.Hiko Nose Threadlift: New Updates and Commonly Asked Questions

As a follow up to my post Hiko Nose Threadlift: All You Need to Know ; this post is a response to frequently asked questions, new developments and trends for the Hiko nose threadlift.

First, a quick recap on what is a Hiko nose threadlift.

The Hiko nose threadlift is a form of non-surgical rhinoplasty that corrects and enhances the appearance and shape of the nose bridge and tip.

Types of nose augmentation

The two types of non-surgical rhinoplasty are: nose fillers and the Hiko nose threadllift.

The Hiko nose thread lift involves the careful placement of fine, dissolvable threads under the bridge of the nose and tip. This improves the appearance of the nose bridge and tip.

How does the Hiko nose threadlift work?

The threads placed in the nose work by a 2 pronged mechanism:

1. Mechanical: By physically supporting and lifting the soft tissues of the nose to create a higher and slimmer nose bridge and tip.
2. Biochemical: The threads stimulate collagen formation in the nose in the location that they have been placed to provide continued support.

To see a step by step guide on how I perform the Hiko nose thread lift in my clinic in Singapore, please refer to my post Hiko Nose Threadlift: All You Need to Know

Why is the Hiko nose threadlift so popular?

Our eyes are naturally accustomed to zooming in to focus on a person’s nose when we look at person. The 3D shape of our nose also affects the rest of our facial features and how we look overall. For example, a person with  a flat nose bridge; which would give the illusion that the eyes are spaced disproportionately far apart. A hump on the nose (called a dorsal hump) makes a dent on the nose and a broad nose bridge makes the nose look wide.

Blake Lively of Gossip Girl fame is rumoured to have undergone a nose job.

Since the appearance of the nose has a very profound impact on our appearance and confidence, nose augmentation to correct and enhance the appearance of noses has always been in demand worldwide.

In Singapore, both forms of non-surgical nose enhancement (i.e. nose threadlifts and nose fillers) remain popular because of the safety, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the nose threadlifts and nose fillers. The recovery time for both forms of non-surgical nose jobs are also much shorter compared to a surgical nose job. My patients can return to work the same day after their nose threadlifts and/or nose fillers and this is why both the Hiko nose thread lifts and nose fillers are also known as lunch time nose jobs.

I see an increasing number of patients from Singapore and from overseas requesting for the Hiko nose threadlifts compared to nose fillers and I attribute this trend to fact that the Hiko nose thread lift is much safer than nose fillers.

Hiko nose threadlift vs nose fillers: What are the differences between both type of non-surgical nose jobs?

I have a very detailed explanation on the differences between nose fillers vs nose threadlift in my post Hiko Nose Threadlift: All You Need to Know. Essentially, there are 3 takeaway points between nose fillers vs nose threadlifts:

1. One of the well known risks of nose fillers is blindness and skin necrosis due to the nose filler blocking up blood vessels in the nose and eyes. Nose threadlifts however, do not have this risk of blindness and skin necrosis. As of the time writing this post; there has not been a reported cases of blindness or skin necrosis with nose threadlifts. This is because the threads used for nose threadlifts are soft and do not penetrate or block blood vessels.
2. Nose thread lifts do not spread or widen the nose bridge, unlike the nose fillers which can cause the effect, leading to an ‘Avatar appearance’.
3. When performed by an experienced doctor and with the right choice of nose threads- the Hiko nose thread lift is extremely stable and will not dislodge. Nose fillers on the other hand, are still mobile and their position can be shifted up to the first two weeks.

Angelina Jolie’s picture manipulated to look like a character from Avatar. See the wide nose bridge?

What the Hiko nose threadlift can do?

The Hiko nose threadlift can correct the appearance of the nose bridge and tip. The Hiko nose threadlift is excellent in creating a higher, sharper and slimmer nose bridge and tip and adding structural support to the nose bridge and tip, especially for patients with broad and flat nose bridges and nose tips. I have also performed the Hiko nose thread lift on patients with dorsal humps, asymmetrical or crooked nose to give a more symmetrical and straighter looking nose.

What the Hiko nose threadlift cannot do

The Hiko nose threadlift has its limitations. I find this matter not frequently addressed enough. The gold standard for nose augmentation is still a surgical rhinoplasty. However, a surgical nose job has longer recovery time and higher chance of complications and cost.

One of the weaknesses of the Hiko nose thread lift is that it cannot correct severely crooked or deviated noses  and deep dorsal humps on the nose bridge. Severe bulbous nose tips and nose tip ptosis (droopy noses) can be lifted and have a sharper appearance with the nose threadlift but may not be adequately corrected in very severe instances. I

Is the Hiko nose threadlift permanent?

No, the Hiko nose thread lift is not a permanent non-surgical nose job. Nose fillers, too, are not permanent.

How long does the result of a nose threadlift last?

How long your nose threadlift lasts will depend on the material of the nose threads used. One of the most common material is polydioxanone (PDO) which can last for 1-2 years. Another material that is also used for nose threads is polycaprolactone (PCL) has results that can for 2-3 years.

I find that smoking causes the results of threadlifts of the nose, face and neck to have a shorter duration. Why this is so- data is still lacking.  This phenomenon of smokers having threadlifts that last for a shorter duration is likely to be the higher rate of collagen loss as seen in the skin of smokers who show signs of aging earlier.

Should I choose PDO or PCL nose threads for my Hiko nose threadlift? Which is better; monofilament or cog threads?

This is an example of a PCL cog thread;  still in its packaging.

PDO vs PCL or monofilament vs cog will have its own advantages and disadvantages that should be best dicussed with your doctor. Although it may seem logical to want to have PCL nose threads for your Hiko nose threadlift compared to PDO nose threads because of the longevity of PCL ; my suggestion is to start with PDO nose threads if you are new to nose threadlifts. This will allow you to have an idea as to how the Hiko nose threadlift looks and feels. If you like the results of how you look you can opt for longer lasting threads in future with PCL.

This is an example of a PDO and monofilament thread used for the Hiko nose threadlift. It is very smooth with no cogs along its length.

Regarding monofilament vs cog threads- briefly speaking, mono threads are smooth and do not catch or tear the tissues of the nose compared to cog threads; which have tiny sharp like hook structures. Monofilament threads for Hiko nose threadlifts are smoother and less uncomfortable for the the patient, compared to the cog threads. However, with adequate local anaesthesia administered before the Hiko nose threadlift, this point can be negated. Supporters of the cog threads for threadlifts will say that the cog threads build more collagen for a greater ‘lift’ and sustained result compared to mono threads. However, this ‘collagen’ that is built by the PCL tissue is of the collagen that builds scar tissue; rather than collagen in normal, healthy skin.

Bottom line: speak to your doctor to find out which type of Hiko nose threadlift is best for you.

Ms Hannah Chia did her repeat Hiko nose threadlift with me again using PCL nose threads and you can read about her review and experience here.

How many sessions will I need to see the results of the nose threadlift?

One session. The results of the nose threadlift are immediate.

Before/after pictures of the Hiko nose threadlift and reviews of the Hiko nose threadlift

I have some pictures in this post Hiko Nose Threadlift: All You Need to Know 

Ms Hannah Chia has also provided a review her post Nose Threadlift or Nose Fillers

I will be able to provide more examples during a consultation in my clinic.

What are the complications of the nose threadlift?

With the Hiko nose threadlift, complications are very rare. As explained above, the nose threadlift is much safer than nose fillers and are very stable.

It is very common to get some swelling, bruising and discomfort after the Hiko nose threadlift. However these are temporary and will disappear after a few days. In my practice, I start my patients on an anti-bruising supplement called Arnica prior to starting the nose threadlift. Arnica minimises any chance of bruising with the Hiko nose threadlift. You are allowed to wear makeup immediately after the Hiko nose threadlift if you wish to.

Still, there are rare complications with the Hiko nose threadlift:

1. Infection of nose threads. The nose threads, just like nose filler and nose implants used in a surgical rhinoplasty, are a foreign body and can get infected. I minimise this risk by starting both oral antibiotics and topical antibiotics to the entry site(s) of the nose threads. I also impose strict sterility protocols in my clinic
2. Extrusion of the nose threads. This means the nose threads come out of the nose.

Is there anything that I need to avoid before or after my Hiko nose threadlift (aftercare for nose thread lift)?

Avoid drinking alcohol for one week after the Hiko nose thread lift as these might worsen any bruising. If you are taking any oral medications  or supplements, please inform your doctor. Some supplements and medication can worsen bleeding and bruising.

Avoid makeup over the entry sites of the nose threadlift for the first three days after the Hiko nose threadlift. Makeup over the rest of the nose is allowed.

Am I suitable for a Hiko nose threadlift?

Patients who have had surgical rhinoplasties before are not candidates for nose threadlifts. Hiko nose thread lifts can correct most imperfections of the nose bridge and nose tip as mentioned above; however, there are also limitations of the Hiko nose threadlifts. Severe crooked noses or dorsal humps may not be entirely corrected by the Hiko nose threadlift.

Will the Hiko nose threadlift affect my breathing? If I have a ‘sensitive nose’ or allergic rhinitis, will the Hiko nose threadlift worsen my condition?

No, the nose thread lift will not affect your breathing. The Hiko nose threads are placed in the soft tissue of your external nose and will not affect the internal nasal cavity. The nose threads also do not worsen or improve sensitivity of the nose.

What are the different types of nose threads used for Hiko nose threadlift?

In Singapore, the most common brands of nose threads used for nose threadlifts are: Ultra V; YKo and Misko.

The nose threads differ in terms of material (PDO vs PCL); length; thickness and presence of barbs (i.e. mono/braided vs cogs/barbs/screws). Each of these differences will confer different properties to the nose thread and different results and prices of the Hiko nose thread lift. The choice of nose threads that I use for my patients will be determined during the consultation; when I understand their concerns and wishes and after my analysis.

What happens after the results of my nose thread lift disappears? Can I repeat the Hiko nose threadlift?

Yes, you may if you choose to. I have done multiple cases of repeat nose threadlifts (including patients who have more than two Hiko nose threadlifts and nose fillers) and I can share with you that repeat Hiko nose threadlifts are safe.

Can I combine Hiko nose threadlifts and nose fillers?

Yes, nose threadlifts and nose fillers can be combined and they have synergistic results. I usually perform the Hiko nose threadlift first and then assess if a nose filler is required or appropriate. If the nose filler is not necessary, then it is not injected.

If i had nose filler before, how soon after can I have a Hiko nose threadlift?

You can have the Hiko nose threadlift when your nose filler wears off. The most common nose filler would be a hyaluronic acid filler which typically lasts 9-12 months.

Will having nose threadlift affect a rhinoplasty in future if I choose to undergo surgery?

From my experience during my Ear, Nose, Throat  residency days where we had rhinoplasties even in patients who have had non-surgical augmentation  before; surgery was not any more difficult- except that might be some scarring left behind. The nasal anatomy is not changed.

Is the Hiko nose threadlift suitable for men?

Yes, men are suitable for nose threadlifts. Some of my patients for the Hiko nose threadlift are males too. Men tend to have more angular and broader facial features so a nose bridge that is too slim would not be natural looking. This is another instance where nose threadlifts can be combined with nose fillers for a more natural look.

Thank you for reading my updates, experiences and commonly asked questions related to nose threadlifts and nose enhancements. Please check back for more updates and feel free to leave an enquiry.