Non-Surgical Nose Job with Threads (HIKO): How It Works
A non-surgical nose job with threads, often called a HIKO nose lift in Korea, uses absorbable PDO threads inserted along the bridge and tip of the nose to give a temporary lift and a straighter, more defined profile. The threads act as a light internal scaffold and also stimulate some collagen as they dissolve. It does not reshape bone or cartilage, so it cannot make a nose smaller, fix a large hump or correct breathing problems, but it can subtly raise a low bridge and lift a drooping tip. Results are usually visible immediately and commonly last from several months to around a year or more, depending on the person and technique.
What "HIKO" means
HIKO is a term used in Korea for a thread-based nose procedure, often said to stand for "high nose" combined with "ko" for nose. In practice, the name describes a technique rather than a single standard protocol. Different doctors use different thread types, numbers and placement patterns, so it is worth asking exactly what will be done in your case.
How the procedure works
The general steps are similar across most clinics:
- Assessment and marking: the doctor examines your nose from the front and side and marks the planned thread paths.
- Anaesthetic: local anaesthetic is applied, usually at the tip and the entry point.
- Thread placement: a small entry point is typically made at the tip of the nose. Threads are guided upward along the bridge, close to the bone and cartilage, and sometimes into the columella (the strip between the nostrils) to support the tip.
- Shaping: the doctor checks the profile and adjusts before trimming the thread ends.
The process usually takes around 20 to 40 minutes. The threads used are generally thicker, barbed or moulded PDO threads that provide some structural support.
What it can and cannot do
Thread nose lifts are best suited to fairly specific goals.
It may help with:
- A low or flat nasal bridge
- A slightly drooping or under-projected tip
- Making the nose look straighter or more defined from the side
- Adding subtle height without the volume that filler can add
It is unlikely to help with:
- A large dorsal hump
- Wide nostrils or a broad nasal base
- A crooked nose from trauma
- Breathing difficulties
- Making the nose smaller overall
Threads compared with nose filler
Nose filler is the other common non-surgical option. Many doctors use the two together, but each has its own character:
- Shape: threads provide a narrow, vertical lift, while filler adds volume and can widen the bridge if overused.
- Tip support: threads in the columella can help lift the tip in a way filler alone may not.
- Reversibility: hyaluronic acid filler can be dissolved with an enzyme. Threads cannot be dissolved on demand, though they break down naturally over months.
- Vascular risk: nose filler carries a rare but serious risk of blocking a blood vessel. Threads have a different risk profile, though careful technique is still essential.
Recovery and what to expect
Most people return to normal activities quickly, but the nose can look and feel different for a while. Expect:
- Swelling across the bridge and tip for several days
- Possible bruising, sometimes extending to the area under the eyes
- Tenderness and a feeling of stiffness at the tip
- A small mark at the entry point that heals within days
Common aftercare advice includes not wearing glasses that rest on the bridge for a period your doctor specifies, avoiding pressing or massaging the nose, sleeping on your back, and avoiding saunas, heavy exercise and alcohol for several days.
Risks to discuss with your doctor
Thread nose lifts are generally considered low-downtime, but complications can occur, including:
- Infection, which may cause increasing redness, warmth, pain or discharge
- Thread extrusion, where a thread works its way out, most often near the tip
- Visible or palpable threads, especially in people with thin skin over the nose
- Asymmetry or a result that shifts as threads settle
- Skin redness or thinning over the tip in some cases
Risks may be higher if you have had previous nose surgery, implants or repeated filler, since tissue and blood supply may be altered. Always tell your doctor about any prior procedures.
How long the result lasts
PDO threads usually dissolve over roughly six to eight months, but the collagen formed around them can help maintain some of the shape longer. Many people report results lasting from around six months to a year or more. Some choose repeat sessions, though repeated thread placement should be planned carefully to avoid scar tissue building up.
Frequently asked questions
Is a thread nose lift painful?
Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel pressure. The anaesthetic injections themselves and the tip area can be uncomfortable for a short time.
Can I fly after a HIKO nose lift?
Many people fly within a few days. Cabin pressure is not usually a problem, but swelling can feel more noticeable. Ask your doctor about your timing, especially if you need a follow-up check.
Can I get surgery later if I want a bigger change?
Yes, though it is best to tell your surgeon about previous threads. Many surgeons prefer to wait until threads have dissolved.
Is it safer than filler?
It has a different risk profile rather than simply being "safer". The best option depends on your nose, skin and goals.
Is it right for you?
A thread nose lift can be a useful, low-commitment way to refine a nose profile, particularly for people with a low bridge or droopy tip who want a subtle change. It is not a substitute for rhinoplasty. A qualified dermatologist or experienced aesthetic doctor can examine your nasal structure and skin, explain realistic results and recommend whether threads, filler, a combination or a surgical opinion would suit you best.
