What is a HIKO nose lift?
A HIKO nose lift is a non-surgical way to change the profile of the nose using threads instead of implants or filler alone. Thin threads made of PDO (polydioxanone), a dissolvable material long used in surgical sutures, are inserted through a tiny opening at the tip. Some threads run along the bridge to add height and straighten the line; others support the columella (the strip between the nostrils) to lift a drooping tip.
As the threads dissolve over several months, collagen forms around them, which helps the shape hold for a while longer. It is commonly chosen for:
- A low or flat nasal bridge
- A tip that points downward, especially when smiling
- A slightly uneven bridge line
- People who want a change without surgery or long downtime
HIKO is not a substitute for rhinoplasty. It cannot make a nose smaller, narrow wide nostrils or correct breathing problems. If those are your goals, the doctor will tell you honestly.
Nose thread and injection options
The doctor builds the plan from a few elements, depending on whether you need height, tip support or fine shaping:
| Option | What it helps | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nose Sculpting Injection | Reduces soft-tissue bulk at the tip and sides | ₩120,000 |
| Nose Sculpting Injection + Nostril Botox (Coretox) | Adds softening of nostril flare | ₩150,000 |
| Columella threads | Supports and lifts the tip | ₩350,000 |
| Nose Bridge threads | Adds height and a straighter line | ₩500,000 |
| Minimal Nose Lifting | Combined bridge and tip lift | ₩650,000 |
Prices in KRW, 10% VAT not included, updated September 2026. Nose options are listed on our thread lift price page.
Threads give structure, while filler gives softer volume. Some patients do best with threads alone, others with a small amount of dermal filler as well. The doctor will explain why one or the other suits your nose and skin thickness.
What changes after a HIKO nose lift
The new profile is visible straight away and looks slightly fuller while swelling is present. Over 1–2 weeks it settles into a more natural line. Results typically last around 6–12 months, and some patients repeat the treatment or add a small amount of filler later. A thread lift elsewhere on the face, such as for sagging skin, can be planned at the same consultation.
How a HIKO nose lift visit works
- Doctor consultation We look at the nose from front, side and below, and agree on height and tip shape.
- Anaesthesia Numbing cream, then local anaesthetic at the tip and along the bridge.
- Thread placement Threads are placed through a tiny entry point and shaped, usually 20–40 minutes.
- Taping & aftercare Light taping or a protective patch, plus written aftercare in English.
If you are visiting Seoul, try to schedule a HIKO lift early in your stay so the doctor can review the nose before you fly. Many patients pair it with a broader lower-face plan, such as a face thread lift or mouth corner lift; we will tell you what is sensible to do in one trip.
Downtime, side effects and aftercare
The nose has thin skin and a rich blood supply, so careful technique and aftercare matter.
- Common: swelling, tenderness and mild redness for 3–7 days; small bruises; a firm feeling along the bridge for a couple of weeks.
- Less common: slight asymmetry, a visible or palpable thread line in thin skin, or the height settling more than expected over the first weeks.
- Rare: infection, a thread end working through the skin or the inside of the nose and needing removal, or skin colour changes from pressure.
Who should wait or tell the doctor first
We do not treat during pregnancy or breastfeeding, with active skin infection or acne on the nose, or soon after nose surgery. Tell us about previous rhinoplasty, implants or filler, blood thinners, allergies and any autoimmune conditions.
Aftercare
Avoid glasses resting on the bridge, blowing your nose hard, pressing or massaging the area, saunas and hard workouts for about two weeks. Contact us on WhatsApp with a photo if you notice increasing pain, redness or a thread end.
Dr. Jimin Kang, Medical Director
Every nose lift plan at Bailor starts with a face-to-face skin assessment by a doctor — not a sales counsellor. Dr. Kang's approach is "tailored, not templated": she chooses the product, dose and depth for your skin, and treats you herself or works alongside the other doctors on our in-house medical team.
Nose lift FAQ
How much does a HIKO nose lift cost in Gangnam?
At Bailor Clinic in Sinsa, nose sculpting injection starts from ₩120,000, columella threads are ₩350,000, nose bridge threads ₩500,000 and Minimal Nose Lifting ₩650,000, VAT excluded. See the thread lift price page.
How long does a HIKO nose lift last?
Results typically last around 6–12 months. The threads dissolve over several months, and the collagen formed around them helps the shape hold for a while.
Does a HIKO nose lift hurt?
Local anaesthetic is used, so most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. The nose may feel sore and tight for a few days.
Is HIKO better than nose filler?
They do different things. Threads give structure and a sharper line with less spreading; filler gives softer volume. Some noses suit one, some both. The doctor will advise.
Can a HIKO lift make my nose smaller?
No. Threads can add height and lift the tip, but they cannot reduce the size of the nose or narrow the nostrils. Surgery is needed for that.
Can I wear glasses afterwards?
Avoid glasses resting on the bridge for about two weeks. Contact lenses or tape-supported frames are easier during that time.
