs and goals. There is no time like the present day so book a consultation today to begin your journey toward a beautiful and youthful face.