Ultra V Hiko Nose Threadlift • Dr Gerard Ee

A nose lift above the rest

With the advancement of medical technology, people have been willing to take things a step beyond the application of external cosmetics to achieve their ideal look. As such, there has been a proliferation of dermatological procedures in recent years to meet consumers’ ceaseless quest for beauty. One such procedure is the Nose Thread Lift with Polydioxanone (PDO) threads.
Otherwise known as a “lunchtime procedure”, Nose Thread Lift with PDO threads has been garnering attention because of its relative simplicity and clinical efficacy in providing a nose lift for its consumers. Not only does it save customers the trauma of having to undergo a surgery, it also has little downtime and produces instant, noticeable outcomes.

LET'S TALK

A nose lift above the rest

LET'S TALK

The process of the Nose thread lift with PDO threads

Nose Thread Lift utilises PDO threads because they are absolutely non-toxic and harmless to our human tissue. Because of such bio-compatibility, the PDO threads induce minimal adverse reactions during the process of implantation. While aesthetic practitioners may adopt different techniques of carrying out the Nose Thread Lift, the procedure methods do not stray very far from the basic step of inserting the PDO threads vertically into the nose tip via a cannula. Once inside the nose tissue, the threads then act as a scaffold to contour the nose to its desired height and shape. The depth of insertion of the PDO threads is of crucial importance and has an influence on how satisfactory the result of this procedure is. If the threads are inserted too superficially, it is not cosmetically pleasing as they appear more obviously on the skin surface. Furthermore, superficial insertion may prevent the threads from stimulating adequate collagen production. On the other hand, inserting the threads too deep into the tissue runs the risk of injuring an artery, vein or nerve. Hence, a skilled professional who has sufficient knowledge about the head and neck anatomy is required to carry out this procedure.
Immediately after the procedure, the nose may appear slightly artificial to some. Give it a week or so, however, and the nose will start looking more natural.

How do PDO threads work?

Inserting PDO threads into the nose introduces microtrauma to the affected area. This initiates inflammation, and cells called fibroblasts begin laying down pre-cursors of collagen—known as procollagen protein filaments—which subsequently develop into immature collagen fibres. After these collagen fibres mature, cross-linking occurs between the fibres, increasing the tensile strength of collagen. As a result of the stimulation of collagen production in the nose, the Nose Thread Lift is a procedure which induces a long-lasting nose lift after the PDO threads have dissolved.

Repeating the procedure helps to create a nose-lift that lasts even longer, but the frequency of repeating this process is up to the discretion of the medical practitioner.

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Types of PDO threads available and their respective uses

Apart from nose-lifts, PDO threads are commonly used in various cosmetic procedures to tighten saggy skin! As such, there are different types of PDO threads available to cater to various purposes.

For the specific aim of creating a nose lift, Cog threads are utilised. Cog threads have sharp projections for hooking onto the underside of the skin surface, providing additional support to the structure of the skin and resulting in a more pronounced lift.

Other examples of PDO threads include mono threads and screw threads which are used mainly for skin tightening procedures in areas such as the neck, cheeks and under eye area.

Unsatisfactory nose-lift outcomes ensue when there is a wrong choice of the type of PDO thread, number of PDO threads used and technique of inserting the PDO threads into the nose. Thin and short PDO threads do not provide good support and often result in poor outcomes. On the other hand, scars can form if too thick a thread is used. As such, the entire procedure must be well thought through.

Am I suitable for the Nose Thread Lift with PDO threads?

A common concern is whether one is eligible to undergo Nose Thread Lift with PDO threads in spite of having done fillers previously. This worry can be allayed because PDO threads have been designed for both people who have and have not done fillers before! The only contraindications of this procedure include ongoing skin infections and inflammation, being on blood thinning medication, having blood clotting disorders, or presence of autoimmune diseases.

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The downside of the Nose Thread Lift with PDO threads

As this procedure is minimally invasive, there are negligible side effects associated with the Nose Thread Lift with PDO threads. Generally, there is little downtime, but one may expect to face some soreness on the first day, and mild swelling and bruising for the next two to three days. Whether or not one faces these side effects depend on the condition of the patient as well as the types of threads being used. One can consider using an ice pack as a cold compress to speed up the subsiding of swollen areas post-procedure. While there is a small risk of infection associated with the procedure, medical practitioners usually dispense antibiotics as a measure to guard against this. So long as one complies to taking the antibiotics, the risk of infection is minimised.

Some of the more concerning side effects of this procedure, such as thread migration or prolonged dimpling of the skin, are often due to the lack of skill in performing the procedure. Should any of the aforementioned side-effects occur, the threads can simply be removed from the affected area.

Nose Thread Lift with PDO threads VS Fillers VS Rhinoplasty

There are several options available in the market which promise to deliver the same results of heightening one’s nose. However, not all are associated with the same level of risk. Rhinoplasty, for one, is a surgical procedure which inserts an implant to elevate the nose bridge. While it is a more permanent solution, it is invasive and may cause permanent scarring or nerve damage. Fillers on the other hand are a popular choice as well because they are minimally invasive. However, studies have reported a link between fillers and blindness because the silicone implant poses the potential risk of blocking the blood flow to the eye. Evidently, Nose Thread Lift with PDO has the lowest risk and side effects. In fact, it reportedly has negligible risk of occluding any vessel!

Apart from PDO threads, what other threads are available?

Korea has recently put forth two new inventions – Poly L Lactic Acid (PLLA) threads and Polycaprolactone (PCL) threads. These two threads are similar to PDO threads in terms of biocompatibility with the human body. However, since all three types of threads are made of different material, there is a distinction in terms of how taut and long lasting the threads are.

Although the PLLA and PCL threads are longer lasting as compared to PDO threads, they are stiffer as well. Hence, if these threads are used in place of PDO threads, it is likely that further skin tightness and more discomfort may result.

Owing to the fact that more research needs to be done in order to fairly compare the clinical safety and efficacy of the two new threads with PDO threads, it is still the wiser option to stick to the usage of PDO threads for now.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the invention of the Nose Thread Lift with PDO threads does offer us a safer and more efficacious alternative to traditional methods of raising one’s nose bridge. Having said this however, it is pertinent to note that combined treatments tend to provide even greater benefits than a single procedure! Thus, carefully discussing your expectations of the ideal nose job to a relevant medical practitioner is crucial in deciding upon a suitable treatment plan.