A decade ago, anyone who desired a smaller, straighter and more defined nose would have to undergo a surgical rhinoplasty.
While some of us are born with a naturally beautiful nose, most of us Southeast Asians are born with a wider nose tip and a shorter and flatter nose bridge than our Caucasian friends.
Thankfully, there’s no need to live on Instagram filters for the rest of your life—threads lifts are a non-surgical, minimally-invasive and powerful technique that can give you the support (literally) to lift and give you a more well-contoured nose bridge and slightly sharper nose tip!
To help you make a more informed decision, we seek to answer 8 of the most frequently asked questions about nose thread lifts—specifically, we will be focusing on the Ultra V HIKO nose thread lift which is offered at our aesthetic clinic!
Nose thread lifts in a nutshell
Thread lifts are nothing new in the medical field; having been used in different types of surgery for over 30 years since the 1990s due to their high safety profile and bio-compatibility with the body.
In fact, it’s not just the nose that thread lifts can be used—its versatility allows us to target multiple areas of the face such as the brows, neck, cheeks and even the thighs, breasts and buttocks!
Thread lifts work based on two key mechanisms of action, i.e.:
- Mechanical lifting: the threads act as a scaffolding structure for tissues to hook onto for that added lift
- Biochemical lifting: the threads and procedure triggers collagen production to further amplify the effects of the treatment
As a bonus, the threads also stimulate the contraction of fat tissues, which in turn, produces skin tightening and slimming effects!
The procedure is a relatively straightforward process—the doctor first marks the skin and a topical anaesthetic cream is applied, followed by a local anaesthetic injection to numb the area. Then, a blunt cannula is used to create a single entry point for the insertion of the threads in the lower layers of the skin (typically 3-5mm deep within the skin); and depending on the type of thread used, the threads are “pulled” to achieve your desired look.
A recent 2020 study concluded that the thread lift is a simple, safe and effective method that produced a relatively long-term effect compared with other methods of skin lifting.
In general, here are the benefits you can expect from thread lifts:
- Restore volume in cheeks
- Tighten loose jowls
- Smoothen lines and folds
- Enhance the elasticity of the skin
And for nose thread lifts specifically:
- Straighter and slimmer nose bridge
- More defined but natural-looking nose bridge
- Reduce the width of the nose for a sharper appearance
With the basics out of the way, let’s move on to the questions!
#1: What are the types of threads used?
A very good question! Currently, there are several types of threads available including:
- Polydioxanone (PDO)
- Polylactic acid (PLA)
- Polycaprolactone (PCA)
- Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA)
Each thread boasts different characteristics and hence produce different effects to different degrees. PDO threads are the most commonly used threads that can be used to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, lift the forehead and neckline and boost the skin’s overall texture.
PDO threads can then be further broken down into mono, cog or screw threads that can either work to tighten the skin, restore volume or produce significant lifting effects.
Depending on the type of threads used, your results typically will last anywhere from 6-24 months and completely dissolve after.
In the case of HIKO, the bidirectional barbed threads are designed to push the tissues away and hold them in place—making it ideal for elongating and lengthening parts of the nose that are too short.
#2: Will I be able to feel the threads in my skin?
The answer is not at all! The threads placed under the skin are so fine that they will not be felt once the skin has healed. There is also no need to worry about the threads breaking since they boast great tactile strength.
For the nose, 6-10 threads may be used for lifting the nose bridge and 3-8 for the nose tip, Once inserted, this results in an instant 1-2cm lift and rejuvenating effect due to the increase in collagen production. The threads are then naturally broken down and safely absorbed by the body over the next 10 to 11 months.
All you’ll feel is the added confidence of having a lifted and well-defined nose in just 15 minutes!
#3: Who is the ideal candidate for nose thread lifts?
The Ultra V HIKO nose thread lift is ideal for anyone who wants a:
- Higher nose bridge
- Contoured and straighter nose
- Smaller and sharper nose tip
#4: Will I need to continue treatment?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing! Thread lifts do not stop the natural ageing process—once they start to dissolve, it is recommended that a maintenance treatment be done between the 9th and 12th month after that to further enhance and prolong the effects of the initial nose thread lift.
This has not stopped many patients from undergoing this treatment, since it produces natural-looking and immediate results
#5: Are there any risks or side effects?
Nose thread lifts are a relatively low-risk procedure that has virtually zero risks of scarring or complications when done with a professional aesthetic doctor.
After the treatment, it is normal to experience some mild soreness, redness, swelling and “tightness”. Simply take the rest of the day off if possible and if you notice irritation, infection or sutures becoming visible under the skin, go back to see your doctor immediately.
More serious side effects are dimpling and puckering of the skin and infection —although once again, this is highly dependent on the doctor that is working on you.
The best way to prevent any adverse effects is to also take extra care during the first few weeks after your treatment: avoid any strenuous activities, going for facials and most importantly—stay hydrated!
#6: What are the most important factors that determine the success of my treatment?
There are a plethora of factors that will determine your final results, and this includes the doctor’s experience and training, the type of thread used, the location of the threads and the techniques employed.
Always speak to your doctor so that they can customize a treatment to maximise the benefits of your treatment! For example, using a thread that is too thin will result in less durable lifting effects. On the other hand, scars can form if a thread that is too thick is used.
#7: What is the difference between nose thread lifts and dermal fillers?
As compared with fillers, the HIKO nose thread lift does not cause any problems with migration, spreading or arterial occlusion.
Nose fillers are recommended for those who want to achieve better volume or height, while nose thread lifts are better suited for definition and tip projection effects. Do note that dermal fillers are reversible while thread lifts are not. Instead, they disappear over time.
If you want to achieve a more 3-Dimensional look, a combination of thread lifts and fillers are recommended to give the best results. At our clinic, we like to combine thread lifts with the addition of injectables such as Profhilo, Rejuran Healer and Restylane.
#8: How much do nose thread lifts cost?
In general, depending on the experience of the doctor, the type of threads used and the number of threads required, a nose thread lift cost $1,200.
Get a beautifully contoured nose
Rhinoplasties are not for everyone and can sometimes come with dire consequences when it is poorly done. This is why many are turning towards non-surgical treatments that are far more affordable, safe, and convenient for the busy working individual.
We don’t just offer the Ultra V HIKO nose thread lift but also Silhouette Soft and MINT thread lifts that are performed in the hands of our highly trained, experienced, and fully credited doctors.
Our doctors pride ourselves on using only high-quality threads that are FDA-approved, clinically proven to work and only utilize the most advanced techniques to carry out your treatment.
Ultimately, while thread lifts can help to lift, tighten and rejuvenate the skin, it does not address issues such as blemishes, pigmentation or significant sagging. This is why we always customize our treatments for every individual which may include acne treatment, hair transplant and even the best stretch mark removal treatment!
Just like how everyone’s skin is different, your nose is unique and a cookie-cutter approach will not work. If you are tired of your nose being your biggest insecurity, consult our doctors and book your appointment with us today!