What You Need to Know About Non-Surgical Nose Thread Lift

by Andy Cheng Director

In the past when someone wanted to augment their nose, the only way was to undergo a surgical rhinoplasty. Back in those days, a surgical rhinoplasty was the only way to correct the nose so as to attain a sharper, more defined nose. Although it was the only solution available, it was not popular because of the long downtime and the potential irreversible surgical risks.

In today's context, a 'nose job' does not only mean a surgical rhinoplasty. People no longer require to undergo a surgical procedure to achieve a defined, lifted nose. All you need is a 30-minute procedure done at the doctor's office.

Does this pique your interest? Before committing to a PDO nose thread lift, here are some burning questions you probably have. A popular medical aesthetic doctor in Singapore, Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, Medical Director of Radium Medical Aesthetics is here to answer them.

What Is a PDO Nose Thread Lift?

PDO nose thread lift uses special absorbable threads made of polydioxanone (PDO) that are 100% bio-compatible with the human body.

Many Asians have one common problem - Ill-defined noses with a lack of height and projection. A non-surgical nose thread lift treatment can easily address the problem. After administering numbing cream and local anaesthesia, PDO threads are inserted horizontally into the nose bridge and vertically into the nose tip. The threads that are inserted into the nose act as a scaffolding structure. The structure helps to contour and shape the nose to the desired state - slowly. The By inserting the threads one at a time, it allows the doctor and patient the opportunity to discuss if the desired shape and height are achieved.

Is the Result of PDO Nose Thread Lift Long-Lasting?

Assuming all factors are constant, the result of PDO Nose Thread Lift can last for up to one-and-a-half years. When the treatment is first administered, the threads will stay in the body for 6 to 8 months by forming a scaffold to lift and heighten the nose. Because of its absorbable nature, the threads will dissolve after 6 to 8 months after the treatment.

However, the nose will still stay in its lifted position for a further 12 months or so because of the creation of collagen and tissue fibroblasts.

If the treatment is repeated about 9 to 12 months after the initial treatment, you can expect the result to last even longer as the body continues to stimulate collagen production to provide further lifting. With regular stimulation and production of collagen in the nose, some permanent lifting can eventually be seen.

Does It Matter Which Doctor Performs The Treatment?

Although undergoing a non-surgical PDO Nose Thread Lift seems like a simple, straightforward procedure, the result can vary depending on the doctor who is performing the treatment. Some factors will determine if you leave the clinic with a defined, sharper nose or a botched job.

Different doctors use different PDO threads. The type of threads and the number of threads used are one of the most important factors that determine the result. A lot of threads that doctors use are short and smooth, which have minimal or no result. Short and smooth threads are unable to provide sufficient lifting. On the other hand, threads that are too thick may result in permanent scarring.

If possible, ask the doctor to show you some before and after pictures of some nose thread lift treatments he performed. It will give you an idea of the result you can expect and if it meets your expectations.

An experienced doctor who has performed many nose thread lift treatments is likely to ensure a great outcome. It takes an experienced doctor to determine the exact number of threads required to achieve the desired outcome.

Is There a Risk of Blindness If I Undergo Nose Thread Lift?

The risk of blindness is almost non-existent because it is done by inserting a blunt cannula to achieve the desired height and projection.

However, the same cannot be said for nose fillers. Even with many years of experience injecting nose fillers, many doctors are very cautious about performing nose fillers in case of vascular complication such as skin necrosis and blindness.

Make sure that if you are interested in seeking nose filler treatment as an alternate treatment to nose thread lift, go to an experienced doctor.

What Is the Perfect Nose?

A ‘perfect’ nose is one that blends in well with your other facial features. “There is no formula for the perfect nose. However, based on my years of experience in medical aesthetics, I have devised some proportions that best represent the aesthetic ideal of an Asian man or woman.” says Dr. Siew.