5 Reasons Nose Thread Lifts Fail And How To Avoid Them

Are you researching nose thread lift treatments here in Singapore? Believe it or not, your nose can make or break your overall appearance. Since the nose is critically positioned at the centre of your face, it is a clincher for your facial harmony. Thankfully, there are nose enhancement procedures that can help improve its shape, such as nose thread lifts. This quick and minimally invasive option is a great route to a perfectly pointed nose, without going under the knife. And since there’s no surgery involved, the downtime and risks are minimal.

However, a sliver of complications may arise, especially in the wrong hands. Today, we delve into the five reasons nose thread lifts may fail and how to avoid them.

 

What is a nose thread lift treatment? 

First things first, let’s discuss what nose thread lift treatments are. This procedure is also famous for its other moniker, Hiko thread lift, which translates to “high nose” in Korean. The nose thread lift employs barbed threads to enhance the shape and height of your nose. These threads, which are scientifically called polydioxanone (PDO) threads, dissolve naturally in your body. The PDO threads go under your skin to lift, tighten, and contour the nose tip and bridge.

Their pointed, barbed structure also has a dual function – these threads will intentionally cause injury to your skin to push it into healing mode! As your skin heals, it will produce more collagen, providing a sustainable lift to your nose. So, even if the PDO threads dissolve over time, the collagen deposits add sufficient volume to hold it up.

Nose thread lifts typically take an hour or less, depending on your desired look. The results can last up to two years, but you can get it re-done after a year or so.

 

Five reasons why nose thread lift treatments could fail. 

Like any cosmetic or medical procedure, nose thread lifts are no stranger to complications. Although, with the proper procedure and after-care, these potential side effects would be the least of your worries.

 

Thread breakage. 

Although PDO threads naturally dissolve in your body, there’s a possibility that they may also break. Thread breakage happens when there’s excessive movement, rubbing, or moisture in the PDO threads. A tell-tale sign of thread breakage is when you feel the puncture points used to insert the threads as they heal. You may also feel a slight pulling or tight sensation in the skin. This usually happens at the end of your incision points, but it won’t pose any threats whatsoever. You’re good to go as long as you let the PDO threads settle in and heal within.

 

Weak barbs in the PDO threads. 

If the barbs in the PDO threads used during your procedure are too weak, it may lead to complications. This may cause extrusion (especially in people with thin skin), wherein the threads become thick and visible under the skin. Weak barbs may also lead to migration, where the threads disperse in your skin. To avoid these from happening, make sure to ask your doctor all about your procedure. Although nose thread lifts are generally safe, it’s still better to be safe.

 

Dimpling after a nose thread lift treatment. 

Dimpling happens when an area of your face sinks or forms a huge dimple and causes irregularities. This mainly occurs in the cheeks and the areas that move or fold excessively. It develops when your doctor superficially places the threads into your nose or when the anchors catch on the upper layers of your skin.

 

Mild skin dimpling will subside on its own as it will typically settle with the natural movement of your skin. You can ask your doctor for the all-clear to massage the area, which will also help release the thread’s anchor. However, if it’s deeper or appears a few weeks after you get a nose thread lift, it’s different. You’ll have to return to your doctor’s office for a minor procedure to release the anchor. This entails making a small needle entry and inserting a cannula (a fine blunt tube) to remove the fibres.

 

Anaesthesia 

The type of anaesthesia used during your nose thread lift may cause facial asymmetry. After your procedure, you may notice that your face doesn’t have an equal lift, but it’s normal. You don’t need to worry as this will subside naturally as the anaesthesia wears off. After all, your face is inherently asymmetrical, so it’ll be challenging to create symmetry without any surgery. To avoid this from happening, plan your nose thread lift carefully. This way, you’ll have realistic expectations about how your face will look afterwards.

 

Infection after a nose thread lift treatment. 

Infection is the archnemesis of any medical procedure, but any skilled doctor knows how to avoid it. Although this is rare, discussing the possibility is crucial, especially since it’s the primary culprit for post-treatment scarring. Most clinics that offer nose thread lift treatments use the aseptic technique. However, this is probably not the same case with salons or home-based therapists. Ensuring that you’re working with a skilled professional and that every tool and instrument are sterilised correctly is crucial. This way, you can avoid the headache of infections, antibiotics, and the scarring they might cause.

 

About the Author – Dr Michelle Lim

Dr Michelle Lim obtained her medical degree at the University of Queensland in Australia in 2009. After this, she completed her Ophthalmology apprenticeship at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital in Melbourne where she also undertook her postgraduate clinical research fellowship in retinal vascular disease. Dr Lim trained intensively as an eye surgeon at the Singapore National Eye Centre and has a special interest in microsurgery and general ophthalmic procedures including cataract, refractive, glaucoma, cornea, retina, neuro-ophthalmology and oculoplastic.

 

With this specialized background in Ophthalmology, Dr Lim brings attention to detail and key surgical finesse to aesthetic procedures: from rejuvenating lasers to anti-wrinkle injections to peri-orbital fillers. Her sense of aesthetics also extends to other parts of the face and body as she has a keen eye for detail and an appreciation for the artistry of facial aesthetics.