Hello.
I am Director Dong-young Kim of Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch.
"I'm concerned because my low nose stands out particularly in side-profile photos."
"I've tried nose fillers, but I wasn't satisfied with the tip of my nose."
A low nose, a wide nasal tip, and a drooping columella (nasal pillar) are areas that are more visible
from the side than from the front,
and they seem to be more of a concern these days with the prevalence of videos and selfies.
For those who find surgery burdensome and are worried about the nose filler
spreading at the tip over time, Nose Thread Lifting is an option we frequently recommend.
Among them, two names often searched together,the difference between MINT Nose and Hiko
I would like to explain them to you step by step.
What is Hongdae MINT Nose?
MINT Nose is a non-surgical nose lifting option that uses medical-grade dissolvable MINT (Minimally Invasive Nonsurgical Thread)
to shape the nose line non-surgically.
MINT threads are absorbable PDO threads approved by the KFDA as threads for facial tissue fixation.
The product is also US FDA and European CE certified,
and its most significant structural feature is the 360-degree 3D multidirectional barbs distributed throughout the thread.
To put it simply, while standard threads have hair-like hooks in only one direction,
MINT threads have barbs distributed in all directions, similar to a pineconeis what it resembles.
Thanks to this barb structure, it is fixed in all directions within the internal nasal tissue,
and it can be seen as an option that acts more as a support to hold the structure rather than just a simple upward pulling force.
Advantages of Hongdae MINT Nose
First, it is a non-surgical option performed without incisions.
After local anesthesia, there are almost no scars except for small needle marks,
and the recovery period is known to be relatively short.
Second, the thread itself is made of PDO material, which is absorbed by the body.
It decomposes naturally over time,
and it has been reported that collagen is produced in the surrounding tissues during this process.
Third, in the nasal structure of Asians where the columellar cartilage at the tip is often weak,
it can be difficult to support the nasal tip with nose fillers alone.
If a low nasal tip is excessively raised with fillers, cases have been reported where
it spreads due to the weight over time,
but creating an internal support structure with threads can reduce the feeling of the tip being pressed down
and is often mentioned as being helpful in refining the profile line.
However, MINT Nose alone cannot solve all nasal concerns.
If the nasal bone itself is deviated or the skin
is significantly thick, there are limitations to non-surgical options.
These aspects will be examined during the pre-procedure consultation.
Difference Between MINT Nose and Hiko
When searching, these two similar-sounding names often appear together,
but there are differences in the types of threads used and the procedure design methods.
Hiko is known as a non-surgical nose option that combines
dissolvable PDO threads with hyaluronic acid fillers.
It is a method of shaping the line by supporting the nasal tip with threads and filling the volume of the bridge with fillers.
It is known for shaping the nasal tip line, which was difficult with fillers alone,
and the threads typically decompose within 6 to 12 months, during which
collagen is partially formed, helping to maintain the line.
MINT Nose uses a different type of thread altogether.
The key difference is the use of MINT brand 360-degree 3D barb structure PDO threadsis the main difference.
The distribution of barbs on the thread surface, the direction of fixation in the tissue,
and the direction of traction are designed differently.
Hiko: PDO Thread + Nose Filler combination (Thread + Volume supplementation approach)
MINT Nose: 360-degree 3D barb structure MINT PDO Thread (Differentiated fixation through the thread structure itself)
It is difficult to say that one is definitively better than the other.
This is because the suitable approach varies depending on the nose shape, skin thickness, and previous procedure history.
Who is Nose Thread Lifting suitable for?
Those who find surgery burdensome but want to refine a low nasal tip and bridge line
Those who have experience with nose fillers but were not satisfied with the nasal tip
Those concerned about a low nose in profile views or photos
Those who prefer gradual and natural changes over a drastic transformation at once
Things to Know in Advance
Since Nose Thread Lifting is a non-surgical option rather than surgery,
there are limitations to structural changes of the nasal bone or significant shape alterations.
If you have a history of previous rhinoplasty,
suitability may vary depending on the condition of the internal tissues.
For about a month after the procedure, actions such as opening the mouth wide (yawning, laughing loudly),
strong massages, saunas, steam rooms, high-temperature environments, excessive exercise, drinking, and smoking
should be avoided as much as possible to aid recovery.
Bruising, swelling, and a foreign body sensation vary by individual but are reported to
subside within 1 to 2 weeks in many cases.
In rare cases, the thread may be visible through the skin or protrude;
in such instances, do not touch it with your hands and visit the clinic immediately.
⚠️ Post-Procedure Precautions
Day of Procedure to Day 3
Avoid actions that apply pressure to the nose area (sleeping face down, wearing heavy glasses for long periods).
Light face washing is possible, but do not rub the treated area forcefully.
First Week
Refrain from drinking, smoking, strenuous exercise, and saunas.
Please complete the full course of any prescribed medication.
Weeks 1 to 4
It is safer to avoid massages, high-frequency treatments, or any care that applies heat.
Be careful with actions that involve opening the mouth wide.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I return to daily life immediately after the procedure?
Light daily activities are generally possible immediately after the procedure.
However, depending on the degree of bruising or swelling,
we recommend keeping your schedule flexible for the following day.
Q. When will I notice the effects?
While some feel an immediate change, it is often reported that a more stable line is formed
between 2 to 4 weeks as the collagen settles.
This varies significantly by individual.
Q. I have already had nose fillers; is MINT Nose possible?
Possibility depends on the type of filler used, the remaining amount, and the condition of the internal nasal tissue.
We will provide guidance during the pre-procedure consultation.
Q. Which one is right for me, MINT Nose or Hiko?
It depends on which part of the low nose concerns you most (bridge / tip / columellar angle),
as well as skin thickness and previous procedure history.
Whether nasal tip support is the primary concern, or bridge volume
supplementation is the primary concern, the recommended direction will vary.
Q. I am worried about side effects.
The most commonly reported side effects are bruising, swelling, and a foreign body sensation, which mostly subside within 1 to 2 weeks.
Rarely, thread migration or surface visibility may occur,
which can be managed stably if you visit the clinic promptly.
For concerns about a low nose or a wide nasal tip, Nose Thread Lifting is an option
to refine the line without undergoing surgery.
Although MINT Nose and Hiko sound similar, the structure and design of the threads used are different,
so the suitable direction can only be determined by comprehensively reviewing
the nose shape, skin condition, and previous filler or procedure history.
Exact suitability will be confirmed during your consultation.
As a single low nose line often changes the entire impression,
Cleor Clinic Hongdae Branch, which has performed non-surgical nose procedures for many years,
prioritizes proportions that suit your natural face rather than excessive changes.
※ This content is for general informational purposes; results may vary by individual.
Please consult with a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and to determine if the procedure is right for you.