Plastic, cosmetic, or aesthetic surgery has existed in some form for hundreds, or even thousands, of years (depending on how you want to define the term). However its biggest boost in popularity and accessibility came in the 1950s after World War II, with procedures such as botox injections having since become household names.

 

One of the most recent innovations in the field is the nose thread lift. This non surgical alternative has given clients in Singapore more options than ever when seeking out aesthetic treatments.

 

Learn more about the history of nose augmentation and nose thread lifts right here on our blog.

 

Early Nose Augmentation Methods

 

Forms of nose augmentation surgery (also known as rhinoplasty) can be traced to as far back as Ancient Egypt. The earliest rhinoplasties used flaps of skin from other parts of the body to recreate the nose, and common side effects included infection, poor healing, scarring. While many people relied on these surgeries to restore the practical and/or aesthetic functions of their nose, the limited medical knowldge of the time meant that the resulting noses often did not look realistic or convincing.

 

It was during the late 19th century when endonasal rhinoplasty (closed rhinoplasty) techniques began to be refined, with a greater focus on both ensuring post-surgical functionality and a believable and subtle appearance. Specialised techniques also emerged in the 20th century, such as septoplasties for correcting deviated septums in the 1900s, and open rhinoplasties in the 1970s.

 

Despite all of these advancements, it would still take several decades before non surgical techniques such as nose thread lifts entered the market.

 

The Development of Non Surgical Nose Lift Alternatives

 

In 1999, Georgian doctor Marlen Sulamanidze was the first person to use barbed suture threads as part of facial surgery. The thread was inserted into the patient’s face, lifting up the skin and resulting in an enhanced appearance. This technique has been worked on and improved by other doctors and plastic surgeons ever since.

 

Nose thread lifts today are a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment.

 

The procedure involves using biodegradable surgical threads to ‘lift’ the skin, and is often intended to address a variety of aesthetic concerns such as:

  • Uneven or low nose bridge
  • Crooked nose or nose bridge
  • Underprojected nose tip
  • Overall concerns with nose definition

 

The threads used are slowly and safely absorbed by the patient’s body in the months following the procedure, taking approximately 12 months for Polydioxanone (PDO) threads and more than 2 years for Polylactic Acid (PLLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL) threads.

 

Benefits of Nose Thread Lifts

 

Nose thread lifts can have several advantages compared to other nasal surgeries such as implants including:

  • Minimal to no scarring
  • Low-risk and non-surgical treatment process
  • Minimal pain and discomfort

 

Patients can expect to experience some minor side effects such as soreness and discomfort during the healing process, but the recovery time takes just a few days. Your doctor will be able to provide you with advice about the healing process during your appointment.

 

The results can typically last between 1 to 2 years, and the nose thread lift process can simply be repeated when necessary if desired.

 

When should you get a Nose Thread Lift?

 

If you are considering getting a non-surgical nose augmentation procedure done but are unsure if nose thread lifts or nose fillers are better, here are some factors to keep in mind:

 

  • Treatment procedure and cost: Familiarise yourself with how different procedures are carried out, their recovery time, the estimated duration of the effects, and their costs.
  • Reversibility: Nose thread lifts are not as easily reversible, whereas fillers can be removed if necessary or desired.
  • Aesthetic concerns: The aesthetic results you are trying to achieve will affect which treatment suits you. Nose thread lifts are typically suitable for contouring or subtle lifting effects, whereas a nose filler can help with flat or low nose bridge.

 

It is best to consult with an aesthetic doctor or surgeon in Singapore before proceeding with any treatments. Get in touch with our doctors here at Shiro Aesthetic Clinic today to book an appointment for your pre-treatment consult.

Dr Zhang YiJun