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Not gonna lie—I’ve wanted a rhinoplasty (nose job) for a long time. Ever since my modelling days, I was fixated on refining my nose. I almost went through with it, but my then-boyfriend, a doctor, talked me out of it. He told me about a patient whose nose job had gone terribly wrong, and, well… that was enough to scare me off. 😂

In the past few years, nose thread lifts have become a popular alternative to traditional rhinoplasty that doesn’t involve surgery. This procedure involves inserting threads made of polydioxanone (PDO) into the nose to reshape and lift the nasal tip. Learning about this made me happy because I finally had an alternative to traditional rhinoplasty, and I instantly became very interested in doing it.

A Doctor’s Perspective: Is a Nose Thread Lift Worth It?

During a recent facial treatment, I took the opportunity to ask my aesthetic doctor about it.

“Your nose is already fine,” he said, examining it. “Why do you want a nose thread lift?”

I explained that I wanted a more lifted and defined look. That’s when he broke it down for me:

• The procedure involves inserting at least 10 thin threads inside the nose under local anaesthesia.
• The threads are inserted through a small incision at the base of the nose or between the nostrils and then pulled to lift and reshape the nose.
• Results last only about 12 months, requiring yearly maintenance.
• It can only be performed a maximum of 3 times.

Then he hit me with this:

“I don’t want you to waste your money. If you’re serious about altering your nose, get rhinoplasty. It’s permanent. Don’t do nose threads. As your doctor, I wouldn’t recommend it.”

He even suggested travelling to Korea or Thailand for rhinoplasty, where surgeons specialize in the procedure at a more affordable price.

Hearing all of this from a professional made me rethink everything. If my doctor—someone who profits from aesthetic treatments—told me not to do it, that spoke volumes. That was the moment I decided to ditch the idea of a nose thread lift entirely.

Since he also said my nose is fine, I figured I might as well let go of the rhinoplasty dream too.

Since I had the opportunity to ask my aesthetic doctor about the procedure, I thought I’d share his advice with those who might not have access to a doctor as I do. Even though nose thread lifts might seem like an attractive option, there are significant downsides that many people don’t talk about: 

✅ Lack of Long-Term Data

Nose thread lifts are still relatively new, and there’s limited research on their long-term effects. While initial results may look great, there’s no solid data proving they remain safe and effective over time.

✅ Risk of Complications

Like any cosmetic procedure, nose thread lifts come with risks. Potential complications include:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Threads breaking or migrating (which can cause asymmetry or uneven shaping)

If something goes wrong, correcting it can be complicated, and in some cases, rhinoplasty might be needed anyway to fix the damage.

✅ Limited and Temporary Results

Nose thread lifts only work for mild to moderate nose reshaping. If you have a crooked nose, a wide bridge, or significant drooping, this procedure won’t give you the results you’re looking for. Plus, the threads dissolve within a year, meaning the effect disappears unless you redo the procedure annually.

✅ It Can Only Be Done 3 Times

This was one of the biggest surprises for me! My doctor explained that after 3 sessions, the tissues in the nose stop responding to the threads, making the procedure ineffective. If you’re looking for a permanent solution, this isn’t it.

Alternatives to Nose Thread Lifts

If you’re unhappy with your nose but aren’t ready for surgery, there are other non-surgical and surgical options to consider:

🔹 Dermal Fillers: Can provide subtle reshaping and lifting without the risks of nose threads. Results last 6-12 months.

🔹 Rhinoplasty: A long-term solution for more drastic changes.

🔹 Accepting Your Natural Beauty: Sometimes, the best decision is to embrace the features you already have (which, honestly, I’m learning to do). 😌

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering a nose thread lift, think carefully. While it may seem appealing as a non-surgical option, the temporary nature, potential complications, and limited results make it a risky investment.

After hearing my doctor’s honest advice, I realized it wasn’t worth it. If a trained professional advises against it, that alone is worth reconsidering. 🤷‍♀️

At the end of the day, whether you choose to get a cosmetic procedure or not, the most important thing is feeling confident and happy in your own skin. 💖

X, Hani. ❤