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
Patient's Profile: Ms E.L., 40, Pilates Instructor
Concern: Low nasal bridge affecting facial harmony and self-esteem.
Treatment: Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty with PDO Threads
Background
For Ms E.L., a Pilates instructor whose profession demands poise and presence, a flat nose bridge was a daily frustration. "It wasn't just about the facial profile," she shares.
"My glasses were constantly slipping, which was a genuine nuisance during my teaching sessions. But on a deeper level, I also felt my facial features lacked balance and definition."
Assessment and Consultation
As a woman of Asian descent, a flatter nasal dorsum is a common characteristic; however, Ms E.L. longed for more height and projection. The idea of a surgical rhinoplasty, however, filled her with worry.
"I'd heard one too many stories about 'botched jobs' or results that looked obviously 'done.' The thought of permanent changes, significant downtime, and the risk of it not suiting my face was too high," she shares with Dr Puah.
Ms E.'s concerns are very common.
Dr Puah explains, "The nasal dorsum, which comprises the bony upper third and the cartilaginous lower two-thirds, forms the central pillar of facial harmony. A low bridge can make the nose appear broader and impact the entire side profile."
During the consultation and assessment, Dr Puah noticed her apprehension towards surgery.
"It's a valid fear. Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex cosmetic surgeries because a millimetre's change can alter one's entire look."
He then presented a modern alternative to Ms E.L.
"We're fortunate that aesthetic medicine has evolved. For patients like Ms E.L., a non-surgical rhinoplasty using Polydioxanone (PDO) threads offers an effective yet non-surgical solution. It's a way to 'test-drive' an enhanced nasal contour, allowing us to build height and definition without the patient going under the knife."
Treatment Plan
The treatment plan was a tailored PDO thread lift for the nose.
Dr Puah elaborates on the science, "PDO threads are biodegradable sutures that act as temporary scaffolding. When strategically placed along the nasal dorsum and tip, they provide immediate structural support to lift and project the bridge. More importantly, they act as a collagen stimulant, triggering the body's natural healing response to produce new Type I and III collagen over time."
Dr Puah explained to Ms E.L that as new collagen forms over the next 3-6 months, the results will actually improve and settle, becoming even more integrated. He also explained the pros and cons, as well as the limitations, of PDO threads for nose enhancement. Ms E.L. agreed to move forward with the procedure.
The in-clinic non-surgical nose enhancement procedure, which took under 30 minutes, was performed.
Recalling the experience, Ms E.L. says, "Dr Puah was reassuring. The area was numbed, so the discomfort was minimal. I felt some subtle pressure and tiny sensations as the threads were placed, but it was entirely tolerable for someone like me who has low pain tolerance."
Results
The results were instant. Ms E.'s nose bridge was visibly higher and more defined.
As Dr Puah explained, while the results from PDO threads are long-lasting (typically 12-18 months), they are not permanent, like rhinoplasty.
"For me, that was a pro, not a con," Ms E. concludes. "It gives me the freedom to see how I feel about the change. Who knows, this might give me the confidence to consider a permanent rhinoplasty in the future. But for now, I like that my face looks more balanced and my glasses can stay put!"
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.
