HIKO Nose Lift: How it feels like, where to get it, and everything you need to know

Nose enhancements remain to be one of the most popular procedures being done in Asia. After all, our nose is positioned at the center of our face, making it super noticeable and often causing insecurities. While it can be permanently fixed to our liking, not everyone is fully confident of going under the knife to achieve their aesthetic dreams or address their breathing issues. Their next go-to option? Getting a thread lift – more specifically, a non-surgical nose enhancement called HIKO Nose Thread Lift.

I’ve tried almost all methods, from affordable clip-on nose enhancers to fillers, just to address the uneven nasal cavities that I have. At the moment, I’m reeling towards HIKO Nose Thread Lift and I’m happy to say that it not only made my nose higher and straighter, but also helped me breathe better.

Before trying it out yourself, let me share my experience and everything I discovered about this non-surgical procedure with the help of Dra. Jen Escalderon, MD, DPBBO-HNS popularly known as “Dra. Chubby Cheeks” on social media. She specializes in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at Variahealth – Quezon City.

Why get HIKO Nose Threads?

Variahealth lounge (Photo courtesy of Sylver Sy/ Iconic MNL)

If you really believe that your nose needs some fixing (e.g. elevating a flat nose ridge, reshaping a bulbous tip), HIKO Nose Threads can do the trick. It can quickly be done, even during your lunch break, and requires little to zero downtime since the procedure is very simple and non-invasive. It uses absorbable threads that is said to help stimulate collagen formation, making it very safe – unless you have medical issues (which have to be discussed with your doctor pre-threading).

The number of threads to be used will highly depend on your wants and needs. Mine required over 10 threads to make the nose bridge more defined and create that contoured look (Bye, contour powder!). The nasal tip was also lifted to help make my nasal cavities look even. Although my left nasal cavity is my main issue, I realized it was way easier to breathe after the HIKO Nose Threads were inserted. No joke, it feels like I can inhale 2x more air now!

What’s the experience like?

Consultation with Dra. Jen Escalderon, also known as “Dra. Chubby Cheeks” on social media. (Photo courtesy of Sylver Sy/ Iconic MNL)

Like all other aesthetic procedure, you’ll start with consultation. I was asked to fill out forms about my medical history and allergies. Dra. Jen explained what HIKO Nose Threads do and she patiently answered all my queries about healing process.

Anesthesia time! (Photo courtesy of Sylver Sy/ Iconic MNL)

Once you’re all set, you’ll be asked to erase your makeup and wash your full face before they apply anesthesia. Variahealth uses injectable anesthesia and to be honest, this is the only part where you’ll feel a bit of pain (or tear up a bit). Anesthesia was injected around 5 times around my nose area and it feels like getting pricked. Blood extraction still hurts more, to be honest. After a few seconds, your nose and upper lips will start to feel numb, which means it’s ready for threading time. The threads will then be inserted into a small opening made at the tip of your nose, which you will be asked to check before the wound gets stitched. Your eyes will also be covered while the threads are being inserted because it can get bloody — but you won’t feel any pain. One stitch is required to help aid healing. It will feel a bit numb for a few hours but it’s bearable, at least for me.

HIKO Nose Threads being inserted through the tip of my nose. (Photo courtesy of Sylver Sy/ Iconic MNL)
The threads look like this! Only the purple ones are left inside your nose.

Overall, you’ll only need more or less 15 minutes for both the anesthesia and threading process. You can already go back to work or apply makeup after (except for the part that got stitched).

The effect can already be seen immediately after your threading session.

How does it feel post-threading?

During the first 48 hours, my nose felt quite numb and a bit sensitive. Lifting a gallon of water already makes it sting a bit, so I highly suggest that you take a break after the procedure. Workout and strenuous activities are also highly discouraged during the healing period. I only had minor bruising, which was easily addressed by using an ice pack on the affected areas.

I had to regularly clean the part that was stitched in order to avoid infection. The slight pain during cleaning time is very manageable, though! After washing my face in the morning, I apply Betadine and an antibacterial cream. Same goes at night before going to bed. This is also paired with ingestible antibiotics prescribed by Dra. Jen.

Five days after getting HIKO Nose Threads, I went back to Variahealth so the stitch can be removed. No pain at all, I wasn’t even able to take a photo ‘cos it was so quick! All I have to do at this point is to continue to apply antibacterial cream daily for five more days.

It’s already been a week since I got my nose threads and I’m happy that I didn’t experience any skin allergy or negative skin reaction to the threads. Safe and recommended!

How long do HIKO Nose Threads last?

This depends on a person’s metabolism because the threads also dissolve, but it is said that it stimulates collagen synthesis as well. It usually stays on for one to one and a half years.

Nose Threads vs Fillers: Which is which?

HIKO Nose Threads – Day 4 (still with a stitch, but okay to put on makeup!)

Nose threads and nose fillers can both be used to achieve your desired nasal shape with no downtime and in just a few minutes. Note, however, that these are not permanent. The threads feel stiffer, but it creates a more defined look. It also seems to have a longer stay-on power, but that’s something I’ll have to monitor in the next few months. Fillers, on the other hand, only stay on for 9-12 months before getting fully absorbed by our body. It does not require a stitch, though.

Choosing which one is best for you would depend on your needs and physical state. I suggest that you consult with Dra. Jen at Variahealth first to know what procedure would work best for you!

How much does it cost?

In the Philippines, HIKO Nose Threads would usually cost about Php 25,000 to Php 35,000 – depending on the number of threads to be used. Still best to consult the experts to get a proper quote.

Will you do it again?

Heart heart! Much love, Variahealth team! (Photo courtesy of Sylver Sy/ Iconic MNL)

It’s still too early to answer this as I would need to see if my nose gets to retain its shape after the collagen-creation effects of the threads. However, if I have enough money to spare and my job would still require me to stand in front of the camera or talk in front of people after 1 1/2 years, then I would do it again in a heartbeat. 🙂


Not everyone is born with facial features that they consider “beautiful”. As much as we want to encourage others that acceptance is key, not everyone has the confidence to flaunt something that causes so much insecurities (or even bad memories) in a world full of bullies and people who gossip. People have different reasons when it comes to redefining parts of their faces, especially the nose. There are those who want to achieve their personal beauty goals, while others go for medical reasons. No matter what you choose, your future should depend on your hands. If it can make you more comfortable, go for it! Your body, your rules! 😉


For inquiries and to book an appointment, send a message to Dra. Jen via:

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P.S. There’s a no-suture HIKO Nose Lift available in the market. You can read about it here:

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