Mono Threads: Skin Tightening Without Surgery
Mono threads in Auckland firm and tighten lined, sagging skin on the face, neck or décolletage using fine dissolvable sutures placed just under the surface, without any cutting or downtime. At Aesthetica in Grey Lynn, mono threads are inserted personally by Dr Patti Piper, who has years of surgical training, is experienced in PDO thread techniques, and also trains other doctors in thread lifting. Rather than lifting sagging tissue like a barbed thread lift, mono threads work by stimulating the skin's own collagen to improve its quality and firmness generally.
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MINT mono threads (Minimally Invasive Non-surgical Thread) are smooth, absorbable sutures made from polydioxanone (PDO), a sugar-based suture material used safely in surgery for over 30 years.
Unlike barbed threads used for lifting, mono threads are smooth and are placed into the dermis purely to stimulate collagen production, firming the skin from within. They can be used across the whole face, neck and décolletage to improve general skin quality, or targeted at a specific problem area, such as loose skin across the midline of the neck.
How it works
The area of sagging or lined skin is marked out and thoroughly cleaned, then a local anaesthetic solution is infiltrated under the skin using a fine cannula so the procedure is comfortable. Multiple smooth PDO threads are then inserted into the dermis of the anaesthetised skin using very fine needles.
Because PDO is a strong collagen stimulator, the skin responds by producing new collagen over the following weeks, gradually resulting in firmer, better quality skin rather than an immediate dramatic change.
What to expect
Mono threads are charged per thread, since the right number depends on the size of the area being treated. The exact thread count and cost are worked out and agreed with you at consultation, before any threads are placed.
Experienced in PDO threads. Trusted to train the doctors who use them.
Dr Patti Piper has years of surgical training and is experienced in PDO thread techniques, and she also trains other doctors in thread lifting.
Frequently asked
Dr Patti books a 60 to 90 minute appointment for mono threads, allowing plenty of time for consent, careful examination of the face, neck or décolletage, marking up, anaesthetising the treatment area, and cleaning and draping the skin. The actual insertion of the threads takes about 15 to 45 minutes, depending on how many are used. Booking the full time means the procedure is never rushed for the sake of the schedule.
Mono threads work gradually rather than instantly, since their effect relies on stimulating your own collagen production. The full result is generally seen at around 6 weeks after the procedure, once new collagen has had time to firm the treated skin. This gradual timeline is normal and expected, and Dr Patti explains what to look for at each stage of recovery.
Mono threads typically last at least a year for most people, after which further threads can be added at any time to maintain or refresh the result. Because the threads dissolve gradually, there is no sudden loss of effect, and ongoing treatment is entirely optional depending on how the skin responds and what you want to maintain. Dr Patti will let you know at review whether further threads are worth considering for your skin.
Some swelling is expected after the procedure due to the volume of anaesthetic solution used to keep it comfortable, and this generally settles within 12 to 24 hours. Bruising is possible, though not everyone experiences it. Once the local anaesthetic wears off, the treated skin often feels tender where the threads were placed, which typically eases over the following days.
Mono threads are priced per thread, with the total cost depending on how many threads a treatment needs. Your consultation establishes the right thread count for your concern and area, so the exact cost is known before you go ahead.
Mono threads are smooth sutures used purely to stimulate collagen and improve overall skin quality, while a barbed thread lift uses threads with tiny anchors to physically lift and reposition sagging tissue. Mono threads suit early skin laxity and general firmness concerns, while a thread lift suits more noticeable sagging in the cheeks, jowls or neck. Dr Patti recommends whichever suits your face, and the two can also be combined. See her Thread Lifting page for more detail.
Mono threads can be used across the whole face, neck and décolletage to improve general skin quality and firmness, or targeted at a specific area of concern, such as loose skin along the midline of the neck. Dr Patti assesses your skin at consultation to recommend whether a broader or more targeted treatment suits your goals. Combining mono threads with other treatments, such as a thread lift or dermal needling, can also be discussed if that fits your face and concern.
Book a consultation with Dr Patti.
Mono threads are priced per thread, with the total worked out at your consultation based on the area you want treated.