Attaining the “perfect nose” via a nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, may be unthinkable for patients who have never been through similar aesthetic procedures before. 

Thankfully, advancements in aesthetic medicine offers several minimally invasive alternatives that do the job (pun intended). One of the greatest plus points of non-invasive treatment is the minimal downtime needed, and that it poses fewer health risks than an invasive procedure.

At Cambridge Medical, we offer two highly acclaimed, non-invasive aesthetic procedures: Nose Fillers and the HIKO Nose Thread Lift. Both procedures are non-surgical and are tailored to suit Asian noses.

A popular medical study on absorbable wedge-shaped polydioxanone (PDO) sutures in Korea show that threads can also be used for non-surgical rhinoplasty. Asian noses are typically identified by their flat nasal bridge, indistinct nasal dorsum, under-projected and broad nasal tip and short columella. Even in current times, the augmentation of the nasal tip is very popular and has been recognised as an important aspect of achieving a natural and balanced nose.

The study concluded that it is safe and effective for a non-surgical rhinoplasty to combine PDO threads and fillers, which maintain quality results at 6 months after the procedure. This is due to threads being useful to lift up the nasal tip, which contributes to an aesthetically pleasing and symmetrical nasal appearance through the modification of the columella-labial angle.

What are Nose Fillers?

Nose fillers are a non-invasive and non-surgical procedure that aims to reshape the nose in order to correct its pre-existing deformities. They are also commonly known as “liquid rhinoplasty” or “liquid nose job”. Generally, nose fillers alter the shape of the nose bridge, nose tip or nostrils. Favourable results are often noted to be smaller, crisper nose tips and higher nose bridges. [1]

There are various reasons why patients may opt for nose fillers instead of rhinoplasty surgery. Rhinoplasties are much more complex to reverse and also have a longer downtime period which hampers patients’ daily routine, as they will need to rest and recover before resuming regular activities.

In comparison to nose fillers, the effects are much more subtle and less drastic. Many patients who acquire nose fillers instead of invasive rhinoplasties report that post-treatment, the people around them are able to notice a positive difference but may be unable to identify that the patient has gone for a medical procedure.

What can I expect during a Nose Filler procedure?

According to medical studies and careful observation, it has been concluded that nose filler procedures generally exert minimal to no pain at all. The simple procedure includes the application of a topical numbing cream. Hence, patients should not experience intense discomfort or adverse side effects. Overall, the procedure has been described as tolerable.

After a nose filler procedure, there is no immediate downtime period. In fact, they’re called lunchtime procedures because patients can expect to return their regular daily activities after an hour’s rest. Patients have reported feeling minor discomfort after the treatment. In some cases, patients have experienced post-operative bruising and swelling. However, negative side effects often clear up within 24 hours.

While there are minimal risks and side effects of the procedure, this varies from patient to patient. Side effects experienced by each patient are often impacted and/or influenced by external factors which may include and are not limited to their daily habits, diet, intensity and frequency of exercise, as well as stress levels.

How does the Nose Filler procedure work?

Doctors commonly use fillers which include hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid, medically known as glycosaminoglycan polysaccharide, is a naturally occurring substance produced in our bodies. Hyaluronic acid is also found in most skincare or facial products as it is known to give a hydrating and “plumping” effect due to the moisture which aids in rebuilding the skin to give it a more natural and glowing look.

As they are naturally occurring substances in our body, the risks of these fillers causing adverse immune reactions are very low, meaning that there is very low antigenicity present in the fillers. This makes it very safe for them to be injected into our bodies.

Prior to the treatment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to the areas undergoing treatment. This initial stage of the procedure usually takes about 10-15 minutes before the treatment area is fully numb. After this, the HA fillers will be injected into the treatment area.

The doctor overseeing your treatment will use a syringe and needle on specific areas of the nose to alter its shape. This creates a more appealing look by only working on areas that require the alteration the most. At this stage, patients would be happy to note that the procedure will be quick — around 15 to 20 minutes.

How long do the Nose Fillers last?

Post-treatment, patients can expect the nose fillers to dissipate over the next six to twelve months. At this stage, the nose would return to its normal shape. This happens when the hyaluronic acid found within the fillers are eventually be reabsorbed into the body’s tissues. 

However, the time taken for fillers to return to normal may vary from patient to patient. As external factors may affect the results of the filters, your doctor may require you to return to the clinic for touch-ups every few months. These short touch-up sessions ensure that your nose maintains its shape.

HIKO Nose Thread Lift Singapore

Known as a lunchtime nose lift, Cambridge's HIKO Nose Thread Lift is non-invasive and non-surgical. It helps enhance the shape of the nose and improves its contours. In this procedure, doctors are able to make the nose bridge and nose tips higher by carefully raising, straightening and defining them.

What is a Nose Thread Lift?

Within the HIKO Nose Thread Lift treatment, the threads, also known as polydioxanone (PDO) threads, are completely absorbed into the body over time. As these threads dissolve over time, the ultra-fine threads create new tissue fibroblasts and collagen. The production of new tissue fibroblasts and collagen, in turn, create a tightening effect that further enhances the effects of the nose contour.

Some benefits of the HIKO Nose Thread Lift include:

• Straighter contoured definition
• Higher nose bridge
• Lifting the nose tip
• Sharper nose tip
• Slimmer, more elegant nose

Nose Fillers and HIKO Nose Thread Lift

The HIKO Nose Thread Lift procedure can last up to 2 years, making it a longer-lasting option compared to Nose Fillers, where results only last for about 9 months to a year. Unlike nose fillers, thread lifts do not migrate or spread out over time. Moreover, because PDO threads dissolve, thread lifts possess the added advantage of stimulating collagen production for a tightening effect. 

Results and Post-Treatment

The HIKO Nose Thread Lift is an excellent procedure to contour your nose, especially if you are seeking long-term results without the hassle of continuously going for treatment.

We all patients that the insertion of the threads is safe and painless. The results of the procedure usually last for about 2 years. However, patients are welcome to return to raise their threads again should they desire further definition.

Advantages of our procedure preparation and execution include:

• The quality and type of nose threads used. Short, thin threads generally yield inferior results. Overly thick threads, on the other hand, may leave a scar at the injection point. Cambridge uses Ultra V PDO threads from Korea that are perfectly suited for HIKO Nose Thread Lifts.
  
• The right technique of placement of the threads
  
• Number of threads used

Which is better for me?

There is no better treatment or right solution — but rather a treatment option that best suits you, your concerns and desires. Ultimately, patient satisfaction depends on a variety of factors, such as what your ideal nose would be.

For example, if what you seek is a sharper nose, then perhaps you would like to consider a nose thread lift instead for a more obvious lift. 

Dr Lee Mun Heng, however, suggests that nose thread lifts are a generally safer option. This is because the face consists of many tiny arteries that supply blood to the eyes. Although rare, if one is not careful, nose fillers could possibly cause blindness.

Always remember to communicate both your needs and concerns with your doctor during your consultation, so that they may tailor a treatment plan best suited to you.

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/nonsurgical-rhinoplasty#Fast-facts