In Seoul’s beauty-forward culture, the nose often takes center stage in facial harmony. Yet not everyone is ready—or willing—to undergo surgical rhinoplasty. That’s where the Hiko nose lift has captured so much attention. Known as a minimally invasive treatment that refines the nasal bridge and tip, it’s become a popular choice for those who want subtle enhancement without long recovery times.

At BLS Clinic, we often meet clients curious about this procedure. Some arrive with screenshots of celebrities; others simply want their profile to look sharper in photos. The Hiko lift offers a solution that is more approachable than surgery, but it’s important to understand exactly what it involves before you book your appointment.

What Is the Hiko Nose Lift?

The Hiko nose lift, sometimes referred to as the “non-surgical nose job,” uses a combination of specialized absorbable threads and dermal fillers to sculpt the nose. “Hiko” (하이코) actually comes from a Japanese word meaning “high nose,” reflecting the treatment’s goal: creating a naturally elevated, more defined nasal bridge without altering bone or cartilage.

Unlike surgical rhinoplasty—which involves cutting, repositioning, and long recovery—the Hiko lift works through structural support and volume enhancement. PDO (polydioxanone) or PCL (polycaprolactone) threads are inserted beneath the skin to create lift and stimulate collagen. In many cases, a hyaluronic acid-based filler is added to enhance the bridge or smooth out minor irregularities.

While it doesn't replace the results of a full rhinoplasty, it offers a highly effective alternative for people looking for improvement without permanent change. It’s often called the “lunchtime nose job” for a reason—the entire procedure is fast, efficient, and delivers instant results with virtually no downtime.

Why People Choose It

To be honest, many people overlook how much the nose impacts overall facial proportions. Even a slight lift in the bridge can make the eyes look brighter, the face slimmer, and the jawline more balanced. That’s why subtle refinement through the Hiko lift can dramatically enhance facial harmony—without ever looking “done.”

Clients often choose the Hiko lift because:

• It’s non-surgical — No scalpels, no general anesthesia, no hospital stay.

• Quick recovery — You can return to work or social activities the same day.

• Customizable results — Height, angle, and shape can be adjusted to suit your unique facial features.

• Reversible and temporary — The body absorbs both threads and filler over time.

• Natural-looking — No artificial shine or stiffness when performed correctly.

The rise of non-surgical aesthetic procedures reflects a broader trend in Korean beauty: a focus on enhancement, not transformation. Patients want to look like better versions of themselves—not like someone else entirely.

How the Procedure Works

During a consultation, the physician evaluates your nose structure, skin elasticity, and overall facial proportions. This is a crucial step. At BLS Clinic, we emphasize millimeter-level planning, because even small changes in the nose can dramatically affect the rest of the face.

Here’s a typical procedure breakdown:

1. Consultation & Design

We start with facial analysis to determine what kind of lift or contouring will complement the rest of your features. Some clients need just a gentle tip lift; others want height added along the bridge.

2. Preparation

After cleaning and disinfecting the nose area, topical numbing cream is applied. In some cases, a local anesthetic injection ensures complete comfort.

3. Thread Insertion

Thin, flexible PDO or PCL threads are carefully inserted beneath the skin using a blunt-tip cannula or a fine needle. These threads create a lifting scaffold, supporting the tissue and encouraging natural collagen production.

4. Filler Application (Optional)

If needed, hyaluronic acid filler is injected to refine contours—especially helpful for smoothing minor bumps or achieving a more defined dorsum.

5. Final Symmetry Check

The physician evaluates the result from multiple angles, making precise adjustments. This artistry is critical—it’s not just about technique, but also vision.

The entire process takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the complexity of your case.

How Long Do Results Last?

This is one of the most common questions—and rightly so. The Hiko nose lift is not permanent, but it is long-lasting when performed correctly.

• Threads typically dissolve over 12 to 18 months, depending on the material used. PDO threads absorb faster, while PCL threads may last longer.

• Fillers generally last 6 to 12 months, influenced by your metabolism, lifestyle, and filler brand.

What’s often missed is that the collagen stimulation effect from the threads can extend the longevity of results. Over time, new tissue forms along the thread paths, helping maintain a lifted contour even after the threads dissolve.

Many patients come in for annual touch-ups, viewing the Hiko lift as part of their long-term facial maintenance—much like Ulthera or Thermage.

Risks and Considerations

Despite its non-surgical nature, the Hiko nose lift is still a medical procedure. That means skill, precision, and proper hygiene protocols are non-negotiable.

Potential risks include:

• Bruising or swelling (usually mild and temporary)

• Infection (rare but serious if improperly handled)

• Thread visibility or extrusion if placed too superficially

• Vascular complications if filler is injected into a blood vessel

• Asymmetry if not correctly designed

Unfortunately, some clinics offer the procedure at very low prices with poorly trained practitioners. This can lead to undesirable results—or worse, complications that require revision.

At BLS Clinic, all procedures are performed or supervised by board-certified physicians using FDA-approved threads and premium fillers. We use medical imaging and anatomical mapping to reduce risk and improve precision, especially in high-risk areas like the nose.

Is It Right for You?

The Hiko nose lift works best for patients who want to:

• Add definition to a low or flat nasal bridge

• Create a lifted tip or reduce bulbousness

• Refine the nose without committing to surgery

• Improve symmetry after an injury or uneven development

It’s not suitable for individuals who:

• Want to reduce the size of their nose significantly

• Need correction of a deviated septum

• Have very thick skin or nasal structures unsupportive of thread lifting

• Expect permanent results in one session

If you fall into the latter category, a surgical rhinoplasty—or a combination treatment plan—might be more appropriate. At BLS Clinic, we offer in-depth consultations to help you determine the safest, most effective approach based on your goals and anatomy.

The BLS Clinic Approach

Every face tells a unique story. That’s why at BLS Clinic, we don’t treat the nose in isolation. We consider how the nose interacts with the eyes, cheekbones, jawline, and overall facial expression.

In our Gangnam location, we frequently serve professionals, influencers, and international patients seeking precision beauty care. Many of our clients pair the Hiko nose lift with:

• Ulthera lifting for mid-face and jawline tightening

• Laser rejuvenation to even out skin tone and texture

• Thread lifting for cheeks or temples to support overall facial contour

This multi-angle aesthetic strategy creates harmony that goes beyond one feature. It's why our patients say they “look better” even if they can’t quite explain what changed.

Our lead physician, Dr. Yi Dongjin, is a board-certified family medicine specialist with over 18 years of expertise in non-surgical aesthetic innovation. His techniques prioritize safety, subtlety, and long-term outcomes—qualities that define every treatment we offer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re considering the Hiko nose lift, remember: it’s quick, safe, and effective when performed by skilled hands. But like all beauty treatments, the artistry lies in personalization. What looks good on one face may not suit another.

The procedure is a brilliant example of how modern Korean aesthetics emphasizes natural enhancement over radical change. It's not about chasing trends—it's about refining what makes you beautiful.

Talk to a clinic that values detail, safety, and harmony. If you’re looking for premium, customized care in Seoul, a consultation at BLS Clinic in Gangnam can help you explore whether this popular treatment is right for you.