Treatment guide · Thread Lifts

Mint Lift in Seoul

A dissolvable PDO cog-thread lift for sagging cheeks and jowls, done under local anaesthetic.

Ask the clinic for: 민트실 리프팅 (민트리프트)

Mint Lift explained

Mint Lift is a brand of PDO (polydioxanone) barbed thread made by a Korean manufacturer. The threads are placed under the skin to reposition sagging tissue. They dissolve over several months.

How Mint Lift works

After local anaesthetic, the doctor inserts a blunt cannula through tiny entry points and places the threads in the fat layer under the skin. Small moulded barbs along each thread grip the tissue, and the doctor lifts it upward and secures the position. As the PDO slowly dissolves, it triggers collagen around the thread path, which helps support the lift.

Who Mint Lift is for

• Mild to moderate sagging of the cheeks
• Early jowls and a softer jawline
• Deepening nasolabial folds caused by sagging
• People who want a visible lift without surgery
• Ages roughly 35–60 with reasonable skin quality

Who should avoid Mint Lift

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Very thin faces with little fat or very heavy, loose skin
• Bleeding disorders or blood thinners that cannot be paused
• Active skin infection or acne in the area
• People with unrealistic expectations of a facelift result

What happens at the appointment

1. Doctor consultation and marking of lift vectors
2. Cleansing and local anaesthetic injections
3. Threads inserted through small entry points with a cannula
4. Tissue lifted, threads trimmed and entry points closed or taped
5. Check of symmetry and aftercare briefing

Aftercare and flying home

• Avoid wide mouth opening, chewing hard food and big facial expressions for 1–2 weeks
• Sleep on your back with your head raised for about 1 week
• No facial massage, sauna or strong heat devices for 2–4 weeks
• Avoid dental work for about 2 weeks if possible
• Avoid alcohol and heavy exercise for about 1 week
• Contact the clinic if you have increasing pain, redness or fever

Side effects and risks

• Swelling, tightness and bruising for 3–14 days
• Small dimples or puckering that usually settle in 1–2 weeks
• Pain when opening the mouth wide for a few days
• Rare: infection, thread visibility or extrusion, asymmetry or nerve irritation

How much does Mint Lift cost in Seoul?

₩1,000,000–₩3,500,000 (about US$730–2,600) — Price depends on the number of threads used, the areas (cheeks, jowls, neck) and the doctor's experience. Clinics may quote per thread or per area. Prices are estimates and change with promotions.

Why get Mint Lift in Korea?

Korea is a major producer of PDO threads, and Seoul doctors perform many thread lifts. Prices for Korean thread brands are usually lower than in Western countries.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Mint Lift cost in Seoul?

Mint Lift usually costs about ₩1,000,000–₩3,500,000 in Seoul depending on how many threads are used, around US$730–2,600.

Does a Mint Lift hurt?

Local anaesthetic is injected, so most people feel pressure and pulling rather than sharp pain. The area is sore and tight for a few days.

How long does a Mint Lift last?

Results usually last about 12–18 months. The threads dissolve, but some collagen support remains for a while.

When can I fly after a Mint Lift?

Many people fly after 2–3 days, but swelling or bruising can last 1–2 weeks. Ideally stay for a check-up within a week.

Is a Mint Lift safe?

It is generally safe with an experienced doctor and sterile technique. Risks include infection, dimpling, visible threads and asymmetry, which a doctor may need to correct.

What is the difference between a Mint Lift and other PDO thread lifts?

Mint Lift is one brand of barbed PDO thread. The thread design differs between brands, but the doctor's skill and plan matter more than the brand.

Where to get it in Seoul

Foreigner-friendly clinics cluster around Gangnam, Sinsa–Apgujeong–Cheongdam and Myeongdong. Tap a number to zoom in, then tap a pin to ask the clinic on WhatsApp whether they offer this treatment and for a quote.