HIKO Nose Lift Explained in Korea
HIKO Nose Lift Explained in Korea: Non-Surgical Nose Enhancement Guide
The HIKO Nose Lift is one of the most well-known non-surgical nose enhancement procedures in Korea. Often described as a form of non-surgical rhinoplasty, HIKO is designed for patients who want temporary nose bridge height or subtle tip refinement without surgery.
This guide explains what HIKO is, how it works, who it’s for, risks, longevity, and how it compares to surgical rhinoplasty.
What Is a HIKO Nose Lift?
HIKO stands for “High Nose Korea”, a technique developed in Korea that uses dissolvable PDO or PCL threads, sometimes combined with small amounts of filler, to enhance the nose.
It is:
- Non-surgical
- Minimally invasive
- Temporary
- Focused on subtle enhancement
HIKO does not involve cutting bone or cartilage.
What Can a HIKO Nose Lift Do?
✅ What HIKO Can Improve
- Slightly raise a low nasal bridge
- Improve bridge definition
- Create a straighter side profile
- Gently lift a drooping nasal tip
- Improve nose projection subtly
❌ What HIKO Cannot Do
- Make the nose smaller
- Narrow wide nostrils
- Correct crooked or deviated noses
- Fix breathing problems
- Provide permanent structural change
HIKO is about visual enhancement, not structural reshaping.
How the HIKO Nose Lift Works
Step 1: Design & Planning
- The practitioner assesses bridge height and facial balance
- Entry points and thread direction are mapped
Step 2: Thread Insertion
- Dissolvable threads (PDO or PCL) are inserted along the nasal bridge
- Threads act as an internal scaffold
Step 3: Optional Filler (Case-Dependent)
- Some cases use small filler amounts for smoother contour
- Must be done conservatively for safety
The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Recovery & Downtime
Downtime is minimal, which is a major reason HIKO is popular.
Typical recovery
- Mild swelling or tenderness: 2–5 days
- Minor bruising (if any): 3–7 days
- Most people return to daily activities the same or next day
You must avoid:
- Pressing or massaging the nose
- Wearing heavy glasses
- Intense exercise for several days
How Long Does a HIKO Nose Lift Last?
Results are temporary.
- PDO threads: ~6–12 months
- PCL threads: ~12–18 months
Threads dissolve naturally, and results fade gradually.
Maintenance is required if you want to keep the look.
Risks & Safety Considerations
Although non-surgical, HIKO is not risk-free.
Possible risks include:
- Swelling or bruising
- Asymmetry
- Thread visibility under thin skin
- Infection (rare)
- Over-projection if overdone
When combined with fillers, additional risks include vascular complications, which is why expert technique is essential.
Who Is a Good Candidate for HIKO?
HIKO may be suitable if:
- You want temporary enhancement
- You are not ready for surgery
- You want a subtle bridge lift
- You prefer minimal downtime
- You understand results are not permanent
HIKO is not ideal for:
- Significant asymmetry
- Structural nose problems
- Revision rhinoplasty cases
- Patients seeking dramatic or permanent change
HIKO Nose Lift vs Surgical Rhinoplasty
HIKO Nose Lift
- Non-surgical
- Temporary
- Subtle results
- Minimal downtime
- Maintenance required
Surgical Rhinoplasty
- Surgical
- Permanent
- Structural reshaping
- Longer recovery
- One-time solution
HIKO is best viewed as a preview or short-term option, not a replacement for surgery.
Common Mistake: Repeating HIKO Long-Term
Repeated HIKO treatments can:
- Stretch nasal skin
- Create unnatural thickness
- Increase complication risk
- Complicate future rhinoplasty
If repeated maintenance is needed, surgical rhinoplasty may be safer long-term.
Final Thoughts
The HIKO Nose Lift in Korea is a popular, convenient option for patients seeking temporary, subtle nose enhancement without surgery. When performed conservatively by experienced practitioners, it can deliver natural-looking short-term results.
However, it’s essential to understand its
limitations, risks, and temporary nature. For patients seeking permanent or structural change,
surgical rhinoplasty remains the definitive solution.




