Nose Thread Lift in Korea
Nose Thread Lift in Korea: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Expect
A nose thread lift is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure designed to improve nose shape and slight projection using dissolvable threads. It’s popular in Korea because it’s quick, minimally invasive, and offers temporary enhancement without cutting bone or cartilage.
Often called the HIKO nose lift (or PDO nose thread lift), it’s important to understand both the benefits and limitations before choosing it.
What Is a Nose Thread Lift?
A nose thread lift uses biodegradable threads (commonly PDO or PCL) that are inserted under the nasal skin to:
- Provide internal support
- Add mild bridge lift
- Improve profile contour
- Reduce slight tip droop
It does not reshape bone, cartilage, or correct major structural issues.
How It Works
- Consultation & Planning
- Doctor assesses your nose shape
- Determines thread placement and whether fillers will be used
- Thread Placement
- Threads are inserted through tiny entry points
- They slide under skin and create an internal framework
- The threads may have tiny “barbs” that help shape the nose
- Optional Combination with Fillers
- Some clinics add small amounts of hyaluronic acid to smooth contours
- Must be done conservatively for safety
- No Incisions or General Anesthesia
- Procedure is typically done under local anesthesia
- Takes about 20–40 minutes
How Long Does It Last?
- PDO threads: ~6–12 months
- PCL threads: ~10–18 months
Results are temporary because the material dissolves over time.
What Nose Thread Lift Can Do
✅ Provide mild bridge lift
✅ Improve nose contour subtly
✅ Slightly increase tip definition
✅ Quick results with no major downtime
✅ Good for first-time, non-surgical patients
What Nose Thread Lift Cannot Do
❌ Make the nose smaller
❌ Fix structural asymmetry or breathing problems
❌ Provide permanent change
❌ Replace surgical rhinoplasty in significant deformities
❌ Prevent ageing or relapse if unsupported
Thread lift is cosmetic contour enhancement, not structural surgery.
Advantages
Quick and beginner-friendly
- Minimal downtime
- Office procedure (30–40 minutes)
- No incisions
Reversible over time
- Threads dissolve naturally
- Allows testing of new shape before surgery
Good for mild concerns
- Low bridge
- Slight dorsal bumps
Limitations & Risks
Temporary
Threads dissolve and the effect fades.
Not Structural
Doesn’t address major anatomical issues.
Risks (though uncommon)
- Mild bruising or swelling
- Temporary redness
- Thread migration
- Uneven contour
- Infection (rare)
- Discomfort with facial movement
Severe risks like vascular occlusion are much lower than fillers but still possible.
Thread Lift vs Nose Fillers
FeatureThread LiftNose FillersSurgical vs Non-SurgicalNon-surgicalNon-surgicalSupports tip/bridgeYes (mild)Adds volumeDuration~6–18 months~6–12 monthsStructural changeNoNoRisksLow but realHigher vascular riskBest forSubtle liftMild volume correction
Often threads are used with fillers for a smoother contour.
Ideal Candidates
A good candidate for nose thread lift in Korea is someone who:
- Wants temporary, subtle enhancement
- Has a mildly low bridge
- Doesn’t need structural correction
- Prefers minimal downtime
- Wants to test aesthetic change before surgery
Who Should Avoid It
It’s not recommended if you:
- Want permanent results
- Have severe asymmetry
- Have breathing or internal structural issues
- Have had multiple previous nose surgeries
- Seek dramatic projection or size reduction
In these cases, surgical rhinoplasty is the better option.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Immediate
- Mild swelling
- Slight soreness
- Possible redness
First Few Days
- Avoid pressure (glasses, masks)
- No intense exercise
Week 1
- Most swelling resolves
- Shape becomes clearer
Long Term
- Threads dissolve and effects fade gradually
Why Korea Is a Popular Place for This Procedure
Korean clinics:
- Offer skilled, conservative thread techniques
- Provide combination treatments (fillers + threads) safely
- Have high experience with nose anatomy and Asian features
- Emphasize natural enhancement, not overdone looks
Still, success depends on practitioner skill, not location alone.
Final Thoughts
A nose thread lift in Korea can be a good temporary enhancement for mild concerns or as a bridge before surgery—but it’s not a substitute for structural rhinoplasty when deeper anatomical issues exist.
❗ Always choose an experienced injector and ensure a full safety discussion before proceeding.