The nose is the centerpiece of the face, and its shape can “make or break” your whole facial appearance. Also, it can have a huge impact on your confidence and self-esteem.
Are you unhappy with the shape of your nose but are afraid of invasive surgical procedures such as rhinoplasty? Then, a nose thread lift might be the perfect solution for you!
With this non-surgical procedure, you can have the nose of your dreams in less than an hour and without “going under the knife.” No wonder it is also called thelunchtime nose job. Of course, it will not be as long-lasting or radical as a surgical rhinoplasty, but it is a pretty good option if you want a touch-up here and there, with a subtle rejuvenation and re-shaping of the nose.
Indeed, even though you may only get a few millimeters of difference, at most, even a few degrees of lift in a nose tip or the slightest change in bridge elevation can greatly improve facial harmony.
But is nose threading safe and effective? Is it the right procedure for you? Keep reading to find out everything about this lift treatment.
A nose thread lift is a non-surgical, minimally invasive and reversible procedure to improve the shape of the nose. It is far cheaper and affordable than surgical rhinoplasty, though it doesn’t offer long-lasting results with a session only. It requires maintenance and touch-ups.
The procedure uses synthetic and dissolvable threads made from a complex sugar named PDO (polydioxanone). This medical-grade suture material is non-allergic, completely biodegradable, and absorbable, meaning the body absorbs the PDO threads over time.
The temporary specialized threads designed for nose lifts, called the MINT Tip Thread threads, are often barbed to stay firmly in place and better grip the below tissue, pulling the skin taut.
Indeed, the threads act as a scaffolding structure, helping contour and re-shapethe nose to get the desired results. The threads are inserted to create a pyramid formation that supports and shifts the nasal tissues. This is the lift part of the procedure.
The lifting effect is immediate. It results from compressing and elevating the underlying tissues when the doctor adjusts the sutures. It is just like setting up a tent. Then comes the regenerative effect, which is gradual and natural. As the threads are absorbed, they act as collagen stimulators, encouraging new collagen formation to provide structure and a long-lasting lift for the nose.
Like any thread lift procedure, a nose thread lift can smooth and lift sagging skin. But, it can go a step further and fix a dorsal hump (or successfully conceal it, at least) or elevate a droopy tip.
Goals:
Limitations:
At the end of the day, this treatment can only shift and re-shape soft tissues, giving the impression of a slimmer nose.
The treatment can be performed in under an hour! Also, you avoid the risks associated with surgery and general anaesthesia. And, due to the minimal downtime, you can resume your daily activities immediately after.
For many, a true game-changer is that a nose thread lift is definitively cheaper than a rhinoplasty, even considering additional touch-ups down the line.
Also, results aren’t permanent. If you’re unhappy with the final look, you just have to wait 6-8 months for the threads to dissolve naturally.
And NO, removing them before time is not advisable! Remember that the threads come with barbs to anchor to the tissues. Any attempt to remove them by force can have terrible consequences.
So, suppose you are not expecting a dramatic makeover and don’t mind scheduling future maintenance procedures for long-lasting results. In that case, nose threading is definitely worth a shot.
A nose thread lift is recommended for:
A word of caution: older patients may think twice before considering a nose thread lift if they have bone resorption or age-related volume loss in the area. In that case, it might be advisable to fix the underlying volume loss problem with the help of fillers (the same kind as lip fillers).
Also, if you have a history of radiation to the nose, an active inflammation/infection in the nasal area, or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you won’t qualify for this procedure.
We can use two options to correct the appearance of your nose non-surgically: threads and fillers. Your doctor can use each procedure separately or combine them to get better results.
A nose threads are more effective at creating a sharper, more defined nasal contour than fillers.
On the other hand, dermal fillers are ideal for smoothing any dorsal bumps on the nasal bridge, giving you a straighter profile. Also, fillers can be injected at the tip of the nose to lift it and provide a more feminine shape.
As a side note, Botulinum toxin, aka Botox, can also have a lifting effect when injected below the nasal tip to relax the muscle pulling it down.
So, a nasal thread lift is perfect to re-shapethe nose without adding too much volume, enhancing the profile in the way fillers cannot quite achieve by themselves sometimes.
Before undergoing the procedure, you should:
The procedure is performed in under 30-45 minutes. You will have to lie down with your face upwards. Then, the doctor will inject local anaesthesia to your nose, along the nose bridge and tip so that you won’t feel pain or discomfort.
There are no incisions or cuts involved. The sutures are inserted three to five millimeters under the skin using a fine needle or cannula. Once the cannula is removed, the threads stay put.
The point of entry of the threads may be at the nose tip or even within the nasal cavity. Then, once the thread is inserted, your doctor will achieve the desired lifting effect by applying slight pressure to the tissue underneath to re-shape it by hand.
The number of threads used varies from patient to patient and depends on the nose anatomy, goals, and expectations. For correction of a droopy tip, for example, your doctor may use three threads. They would be inserted from the tip of the nose right toward the bridge, following a V pattern to provide both lateral and vertical support.
Recovery is pretty quick and uneventful, with most patients going back to work the next day. Things that you should avoid after your lift treatment are:
The nose thread lift is a safe procedure with minor side effects. You may experience a stinging sensation during the anaesthesia injections, but afterward, you won’t feel any pain when the threads are inserted.
Immediately after the threads are placed, it is normal to feel some “tightness” in the treated areas and some soreness for a few days. You can take OTC analgesics for post-op comfort.
Also, bruising and swelling are expected, which will resolve in the following days.
More serious but rare complications include short-term dimpling of the skin, scarring, infection, bleeding, and blockage of the blood vessels causing skin necrosis (skin death).
Also, you could have numbness (most cases are temporary if present), slight asymmetry, buckling of the threads, and extrusion (sutures palpable through the skin). That’s why you should put yourself in experienced professional hands. Even with minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, complications could occur.
Results from a nose thread lift treatment are immediate. And even though your body eventually absorbs the threads, this takes around 18 months. So, the results will continue to improve as your body starts to produce more collagen for the next 3-6 months and up to a year.
The newly formed collagen will keep the area around the threads tight, maintaining the newly created shape.
Usually, a nose thread lift can last for about 1-2 years. But, if you schedule maintenance appointments every nine months after the first treatment, you can expect long-lasting results.
Nose threading is customized to your unique skin type, texture and aesthetic goals. Every procedure is personal to you and to your needs, and so is the cost.
Since we know that cost is important, we welcome you to visit Antiaging Group Barcelona facilities for a free, no-obligation visit. You’ll have time to consult with the plastic surgeon, ask questions, and talk about any concerns. We’ll identify the best solution and the best price for you.
We’re so glad you asked! With over 20 years of experience, Antiaging Group Barcelona is a leading clinic in thread lift treatments.
Doctor Jesús Benito is a member of many international plastic surgery organizations, has won numerous awards, and is dedicated to his patients. His world-class medical center in Spain is sought out for its excellence and state-of-the-art procedures. A highly trained team supports Doctor Benito and provides superb care for every patient.
Specialist in face and body cosmetic medicine.
Cosmetic medicine with laser techniques (IPL, QSwitch…)
Anti-aging medicine.
If you wish, you can send us some photos to have an estimate quote. Photos will not be stored and will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Please explain the results you wish to obtain.
Antiaging Group Barcelona
Ronda del General Mitre, 84, 08021 (Barcelona, Spain)
Nearest Metro Stations: Les Tres Torres / La Bonanova
