On Trial: The Verdict on Nose Thread Lifts, Shapers & Exercises
What’s the secret sauce behind many non-surgical and “at-home” rhinoplasty methods? Hearsay. Yet still, plenty of folk rely on these contraptions and regimens, even when there’s little or no proof that they even work!
What’s the result? Disappointment, money thrown down the toilet, and in some cases, injuries. In this post, we’ll put some of these methods on trial, giving you the verdict on whether they’re worth your time or not. More importantly, we’ll give you a straightforward answer to what rhinoplasty methods actually work.
1. Nose Thread Lifts
Description: Nose thread lifts are a new-agey procedure, of sorts, where practitioners insert absorbable threads into the nose to create the impression of a lifted look. The threads, often made of polydioxanone (PDO), go under the skin to provide support and improve nasal contouring. Its origins can be traced back to 1916, but the late 90s is when truly took hold. More recently, celebrities ranging from Eva Mendes to Kelly Dodd from the “Real Housewives of the Orange County” have used it.
The Claim: Fans and practitioners of nose threading say the procudedure can raise a flat nasal bridge, straighten and heighten the nose’s contour, and even lift the nasal tip.
The Evidence: Research is a bit wishy-washy when it comes to nose thread efficacy. One study found that threading combined with fillers can be safe and effective at maintaining effects for 6 months. But other experts say the results are too subtle and short for it to be a suitable replacement for rhinoplasty. At best, it’s like putting makeup on a pimple—threading will create slight changes but nothing that’s lasting or major.
The Verdict: Skip it, unless you’re looking for a very subtle change in your nose shape. It’s not going to create any significant changes, and you’ll waste your money if you expect it to. Keep in mind, too, that celebrity transformations can be deceptive—they can undergo a combination of other treatments but claim it was the nose threads that did it. So don’t fall for the hype!
2. Nose Shaper Devices
Description: Nose shaping devices are intended to do what they’re marketed for—DIY at-home nose shaping. They might take the form of a clip or disc, and the makers of these products instruct users to apply pressure to the nose, claiming that brute force will sculpt it. The pressure can be applied through external clamps or internal splints.
Nose shaping devices date back to the early 20th century, and actually became a thing decades later, being sold in mail-order catalogs and infomercials. Yes, if you dialed 1-800 {insert number} and bought right then, “you could have a brand new nose for just $19.99!” The trend never died off, and there was even a resurgence in the 2000s and 2010s.
The Claim: Manufacturers say regular use of their products can permanently narrow, flatten or straighten the nose through the use of force and pressure. But with this reasoning, you could instruct people to run into a wall at high-speeds to achieve the same effect (which we highly advise you NOT to do). And that leads us to our next point.
The Evidence: There’s no scientific evidence to support the use of nose shaping devices. In fact, experts advise AGAINST the use of these devices because they can cause bruising, airway obstructions, and even hindered nose growth in teens.
The Verdict: With all things considered, avoid them completely. Save your money and protect your nose. These devices are marketing gimmicks no different from heightening pills or shoes that supposedly increase your vertical leap.
3. Nose Shaping Exercises
Description: Nose shaping exercises, a.k.a facial yoga, were designed to help people sculpt their nose with their hands. These workouts include smiling and flaring your nose upward, pressing down one nostril at a time while breathing, and pinching the nose while lifting it.
Again, it was in the mid-20th century is when these exercise regimens took off, making appearances in beauty books. In the 21st century, there’s been a swath of beauty influencers on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok dishing out nose workouts to their followers.
The Claim: Beauty influencers say nose exercises tone facial muscles, preventing sagging of the face.
The Evidence: First off, exercising any muscle (including facial ones), will strengthen them. The issue though, is that nasal shape has nothing to do with muscles—it’s the bone and cartilage that determines the shape of your nose. So even if you break many sweats doing nose exercises, they won’t change the bone structure of your nose, maybe just the muscles around it.
The Verdict: Optional. Facial fitness is real, and these exercises may temporarily boost circulation and slightly improve the firmness of your face. But don’t expect them to change your nasal shape since exercises have no effect on bones.
Sentencing You to Real Rhinoplasty Methods
Now that we’ve got the dubious and debatable rhinoplasty methods out of the way, lets focus on the time-tested ones. These procedures have been approved worldwide by various health agencies, and have research to support their efficacy.
Non-Surgical Alternative (Nose Filler)
Description: Nose fillers are the alt-rhinoplasty method du jour. They’re dermal fillers injected into specific parts of the nose to alter its shape, even though temporarily. Dermal fillers for nose shaping emerged in the early 20th century, using risky substances such as paraffin wax and silicone.
Fortunately, we got wiser, and started using hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite later on, gold standards for the modern era. Now with social media as a channel for beauty trends, nose fillers are everywhere.
The Claim: Practitioners describe fillers as a viable method to smooth out bumps, lift the nasal tip, and improve the overall contour without surgical incisions.
The evidence: Plenty of studies support the use of dermal fillers to produce temporary but dramatic nasal improvements. Injectable nasal fillers also have a good reputation among researchers and practitioners alike, because they’re non-invasive yet highly effective.
The Verdict: Definitely consider nasal fillers if you’re okay with the fact that it achieves temporary results. The injections produce changes that can last for several months, making them a great alternative for those not wanting to go under the knife.
When a Rhinoplasty is the Way to Go
So next time you see someone on TIkTok using some contraption to shape their nose, don’t try it at home. Also, don’t place your hopes on threads and exercises—they’re more than likely to disappoint you.
Here’s the cold hard truth—nothing gets you results like a traditional rhinoplasty. A skilled surgeon can do magic with a scalpel, reshaping the bones and cartilage to give you a nasal shape you desire and others envy.
Of course, if you’re not ready for a full-on rhinoplasty, then a nose filler is your next best option. It’s not a permanent fix, but it can give you some pronounced changes, which will last for a while until your next treatment.
At the offices of Richard Rival, we offer expertise in both surgical and liquid rhinoplasty (nose fillers). We bring years of experience and skill, and our approach to these procedures will get you a nose you’ll love seeing in the mirror.
Looking to sculpt your nose into a more desirable shape? Get in touch with us to discuss whether rhinoplasty or fillers are right for you.