Nose Thread Lift — Shaping Without an Implant
Cellon Dermatology Clinic, Cheongdam, Seoul — Absorbable threads with adequate support strength are placed within the nose to raise the bridge and adjust the shape. There is no skin incision and no implant. The procedure is short, recovery is quick, and normal activity resumes the same day.
What it can and cannot do
Thread placement can raise a low bridge, define a rounded or drooping tip, and create a continuous line from bridge to tip. Cellon plans the bridge, the tip, and the alar area as one line rather than simply adding height at the bridge.
What it cannot do is match the degree of change achievable by surgical rhinoplasty with an implant, or correct a significantly deviated nasal structure. Where the goal exceeds what threads can hold, that is said at consultation rather than after treatment.
Dr. Kang has published peer-reviewed research on non-surgical rhinoplasty with polydioxanone threads and fillers (Dermatologic Surgery, 2020).
Who this suits
- Low nasal bridge
- Rounded or bulbous tip
- Short or drooping tip
- Hump or irregular bridge line
- Patients who want to avoid an implant or incision
Procedure summary
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure time | 20 to 30 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local anaesthesia |
| Recovery / downtime | Swelling for several days; normal activity the same day |
| Thread material | Absorbable threads, MFDS-registered |
| Duration | Varies by individual and by the amount of correction; discussed at consultation |
| Incision | None — needle placement only |
| Suggested stay | Cellon suggests at least 3 days in Seoul so the result can be checked in person |
| Performed by | Dr. Kang Seunghoon, board-certified dermatologist, author of peer-reviewed research on non-surgical rhinoplasty |
How the procedure works
- Consultation — nasal structure, skin thickness, and facial proportion are assessed, and the achievable degree of change is discussed.
- Local anaesthesia.
- Threads placed along the planned line from bridge through tip.
- Shape and symmetry checked at the time of treatment.
- Aftercare instruction, including pressure and sleeping position for the first days.
Indications and contraindications
- Best candidates
- Adults who want a modest change in bridge height or tip definition without an implant or incision, and who understand that the degree of change is smaller than with surgery.
- Limited benefit
- Thread lifting does not achieve the degree of change possible with implant rhinoplasty and does not correct significant structural deviation. Thin skin over the bridge increases the risk of thread visibility.
- Contraindications
- Pregnancy, active infection at or near the treatment site, bleeding or clotting disorder, previous nasal implant or filler in the same plane without assessment, known hypersensitivity to thread material.
- Side effects
- Swelling, tenderness, and bruising in the first days. Less commonly thread visibility or palpability under thin skin, asymmetry, tip deviation, or thread extrusion. Infection is uncommon but possible and requires prompt treatment. All adverse events should be reported to the clinic.
Frequently asked questions
Is this a substitute for rhinoplasty?
No. The degree of change is smaller than with implant surgery. Where the goal exceeds what threads can hold, that is said at consultation rather than attempted.
Will there be a scar?
Threads are placed through a needle, so there is no skin incision. Needle entry points are very small. As with any procedure, individual healing varies.
How long does it last?
It varies with the individual and the amount of correction. Cellon discusses expected duration at consultation rather than quoting a fixed figure.
Can the threads be felt or seen?
Thread visibility or palpability is a recognised complication, particularly where skin over the bridge is thin. This is assessed before treatment.
Can it be done if I already have filler in my nose?
It requires assessment first. Existing filler in the same plane affects both planning and risk, so the history must be disclosed at consultation.
What is the most serious risk?
Infection and vascular compromise are the risks that require immediate attention. Sudden pain, colour change, or worsening swelling after treatment should be reported to the clinic immediately.
Is there research behind the technique?
Yes. Dr. Kang published on non-surgical rhinoplasty with polydioxanone threads and fillers in Dermatologic Surgery (2020).
Regulatory references
- Kang SH, Moon SH, Kim HS. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty with polydioxanone threads and fillers. Dermatologic Surgery. 2020;46(5):664–670.
- Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS): mfds.go.kr
- Related: Triple Lock Thread Lift