Everything You Need to Know About Nose Thread Lift

For many who desire for a more defined nose bridge, nose thread lifts are increasingly becoming a popular choice. While nose fillers do have their uses in creating a desired nose, the concern of potential side effects from nose fillers have convinced many to opt for nose thread lifts instead.

There are two main potential complications that are of concern. While the complications of nose fillers are rare, and nose fillers are very safe in the hands of an experienced practitioner, nose thread lifts have the ability to avoid the major complications from nose fillers entirely.

The first potential complication is the risk of blindness and skin necrosis. This happens when the filler is directly injected into the blood vessel or when there is too much filler until the filler compresses the blood vessels in the nose. Incidences of such happenings are rare but there remains a risk no matter what.

The second potential complication is the development of a nose bridge that becomes wider, otherwise known as “Avatar Nose”. This happens when the nose fillers spread sideways at the nose bridge over time or if there is too much filler placed in the nose bridge.

As such, nose thread lifts are increasingly becoming a treatment of choice for those who are looking for non-surgical nose augmentation.

How dose nose thread lift work?

Before the actual nose threads are inserted into the nose, local anesthesia must be administered to numb the nose. Then, a needle is introduced into the tip of the nose to create a small opening. The nose threads will then be inserted through the small opening and into the nose bridge or nose tip, if nose tip enhancement is desired.

The number of nose threads to be inserted is dependent on the exact nose definition, shape, and height desired. The effect of insertion of nose threads come from packing the threads together one after the other. Generally, the more nose threads are inserted, the more volume is added to the nose. Upon insertion into the nose, the nose threads elevate up the nose tissues wherever they are inserted into.

The nose threads can also act as a scaffolding structure to lift the nose bridge and tip. This supports the height of the nose bridge and makes the bridge more defined. When inserted into the nose tip, the nose tip becomes lifted and taller at the tip. At the same time, while not the most drastic, natural collagen will be stimulated to grow over the scaffolding structure as the threads are dissolved by the body, giving a more sustained definition over time.

What are the types of nose threads available?

There are three different distinct types of threads. There are the mono threads, which literally looks like a normal piece of thread, tornado, or screw thread, as well as the cogged thread.

Mono threads are smooth threads without barbs. Screw threads are sometimes called tornado threads as well. They are in the form of single or double single threads intertwined together around the needle. Due to the increased volume conferred by the intertwining, these threads do better in volumizing sunken areas of the skin. Cog threads are mono threads that have barbs deigned to hook to the underside of the skin. These barbs are created either by cutting or molding them out of the thread. Collagen formation will occur around both the threads and also the barbs, enhancing the collagen stimulating effect that come along with threads usually.

In terms of material of the thread, there are currently two main types used for nose thread lift. They are polydioxanone (PDO), and polycaprolactone (PCL).

Polydioxanone (PDO):  PDO is first used for stitching in surgeries. The effects of polydioxanone (PDO) threads typically can last up till 12 months. When the PDO threads are placed in the subcutaneous layer, it has been observed in some studies that there is newly made collagenous connective tissue in the formed granulation tissues. In the newly mad granulation tissues near the threads, fibroblast and myofibroblasts have also been reportedly observed. This suggests that PDO threads may improve the elasticity of the skin also help to build up the nose to a certain extent.

Polycaprolactone (PCL): Polycaprolactone (PCL) threads can last longer than PDO threads.  PCL can last up to around 2 years. The chemical bonds and structure of PCL are stronger. Therefore, it takes a longer time for PCL to dissolve completely. PCL is usually recommended for patients who are very clear and certain of what they want and expect from a nose thread. This is because should there be unsatisfactory result from PCL, PCL will take a much longer time to dissolve than PDO.

Is nose thread lift suitable for me?

Nearly all types of noses are suitable for nose threads.

For patients who want higher nose bridge, nose threads are certainly able to make the nose height higher and add volume to the nose bridge. For patients who want a lifted nose tip, short threads can be inserted into the columella to achieve the result. For patients who have a dent or dorsal hump at the nose bridge, nose threads are also able to fill up the depression. For patients who have a widened nose due to previous filler injection, the recommendation is to dissolve the filler first before putting in the nose thread a week later.

For patients who want a smaller nose at the tip, the only way is to undergo plastic surgery to remove the excess tissue. Nose threads are able to lift up the tip and make the tip more defined and sharper but are unable to reduce volume at the tip. For patients who want a smaller bulbous nose, nose threads are unable to reduce the volume. However, when a nose thread lift is done to enhance the nose bridge despite so, the overall result will be a more symmetrical better-looking nose.

For patients who prefers a permanent nose lift, they may also consider undergoing rhinoplasty.

What are the potential side effects of nose threads?

While nose threads remain a safe option to achieve your desired nose, there are potential side effects which include swelling and bruising, that will resolve over time. Rarely, the threads may extrude or come out from the insertion point, or there may be deviation of the nose thread. However, these are all very correctable. Should there be such side effects, please return to the clinic as soon as possible.