PDO, PLLA, or PCL Thread: What To Choose For Hiko Nose Lift?

Being at the centre of our face, the nose is an important feature that can accentuate the rest of our facial features.

In most people of East-Asian and Southeast-Asian descent, however, it is not uncommon for the nose to be small, flat and have a low nose bridge. This can result in a face that looks broader and eyes that are further apart. Traditionally, the only way to address this issue is to undergo a rhinoplasty procedure or consider the use of dermal fillers; however, both of them come with significant risks such as infection or the possibility of skin necrosis.

Fast forward today, there has been an increase in patients opting for the Hiko nose thread lift – this non-surgical procedure can be performed to achieve many of the same effects while being practically risk-free.

For those who are considering the procedure, it is important to know that there are different types of nose threads on the market. Each thread has its characteristics as well as pros and cons, and every individual should pick the one that is most suitable for their goals.

How does Hiko nose thread lift work?

Before looking into the different types of nose threads, you should first understand how nose threads work.

Just like the name suggests, Hiko nose thread lift involves shaping the nose with specifically designed threads. These threads are usually made from fibres that can be naturally degraded in our body, similar to those used in medical sutures. Nose threads can be categorised by their texture such as smooth “mono” threads, screw/tornado threads that wind around each other, as well as cogged/barbed threads which have tiny barbs to help hold the thread in place after insertion.

During the procedure, the aesthetic doctor first injects local anaesthesia to numb the nose. Next, a small needle is used to make a puncture at the tip of the nose where the threads will be inserted. The doctor then carefully inserts the nose threads using a blunt cannula while sculpting the nose simultaneously. Once the threads are inserted, any excess is trimmed off and the procedure is complete. This entire process takes roughly 15 minutes, where you be able to notice visible results and return to your normal activities immediately after!

The threads that are inserted act as an anchor to mechanically prop up the nose bridge and allows the doctor to shape your nope according to your desires. In addition, the process stimulates natural collagen production along their length as they break down over time. This double-action allows nose threads to offer sustained results that can last even longer than fillers.

What are the differences between the different types of nose threads?

Currently, there are 3 types of threads most commonly used in nose thread lifts:

  • Polydioxanone (PDO)

PDO is one of the earliest materials used for absorbable sutures, and subsequently one of the first materials used in nose threads. PDO threads have the shortest duration amongst the different threads, being fully reabsorbed by the body after about 9 months to a year.

In many cases, doctors would recommend PDO threads to those doing a nose thread lift for the first time, as their effects are shorter as compared to other threads. If you are satisfied with the results, you can then return for another session with longer-lasting threads.

  • Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)

PLLA is another material commonly used in surgical sutures and nose thread lifts. Unlike the other two which are completely synthetic, PLLA threads can be manufactured from natural materials like fermented plant starch from corn or beets.

PLLA threads have 3 main features:

– PLLA is also the main active component in some skin injectables such as Sculptra. Hence, it is also an effective volumizer in addition to the lifting effects.

– PLLA causes the mildest inflammatory reaction amongst the 3 types of threads.

– PLLA threads last about 2 years once inserted into the skin.

  • Polycaprolactone (PCL)

Those who are not new to thread lift procedures can consider PCL threads. Possessing a more complex structure than PDO and PLLA threads, PCL threads are biochemically more stable – meaning that they last much longer than other threads while still being degradable by the body.

The key feature of PCL threads is their longevity. They take about 2 years or more to completely break down in the skin, and the collagen-producing effects can last for a year or more.

Which threads should I choose?

As each type of thread has its distinct features, choosing your thread wisely can make a huge difference to your results.

For those who are new to nose thread lift or thread lift procedures in general, the doctor may recommend that you start with PDO threads first as they do not last as long as other types of threads. If you like the results of your first nose thread lift, you can then opt for another session with longer-lasting PLLA or PCL threads.

If you are prone to having allergic reactions or have sensitive skin, PLLA threads are ideal as they only trigger a mild inflammatory reaction after insertion. In addition, the enhanced volumizing effect also makes it suitable for those who wish to have a more defined and straighter nose.

Finally, PCL threads are usually recommended for those who are already familiar with thread lift procedures and are happy with their results in the past. Nonetheless, first-timers who wish to have longer-lasting results can opt for PCL threads as well. Simply discuss this with our doctors during your consultation session.

Ultimately, because everyone has unique facial features, preferences and expectations, we can only give some general guidelines on the differences between the threads and under what conditions are they most suitable. Our doctors have decades of training and experience in Aesthetic Medicine and can perform not just thread lift procedures, but also effective and reliable acne treatments and hair transplants, so rest assured that you are in good hands.

Achieve the nose of your dreams at our aesthetic clinic today – find out more about our thread lift cost and get valuable advice on your treatment by arranging a consultation with our doctors today!

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