HIKO Nose Lift Explained in Korea

December 25, 2025

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.

January 16, 2026
Double Eyelid Surgery Cost in Korea: What Affects the Price and What to Expect Double eyelid surgery is one of the most common cosmetic procedures in Korea, performed to create a natural-looking crease that enhances eye shape while maintaining facial harmony. While Korea is known for affordable and high-quality eye surgery, prices can vary significantly depending on technique, surgeon expertise, and case complexity. This guide explains average cost ranges, what influences pricing, what is usually included, and how to avoid common cost-related mistakes. What Is Double Eyelid Surgery? Double eyelid surgery creates a visible upper eyelid crease to: Make eyes appear larger and more defined Improve symmetry Enhance makeup appearance Create a more alert and youthful look It can be performed alone or combined with other eye procedures such as ptosis correction or epicanthoplasty. Average Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery in Korea Prices vary by method and clinic, but typical ranges for international patients are: Non-incisional (suture method): lower cost range Incisional method: mid-range pricing Revision double eyelid surgery: higher cost range Revision cases and combination surgeries usually cost more due to surgical complexity and longer operating time. Cost reflects not only the procedure, but surgeon skill, safety systems, and long-term stability of results. What Affects the Cost of Double Eyelid Surgery? Several factors influence pricing in Korea: 1. Surgical Method Non-incisional: Faster recovery Suitable for thin eyelids Lower cost, but not permanent for everyone Incisional: Allows fat removal and skin adjustment More stable results Higher cost due to surgical complexity 2. Eyelid Structure and Fat Thickness Patients with: Thick eyelid fat Excess skin Drooping eyelids often require incisional methods or additional procedures, which increases cost. 3. Surgeon Experience and Specialization Highly experienced surgeons: Design crease height precisely Minimize asymmetry Reduce revision risk This expertise is reflected in higher pricing, but often lowers long-term correction costs. 4. Combination Procedures Cost increases when combined with: Ptosis (droopy eyelid) correction Epicanthoplasty (inner corner surgery) Lower eyelid surgery Many Korean clinics recommend combination planning to avoid imbalance. What Is Usually Included in the Quoted Cost? In reputable Korean clinics, pricing often includes: Surgeon fee Operating room use Local anesthesia Post-op checkups Suture removal However, always confirm whether: Medications Swelling treatments Additional correction visits are included or charged separately. Double Eyelid Surgery Cost vs Results: What Matters More? Choosing based only on price is risky. Lower-cost clinics may: Use standardized crease designs Spend less time on symmetry adjustments Increase revision risk High-quality surgery focuses on: Facial proportions Natural fold depth Stable crease formation A slightly higher initial cost can reduce the chance of paying for revision surgery later. Recovery Time and Cost Considerations Recovery is generally short: Stitches removed: 5–7 days Visible swelling: 1–2 weeks Final crease shape: 1–3 months Short recovery means: Minimal hotel stay extension Lower travel-related expenses for medical tourists This is why many foreign patients choose Korea for eye surgery. Common Cost-Related Mistakes to Avoid ❌ Choosing method based on price instead of eyelid structure ❌ Ignoring need for ptosis correction ❌ Underestimating revision surgery costs ❌ Choosing clinics with unclear post-op care policies ❌ Prioritizing discounts over surgeon expertise Revision double eyelid surgery is more expensive and more difficult than primary surgery. Who Is a Good Candidate for Double Eyelid Surgery? You may be a good candidate if you: Have no visible eyelid crease Want natural enhancement rather than dramatic change Have realistic expectations Prefer stable, long-term results Are open to surgical recommendations based on anatomy Proper consultation is essential to select the correct technique. Why Korea Is Known for Cost-Effective Double Eyelid Surgery Korean eye surgeons are known for: High surgical volume and specialization Detailed eyelid anatomy analysis Balanced crease design for natural results Efficient surgical systems that reduce overall costs This combination allows competitive pricing without sacrificing quality. Final Thoughts Double eyelid surgery cost in Korea varies depending on technique, anatomy, and surgeon expertise, but the true value lies in achieving natural, balanced, and long-lasting results. Rather than choosing based on price alone, patients should focus on proper surgical planning and realistic outcome expectations. A well-performed primary surgery is always more cost-effective than paying for revision later.
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