In a sterile medical theatre environment, Dr Barney Gordon will carry out your MINT™ thread lift. The medical team takes great care to prevent the risk of injury during the MINT™ thread Lift. Your doctor will insert the required number of threads under the skin in the selected location, and will fix the threads to anchor points underneath the skin. These anchor points are the areas most prone to significant swelling after the procedure. Results are usually visible immediately after your treatment, but bruising and swelling will begin shortly after and will take 2-4 weeks to fully settle. The insertion of threads may cause rippling under the skin, which some patients may notice. This settles within 2-4 weeks and is expected after treatment. If there are other symptoms, such as redness, tenderness, or pain, this may indicate a possible severe allergic reaction or infection. If patients notice these symptoms, they should contact our clinic immediately.

What is the cost of a MINT™ thread lift treatment?

The cost varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of treatment recommended by your treating clinician to achieve the results you desire. We always recommend that our patients have an initial consultation in our clinic to determine the total cost of your treatment. The treating clinician can assess your problem areas and develop a customised treatment plan based on your goals, health, and concerns. Prices start at $2495.

What are the results and aftercare for a MINT™ thread lift?

MINT™ thread lift results typically last for up to 12 months. However, because of the rate at which the patient’s body metabolises the threads, there are no general rules for how long they should last and will vary from patient to patient. To ensure proper healing and best results, your doctor will provide you with a follow-up plan, which may include: Do not touch the skin in the post-op period Do not wear makeup for 48 hours after treatment Do not exercise for 1wk after treatment Do not use active skin care products for at least five days after treatment. Avoid skin treatments that may cause stress or stress on the skin, such as microdermabrasion, micro-needling, and facial massage Stay away from extreme temperatures, such as saunas, hydrotherapy, ice baths, or hot yoga for 72hours

Are there any risks or complications associated with a MINT™ thread lift?

Patients may experience bruising and swelling, which usually resolves within a 4-5days, but full recovery may take a week or two. Regardless of the cosmetic or medical treatment, you should know the associated risks and complications before deciding on any treatment. PLLA treatments carry the following risks and complications: Allergic reaction Scarring Blisters Swelling Bruises Skin discolouration Itching Redness Puckering of the skin

Sounds great. Where do I start?

Before undergoing a treatment, you must register at our Shellharbour clinic for an initial consultation with our qualified clinical team. During your consultation, you will discuss your lifestyle and health, including medical history, allergies, and any medications or supplements you may be taking. It is important to mention any allergic reactions to drugs or skin care products you may have experienced in the past and any other recent beauty treatments you’ve had. These factors affect how your body responds and how the treatment recovers. If you have any concerns, a consultation is when you ask questions about your treatment. Your clinician will ask about your current problems and reasons for wanting a cosmetic procedure and evaluate the treatment area. You should discuss what you hope to achieve with the treatment and your aesthetic goals. All the information you provide during the consultation is essential to developing a customised treatment plan that considers your health, concerns and expected outcomes to achieve the best possible result.

Non-Surgical Lifting Consultations

A consultation for non-surgical lifting focuses on understanding the structure and support of the mid- to lower-face area.

This discussion-based appointment provides an opportunity to explore the anatomy involved, review clinical options, and understand how certain medically directed techniques may support tissue integrity within a medically supervised environment.

Understanding Facial Support and Change

As we age, changes in skin elasticity, connective tissue, and underlying structural support can influence the way facial contours appear.

Several natural and environmental factors contribute to these changes, including:

Collagen and elastin reduction: The skin’s deeper layers gradually produce less of the proteins responsible for firmness and elasticity.
Soft-tissue migration: Fat pads that once supported the mid-face can descend, subtly altering contour and jawline definition.
Muscle dynamics: Continuous facial expression and function can influence how tissues sit and move over time.
Skin quality and hydration: Sun exposure, smoking, and dehydration can affect texture and tone.

A professional consultation allows you to understand these processes and discuss evidence-based, non-surgical approaches that may support the skin’s natural structure.

Your Consultation at Shellharbour Skin

Your consultation is a detailed, discussion-based appointment designed to assess your needs and provide clear, factual information.

During this appointment, your clinician will:

Assess facial structure, tissue support, and skin quality.
Review your health history, medications, allergies, and relevant lifestyle factors.
Discuss your aesthetic concerns, expectations, and areas of focus.
Explore safe, clinically appropriate, non-surgical options.
Explain procedural timing, consent, and aftercare considerations.
Provide time to ask questions and ensure you feel fully informed.

All consultations for non-surgical lifting are performed under medical supervision, following a complete assessment and consent process.

Clinical Discussion and Management Planning

Following your assessment, your clinician may outline management pathways or educational options suited to your needs. These discussions are educational in nature, focusing on facial anatomy, safety, and realistic timeframes, rather than on promoting a specific procedure or outcome.

Topics may include:

Observation or monitoring: When no immediate intervention is required, ongoing review may be recommended.
Lifestyle and skin-care optimisation: Guidance on hydration, sun protection, and home-care practices that support overall skin health.
Professional skin treatments: Discussion of non-invasive options—such as Alma Hybrid or Ultraformer MPT (HIFU) that may assist in supporting skin structure and function, depending on clinical suitability.
Medically directed or prescribed approaches: Where clinically appropriate, your clinician may discuss minimally invasive techniques that act beneath the skin’s surface to support structural integrity. These are only undertaken following an in-person medical assessment and under the supervision of a qualified prescriber. Specific prescription-only products or devices are not named or advertised publicly, in accordance with AHPRA and TGA regulations.
Collaborative or referred care: If additional expertise (for example, dental or allied medical input) may complement your care plan.

Your clinician will explain the reasoning behind any recommendation, outline relevant safety considerations, and provide clear information on aftercare and review.

After-Consultation Considerations

If a management plan is developed, your clinician will provide detailed written guidance on what to expect.

This may include:

Temporary swelling, redness, or tenderness that generally resolves within days.
Instructions on skin care, activity modification, and sun protection.
Recommended review appointments to monitor your progress.

All procedures are followed by an aftercare plan tailored to your individual needs, ensuring comfort, safety, and clear communication during recovery.

Risks and Precautions

All aesthetic and minor medical procedures carry potential risks.

These will be explained thoroughly before any intervention proceeds.

Common temporary effects may include:

Redness
Bruising
Swelling

Less common risks may include:

Infection
Tenderness or discomfort
Skin irritation or discolouration

If you experience unexpected symptoms, pain, or changes in sensation after a procedure, contact the clinic promptly for assessment.

Cost and Planning

Consultation fees vary based on time and complexity. Any potential procedural or management costs are discussed only after your consultation and once clinical suitability has been confirmed.
Written cost information and a proposed care plan are provided before any procedure proceeds.

Important Information

Shellharbour Skin provides medically supervised consultations to assess and discuss aesthetic and structural concerns.
We do not advertise or name prescription-only products or devices.
All clinical services are performed following a full health assessment, confirmed suitability, and informed consent.
Individual suitability, recovery, and outcomes vary.
Consultations are available for adults aged 18 years and over.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice.

Practitioner Transparency

Consultations and skin treatments at Shellharbour Skin are provided by a multidisciplinary clinical team:

Dermal Clinicians – qualified skin professionals who are not registered under AHPRA but hold tertiary qualifications in dermal science or dermal therapies. They provide skin treatments and consultations within their professional scope and under clinical supervision.

Registered Nurses – AHPRA-registered health practitioners who perform skin and aesthetic treatments within their clinical training and scope of practice.

Medical Practitioners – AHPRA-registered doctors experienced in skin health and aesthetic medicine who oversee and support all clinical services.

All treatments are undertaken within a medically supervised environment, ensuring that each patient pathway is reviewed for clinical suitability, safety, and adherence to evidence-based standards.

You can verify registration for medical practitioners and nurses at ahpra.gov.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is discussed during a thread-based skin support consultation?

This consultation focuses on understanding facial anatomy, tissue support, and skin integrity. Your clinician will explain how certain medically directed approaches are designed to interact with the skin’s natural structure. The discussion is educational and aims to provide a clear understanding of the process, safety, and clinical considerations, not to promote a particular procedure or outcome.

What is meant by a “medically directed” approach?

Medically directed approaches are procedures performed under the supervision of a doctor or nurse prescriber. They involve devices or techniques that act beneath the skin’s surface and are only performed after a complete medical assessment and informed consent. Under AHPRA and TGA regulations, these procedures cannot be named or advertised publicly.

Are there risks involved?

All medical and aesthetic procedures carry potential risks. Common temporary effects include redness, swelling, and bruising. Less common risks can include infection, tenderness, or puckering. These will be discussed thoroughly during your consultation so you can make an informed decision.

Who performs these consultations?

Thread-based skin support consultations at Shellharbour Skin are conducted under medical supervision.

Medical Practitioners: AHPRA-registered doctors experienced in skin health and aesthetic medicine oversee all medically directed care.
Registered Nurses: AHPRA-registered nurses may assist and perform procedures within their scope of practice.

You can verify practitioner registration for doctors and nurses at ahpra.gov.au.

Have a Question?

If you have a question, get in touch and one of our staff will be in touch shortly.