About a decade ago, aesthetic and cosmetic treatments dominated the global beauty conversation. Social media was flooded with images of celebrities from the West and their latest (and often not-so-subtle) face enhancements. As a teenager at the time, it ultimately led me to entertain thoughts of getting fillers, botox, and surgeries in the future. I spent countless hours researching available treatments in the country and even more time standing in front of the mirror, mentally altering my features to see just how different I might look if I ever decided to take the plunge. This went on for years.
For many Filipinos, one of the most common beauty concerns tends to be the nose, with rhinoplasty and Hiko nose lifts being the go-to options to improve the structure. For the uninitiated, rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose, while the Hiko nose lift is a non-surgical treatment that uses threads for added height and definition. While both are dependable options, I held off, curious to see if any innovations would emerge in the coming years. And that’s how I came across the Skinny Nose Program.
The Backstory
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to improve how my nose looked. My alar (the outer, rounded part of the nostrils) was wider than I’d like, and my nose bridge was barely visible—especially in my side profile. On top of that, I struggled to find a treatment that ultimately fit Asian features, as most procedures seemed to lean towards a more Western aesthetic, typically consisting of a high nose bridge and a pointed tip—a look that may not be suitable for those with softer features.
That said, I had three non-negotiables if I were to choose a treatment: it had to be non-invasive, require no downtime, and result in no drastic changes (read: I want subtle). Years ago, this combination seemed impossible—until I came across Baker Medical Aesthetics.
In October 2024, I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Miguel Baker, the CEO and Founder of Baker Medical Aesthetics, for a consultation. He introduced a program they had brought back from Seoul, South Korea, called the Skinny Nose Program. The program addresses concerns like mine by combining two treatments: a fat-dissolving injection and nose threads. It’s divided into two phases, with a follow-up touch-up session scheduled six months later.
From Seoul to Manila
South Korea is known for its innovations in the aesthetics industry, so it’s no surprise that Dr. Baker brought The Skinny Nose Program to his clinic. In a brief interview, I asked him how he discovered the treatment. “I came across the program during a medical conference in Seoul, where we had the chance to explore other aesthetic advancements since the country is quite a hub for it,” he shared “But what stood out the most about The Skinny Nose Program is that it offered a unique solution to achieve a refined and natural-looking nose—something that Seoul has truly mastered.”
What sets this program apart from the current options available in the Philippines is its subtle, gradual effect and the combination of two treatments in one. Dr. Baker explained that while rhinoplasty and non-surgical procedures like fillers are commonly done in the Philippines, they often lack the precision and structural approach needed for a more natural refinement. It also offers a less traumatic alternative to traditional rhinoplasty.
“But what stood out the most about The Skinny Nose Program is that it offered a unique solution to achieve a refined and natural-looking nose—something that Seoul has truly mastered.”Dr. Miguel Baker
It’s also particularly suited for the local demographic, especially those with more prominent Asian features. Dr. Baker explained, “I felt that this program would be relevant in the Philippines because it complements our natural features, enhancing them without pushing them towards a Western finish—which can be a common side effect when treatments don’t take original features into account. That’s why I suggest to our clients to position the threads where the inner corners of the eyes align. If we go any higher, it will look evident and unnatural.”
The Experience
Right after the consultation, I immediately said yes to the (not sponsored) treatment and we started the program on the spot. Here’s how the first appointment went and how it checked off all of my non-negotiables.
First off, the procedure is non-invasive. It begins with the injection of a fat-dissolving liquid known as Lemon Bottle—the most popular and talked-about treatment in the industry. According to several studies, Lemon Bottle is currently perceived as the ‘fastest and strongest’ fat dissolver in the market—promising visible results almost immediately after the jab. It’s also widely used in Seoul, South Korea as a safer and more effective alternative to other fat-dissolving injections.
This advanced, non-invasive injection mainly targets stubborn fat deposits (or excess fats) in specific areas of the body. According to an ingredient breakdown by House of Beauty, the injection contains three key components: Bromelain (a digestive enzyme that triggers fat breakdown), Riboflavin (also known as Vitamin B2, which promotes fat metabolism and reduces swelling), and Lecithin (which effectively dissolves fat cells). When all three ingredients are combined, it makes Lemon Bottle a staple for quick and lasting fat dissolution.
After allowing the topical anesthesia to settle for about 30 minutes, Dr. Baker proceeded to inject the Lemon Bottle into my alar to remove the excess fat, which was likely caused by the flaring of my nose due to rhinitis. After the jab, he spread the liquid by gently massaging and squeezing the tip of my nose. By doing this technique, the Lemon Bottle takes effect faster, breaking down the fat and allowing it to be released as water on the nose.
Right after the injection, the nose threads were immediately inserted, and it was all about achieving the desired height. Thanks to the anesthesia, I barely felt the insertion at all—it was as if he was simply molding my nose like clay. This part of the procedure has become quite popular in the country, mainly because it’s non-invasive—the threads are inserted at the tip of the nose, leaving only a small wound afterward. He also explained that the threads are unlikely to misalign, as the technology behind them is designed to naturally conform to the original structure of the nose—meaning that aftercare won’t be a hassle at all.
Second, there was no downtime since the 45-minute session only left me with some bruising and swelling, which lasted for about three days. But after that, everything settled down, and I was good to go for public appearances again.
Lastly, the treatment didn’t result in any drastic changes to my features, which was exactly what I wanted. It’s been almost four months since I got the treatment, and here’s what I’ve noticed so far:
- My alar has visibly reduced in size and it feels much firmer compared to before.
- The threads placed by my nose bridge aren’t as prominent as they were when first inserted, but they maintained their height.
- I detected a slight bump on my bridge and was advised to massage it three times a day. It’s since smoothed out.
What’s Next?
When discussing the long-term benefits, Dr. Baker highlighted how the results gradually evolve, creating a more natural and seamless transition. He also pointed out that the program is highly customizable depending on the desired outcome, making it adaptable to individual preferences. He shared, “Since the process is non-invasive, there are fewer risks, and the recovery period isn’t lengthy.”
As for potential side effects, a few to consider include mild sensitivity when pressure is applied, occasional slight misalignment, and some difficulty in releasing mucus. For maintenance, the daily routine includes massaging your bridge and alar in an upward motion to keep the structure high. As for touch-ups, it depends if you’re content with the current results or want to enhance them further. The program is flexible enough to accommodate either choice.
Now, let’s get to the part you’ve been waiting for—how much does the program cost? The base rate for The Skinny Nose Program is P50,000, which includes the nose threads, Lemon Bottle, and a follow-up touch-up. However, if your concern is reducing the size of your alar, you can opt for a more focused treatment at P 25,000, which includes the Lemon Bottle and the touch-up. Keep in mind, that you might have to pay extra if you want to do more after the two sessions.
The Verdict—For Now
I’m now about four months post-treatment, and I can say that all my expectations (a.k.a. my non-negotiables) were met. The program lives up to its name—my nose looks noticeably skinnier and more defined, yet the change is so natural that most people don’t notice until I bring it up. On top of that, I’ve yet to complete the entire program, since my touch-up is scheduled for April. Here’s to hoping for a smooth and satisfying finish!
