Considering getting a nose bridge lift with PDO threads, but I’m hearing negative things about them. Is it that risky? (Photo)

Question

Would like to avoid getting surgical nose job. Main concern is low nose bridge and maybe would like it more defined

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

When considering non-surgical aesthetic treatments like a nose bridge lift with PDO threads, it’s important to weigh the benefits and risks thoroughly. Here are some key points to consider:

### Benefits of PDO Thread Nose Bridge Lift:
1. **Minimally Invasive**: PDO threads are a less invasive alternative to traditional rhinoplasty. The procedure involves minimal downtime and usually only requires local anesthesia.
2. **Quick Procedure**: The treatment typically takes less than an hour, and patients can often return to their normal activities shortly afterward.
3. **Immediate Results**: You'll notice an improvement immediately after the procedure, with continued improvement as the threads stimulate collagen production.
4. **Temporary**: The results are not permanent, which can be beneficial if you're unsure about making a long-term change to your appearance.

### Risks and Considerations:
1. **Infection**: As with any procedure that involves puncturing the skin, there is a risk of infection. Strict aseptic techniques must be followed to minimize this risk.
2. **Asymmetry**: There is a possibility of asymmetry if the threads are not placed correctly.
3. **Thread Visibility or Extrusion**: In rare cases, the threads might become visible under the skin or extrude, requiring removal or adjustment.
4. **Temporary Results**: PDO threads are absorbable and typically dissolve within 6-12 months. The results are not permanent, and maintenance treatments will be necessary to sustain the effect.
5. **Bruising and Swelling**: These are common side effects but usually subside within a few days to a week.

### Comparing to Surgical Options:
- **Surgical Rhinoplasty**: Offers permanent results and can achieve more dramatic changes. However, it involves higher costs, longer recovery time, and greater risks associated with surgery and anesthesia.
- **Fillers**: Hyaluronic acid fillers are another non-surgical option that can be used to enhance the nose bridge. They offer immediate results and are reversible, but also require maintenance treatments.

### Consultation:
Before making a decision, it's crucial to have a detailed consultation with a qualified and experienced practitioner. During this consultation, you should:
1. **Discuss Your Goals**: Clearly communicate what you're hoping to achieve with the procedure.
2. **Review Medical History**: Ensure the practitioner is aware of any medical conditions or medications that might affect the procedure.
3. **Understand the Procedure**: Make sure you fully understand the process, including how the threads are placed and what to expect during recovery.
4. **Evaluate the Practitioner’s Experience**: Choose a practitioner with extensive experience in PDO thread lifts, particularly for nose bridge enhancements.

### Final Thoughts:
While PDO thread lifts can be an effective and less invasive option for nose bridge enhancement, they do come with their own set of risks and limitations. If your main concern is a low nose bridge and you prefer to avoid surgery, this might be a suitable option, provided you choose an experienced practitioner and have realistic expectations about the results and maintenance required.

Always get a second opinion if you're unsure, and ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your chosen practitioner’s expertise.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question and the picture. Unfortunately, there aren't any good non-surgical options which would properly achieve what you're looking for! Threads are not a good option in the nose- they do NOT make the nose slimmer or refine the shape, definition, or projection- and they make subsequent surgery much more challenging. An open septorhinoplasty can best address both your aesthetic concerns and any functional issues with your nose. I would be able to adjust the size, shape, and definition of your nose (including the bridge, nostrils, and tip)!

That said, rhinoplasty truly is a surgery of millimeters- and whether you're looking for a minor adjustment or a major transformation, it requires exceptional surgical skill to achieve natural-looking results! Because your nose is the DEFINING feature of your face- I would only recommend seeing a surgeon who specializes in ethnic rhinoplasty procedures, and who has significant training and experience performing these surgeries. I actually trained under one of the world leading ethnic rhinoplasty experts (who performs 1,000+ nosejobs annually).

I recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with ethnic rhinoplasties) to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate your options, and develop a personalized plan just for you. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I am reasonably convinced that thread lifting is not a viable alternative to rhinoplasty surgery for achieving a lifted and less droopy nasal tip appearance. I believe that the threads simply do not hold the weight of the nose for a significant period of time to justify the procedure. I hope this helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty works exceptionally well to augment the bridge, and the safest filler to accomplish this is one of the firmer hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane or Juvederm Voluma. The nose has delicate vasculature and soft tissue/skin coverage, and thus using PDO threads comes with an unacceptably high risk of untoward side effects and complications given that the result is temporary at best.

Nelson Lee Novick, MD · Answer

Threads have an unacceptably high rate of complications, such as infections, scarring, spitting out of the threads, dimples, etc. I have personally been using fillers, and for the past fifteen years HA fillers for nonsurgical nose jobs, including treating bumps, humps, saddle noses, raising droopy nasal tips and even hanging columellas. The results of treatment are immediate and there is little to no significant downtime. What's more, the filler can be readily dissolved should the need ever arise. You would be wise to consult a board certified cosmetic dermatologist and be sure to ask to see his/her personal before and after photographs before agreeing to proceed. Hope this helps and best of luck.

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