Pilates Instructor, 40s, improves flat nose bridge with PDO Threadlift
Ms EL, in her 40s, was concerned about her low nasal bridge affecting facial harmony and self-esteem. She sought non-surgical rhinoplasty with PDO Threads.
November 1, 2025
Table of Contents
Patient's Profile
Ms. Lx is a dynamic professional in her early 40s who works in the media industry and has a client-facing role.
Background
After losing over 10kg through a disciplined diet and exercise routine, Ms Lx faced an unexpected challenge: Stubborn fat deposits in her abdomen and upper arms, along with loss of volume in her buttocks. This change affected her confidence as a client-facing media professional.
Consultation & Assessment
Ms Lx shared with Dr Ivan Puah during their private consultation that she works out three times a week at the gym and runs regularly. She enjoys eating steamed dishes, such as chicken or fish, paired with salad. She is also a non-smoker but drinks socially.
Despite her commitment to a relatively clean diet and regular exercise, she was frustrated by her inability to eliminate the stubborn fat in her abdomen and arm fat.
During the clinical evaluation with Dr Puah, Ms Lx's concerns were thoroughly assessed:
- Abdomen: Dense, localised fat creating a "doughnut" shape with intact skin elasticity.
- Upper Arms: Subcutaneous fat resistant to diet and exercise.
- Buttocks: Flat buttocks requiring future fat grafting.
Treatment Plan
Dr Puah emphasised that genetics often determine fat storage and loss patterns. He proposed addressing Ms Lx’s concerns through liposuction using his MDC-Sculpt® technique, along with fat grafting, to be performed in two separate sessions for safety and optimal results.
Ms Lx has no underlying medical conditions, and her BMI qualifies her for liposuction. Risks, complications, and expected results were thoroughly explained, and she decided to proceed with liposuction of her arms and abdomen first, planning to contemplate fat grafting for her buttocks afterwards.
The surgery was scheduled at an accredited Day Surgery Center, as designated by the Ministry of Health, to ensure patient safety and ethical standards. Targeted treatment areas were marked, and the procedure was performed under twilight sedation, lasting 2.5 hours. This approach reduced systemic risks compared to general anaesthesia.
During the surgery, Dr Puah was assisted by a team of experienced surgical personnel and an anesthesiologist who monitored the patient's vital statistics. He executed the liposuction of the abdomen using his MDC-Sculpt®️technique, a multi-planar fat targeting method. He removed both deep and superficial fat layers, flattening the "doughnut" bulge, and extracted fat from the upper arms to create a toned and proportionate silhouette.
This proprietary technique not only eliminates unwanted fat but also sculpts a natural, athletic contour while preserving tissue and promoting smoother skin retraction. Strategic short, micro-incisions were made discreetly in natural body creases to minimise visibility. The surgery was successful.
Post-Op Recovery & Results
Ms Lx recovered well in the recovery bay. Thick dressings were applied, and she was discharged home the same day with a post-operative care pack and instructions. She was advised to wear a compression garment for her abdomen and a sleeve for her arms for a minimum of 6 to 8 weeks. Dr Puah and his team emphasised the importance of consistently using compression garments to aid in skin retraction and reduce tissue swelling.
During the post-operative assessment and stitch removal, her surgical wounds were clean, with no signs of hematoma or seroma. One month post-op, Ms Lx contacted the clinic to schedule her fat grafting procedure. She reported that her recovery was smooth; the bruising on her arms and abdomen had dissipated within a week.
Her tummy was flattened, and the circumference of her upper arms had reduced, which gave her the confidence to proceed with the fat grafting procedure!
Medical Disclaimer: Due to strict regulations from the Ministry of Health Singapore, licensed healthcare practices are not allowed to show and share before-and-after photos or videos in the public domain or through any form of push technology. "Before-and-after" or only "after" treatment visuals may be shown to patients privately during in-clinic consultation with Dr Ivan Puah.
Our patient narratives aim to provide valuable insights into individual experiences with our clinic's treatments; however, it is imperative to acknowledge the inherent variability in results. While the information shared is genuine and reflects the real journeys of our patients, it does not purport to be representative of typical outcomes, nor does it serve as a guarantee of similar results for all individuals.
Each patient's response to treatment is contingent upon a myriad of factors, including, but not limited to, their level of commitment, lifestyle choices, and medical history. It is essential to recognise that patient narratives are illustrative examples of potential outcomes and should not be construed as predictive of specific results. We advise a consultation with our doctor for comprehensive guidance tailored to individual circumstances.
