I. Scientific basis and basic anatomy of the method
Before going into the essence of HIKO technology, it is necessary to clearly understand the anatomical structure of the nose area. The human nose consists of 3 basic layers: the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the muscle-vascular-nerve system, and the supporting cartilage-bone layer. In which, the bridge of the nose is mainly connective tissue and the main nasal cartilage (upper lateral cartilage, septal cartilage) . This is an area without much soft tissue padding, easily affected by any change in volume or mechanical pressure. Therefore, all methods of nose beautification – from filler injection to artificial cartilage placement or threading – must respect this structure so as not to damage blood vessels or cause cartilage deformation .
With HIKO rhinoplasty technology, PDO threads will be inserted into the correct subcutaneous tissue layer, parallel to the nasal axis, without invading the internal cartilage structure. This requires precise technique in depth (usually located in the SMAS layer or 2-3mm below the subcutaneous tissue layer) to avoid complications such as vascular occlusion or exposed threads. Placing the thread in the correct anatomical plane not only ensures aesthetic effectiveness but also determines the safety and duration of results.
II. HIKO nose lift mechanism of action – Combination of mechanical and biological effects
Unlike fillers that only have a temporary filling effect or artificial cartilage that interferes roughly, HIKO thread shapes the nose based on two parallel mechanisms: immediate mechanical lifting and long-term biological stimulation .
1. Instant nose lift using the physical mechanism of thread
Stiff PDO threads (often barbed or serrated) are threaded along the bridge of the nose, forming a “biological scaffold” within the tissue. When positioned correctly, the thread acts as an endogenous support , which can raise the bridge of the nose by 2–4mm depending on the patient’s constitution and the number of threads used.
Can only be arranged in 3 basic directions:
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Along the bridge of the nose (from the eyebrows to the tip of the nose) to increase overall height.
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Focus on the columella to push up the tip of the nose, improving the broken curve at the tip of the nose.
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S-line or L-line nose shaping depending on customer’s wishes and doctor’s technique.
This lifting mechanism does not change the natural cartilage structure at all , but still achieves immediate aesthetic results.
2. Stimulates tissue regeneration by mild inflammation and collagen proliferation
When PDO threads are inserted into the body, the immune system recognizes them as a “sterile” foreign object, triggering a low-grade inflammatory response around the thread. Although it does not cause inflammation like an infection, this response is enough to mobilize fibroblast cells to the nose area, producing collagen type I and III – two important components of skin and connective tissue.
As a result, after 2–3 weeks, the bridge of the nose has an additional layer of autologous collagen, helping to maintain a firmer nose shape. After 6–9 months, when the thread is completely dissolved, new tissue has formed to replace it – helping the nose maintain its beautiful shape for a long time, even without the support material.
III. Clinical advantages and practical applications of HIKO rhinoplasty method
1. No surgery – No dissection – No long-term recovery
This is HIKO’s most outstanding strength. No need for surgery, no general anesthesia, no cartilage cutting, customers can do it in just 30 minutes and return to work almost immediately. The nose area after the procedure may be slightly red or swollen for the first 1-2 days, then stabilize.
2. Easy to control shape, low risk of distortion
Because the sutures are placed by hand, one thread at a time, the surgeon can fine-tune the shape of the nose in detail: making the nose higher, the tip sharper, or even correcting a slightly crooked nose. If there is a problem, the sutures can be easily removed without causing major tissue damage.
3. High safety if performed correctly
PDO thread is a medical material with a long history of use in cardiovascular, endoscopic and cosmetic surgery , recognized as safe by the FDA. If the doctor uses the right type of thread, the right skin layer, the right plane and strict sterile techniques, the complication rate is almost zero.
IV. Disadvantages and limitations of nose lift with HIKO thread
Despite its many advantages, HIKO is not the right choice for every situation.
❌ Not effective for people with a very low nose base or a very large nose structure
For customers with completely flat noses, wide nose bridges, and thick nose tips, HIKO alone is unlikely to produce clear results. These cases require a combination of fillers or even new cartilage surgery for a complete nose shape.
❌ Time-limited effect
Although it only stimulates collagen, because the nasal tissue does not have as much cushioning tissue as the face, the effect usually lasts about 12-18 months , after which the nose shape will gradually return to its original state if not maintained.
❌ Requires high medical skills
Just inserting the needle in the wrong plane – for example, inserting it too shallowly will cause the suture to be exposed and cause swelling; inserting it too deeply can touch large blood vessels and nerves – causing hematoma or embolism. This is not a “gentle injection” technique, but must be performed by someone who understands the anatomy of the nasal area.
V. Conclusion: Who should and who should not have HIKO rhinoplasty?
👉 Should do if you:
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Has a relatively flat nose bridge, just want a slight lift or shape correction.
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Afraid of pain, afraid of surgery, no time to rest.
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Want to correct the natural shape of the nose, not “fake” like some surgical S-line shapes.
👉 Do not do this if you:
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Previous nose surgery or botched filler injections (with fibrous tissue scarring).
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Have blood clotting disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, atopic dermatitis.
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There is an expectation of getting a high nose like a Korean or completely changing the structure of the nose.
