Mint Thread, Aptos Thread Lifting and Device Lifting: How Do You Choose?

Thread lifting and device lifting (ultrasound and radiofrequency) have distinct selection criteria based on how they work, the layers they target, the degree of sagging and recovery time.

Main differences

Device lifting (HIFU ultrasound / RF radiofrequency)

• Mechanism: Without skin incisions, this non-invasive approach delivers thermal energy from radiofrequency (such as Thermage and Oligio) or ultrasound (such as Ultherapy and Shurink) to the dermis or the SMAS fascial layer, causing tissue contraction and stimulating collagen regeneration.
• Purpose: Improving fine lines, refining skin texture, strengthening overall firmness and reducing unwanted volume.
• Recovery: Bruising and swelling are minimal, allowing a return to everyday activities on the same day.
• Onset: Initial contraction is followed by gradual results as collagen builds over several months.

Thread lifting (Mint Thread, Aptos Thread Lifting)

• Mechanism: Absorbable threads with barbs (cogs) are placed beneath the skin to physically engage sagging fat and fascial tissue and lift it back toward its original position.
• Purpose: Directly repositioning and securing downward-displaced tissue around the cheeks, nasolabial folds, lower-cheek fullness and jawline.
• Recovery: Swelling, bruising and a temporary pulling sensation may occur for about 1 week.

Onset: The physical lifting effect is apparent immediately after treatment.

1. Skin suited to Mint Thread (MINT Thread)

Mint Thread is an absorbable barbed thread made of PDO (polydioxanone) that physically lifts sagging skin tissue to help improve facial contours. It may be considered when a relatively immediate lifting change is desired.

It may be considered for these skin concerns.

• Visible sagging around the jawline and cheeks: When facial contour improvement is needed for a less-defined jawline, jowls or sagging cheeks
• Moderate skin thickness and fat volume: When tissue is not excessively heavy, allowing the pulling strength of the threads to be used effectively
• Early skin sagging: When the goal is to improve relatively mild sagging with periodic care

2. Skin suited to Aptos Thread Lifting (APTOS Thread)

Depending on the product, Aptos Thread Lifting uses materials such as PLLA and PCL to lift skin tissue while stimulating a collagen-production response that can help improve firmness.

It may be considered for these skin concerns.

• Sagging together with loss of firmness: When several aging changes appear together, such as sagging cheeks and deep wrinkles
• A desire for longer-term lifting care: When both physical traction and gradual improvement in firmness are sought
• Noticeable changes in facial contours: When the goal is to improve sagging in several areas, including the midface and jawline

Selection criteria: which should you choose?

When device lifting is suitable

• When sagging is not yet pronounced but mild loss of firmness or thinning skin is noticeable
• When the goal is to reduce fine lines and proactively care for skin texture and tightness
• When you need to return to everyday activities immediately without downtime

When thread lifting is suitable

• When there is moderate or greater sagging, with the cheeks, lower-cheek tissue or jawline visibly displaced downward
• When the goal is to physically lift tissue and immediately refine facial contours
• When device lifting alone is considered limited in its ability to lift sagging tissue
• Depending on the thread material, such as PDO, PLLA or PCL, and the number of threads, results last from 6 months to more than 2 years.

Key differences at a glance

Recovery time (downtime) and skin reactions

• Thread lifting: Bruising, swelling, dimpling (skin indentations) and a pulling sensation may occur for about 3–7 days. Avoid exaggerated facial expressions and massage for about a week.
• HIFU: There is almost no downtime, so everyday activities can resume the same day. Temporary redness, slight swelling and tingling discomfort may occur.

Combining thread lifting with HIFU ultrasound treatment produces a multidimensional synergy that addresses both the outside (contours) and the inside (firmness). Their completely different mechanisms complement each other's limitations and maximize their strengths.

Expected effects of combining thread lifting and HIFU

1. Powerful dual lifting (physical elevation + tissue contraction)

• Thread lifting firmly pulls and secures sagging skin and lower-cheek tissue in the desired direction,
• while HIFU uses thermal energy to firmly contract and tighten the surrounding SMAS fascial layer and dermis.
• In other words, HIFU firms the tissue around the position established by the threads so that it adheres snugly, like sticky rice cake, making the lifting action much stronger.

2. Maximizing how long results last

• Thread lifting offers an immediate effect, but its holding strength may weaken as the threads gradually dissolve over time.
• HIFU then strongly stimulates the skin's own production of collagen and elastin. As the body's own firmness-supporting cells fill the space left by the dissolving threads, the lifting effect lasts much longer than with either treatment alone.

3. A smooth facial contour (preventing dimpling)

• With thread lifting alone, excessive traction on heavily sagging areas may temporarily create dimpling (skin indentations) or an unnatural surface appearance.
• Combining HIFU increases overall skin tension and firmness, improving how closely the tissue conforms around the threads and helping create a smoother, more natural oval contour.

4. Improving skin texture and fine lines together

• If thread lifting is the major construction work that addresses deep wrinkles and a less-defined jawline, HIFU is the precision work that delivers energy to the dermis to refine pores, fine lines and overall skin texture. Beyond contouring, improved support within the skin makes the complexion look clearer and firmer.

Aftercare for thread lifting

• Cleansing and irritation: Avoid washing your face on the treatment day if possible, and avoid facial massage or strong stimulation for 1–2 weeks.
• Facial expressions and mouth opening: Avoid opening your mouth widely or making exaggerated expressions for 2–4 weeks.
• Sleeping position: Sleep on your back when possible to avoid putting pressure on your face.
• Swelling and bruising: Gentle cold compresses may help during the first 2–3 days. Avoid pressing firmly on the skin while applying them.

Aftercare for HIFU ultrasound treatment

• Avoid heat: Avoid saunas, heated spa rooms, hot baths and strenuous exercise for about 1 week.
• Moisture and sun protection: Apply moisturizer generously and use sunscreen carefully when outdoors.
• Limit irritating skincare: Avoid ingredients such as retinol and AHA/BHA for several days after treatment.

Shared aftercare when combining both treatments

• Alcohol and smoking: To support recovery, avoid alcohol and smoking for about 1 week if possible.
• Monitor your skin: Temporary swelling, bruising, pulling or soreness may occur. Contact the treating facility immediately for severe pain, worsening swelling, heat or signs suggesting inflammation.

Booking and inquiries

Contact CELITA via WhatsApp at https://wa.me/821046019442. Before your visit, ask about any questions and your skin care plan.

This post provides general skin information. Treatment effects and side effects may vary from person to person. Please contact CELITA Clinic about whether treatment is needed.