The nose is an important facial feature that often defines your overall appearance. Many people are unhappy with the shape of their nose. Surgeons often meet with patients who would like to smooth out bumps on the bridge of the nose, for example. But the idea of undergoing surgical rhinoplasty procedures feels overwhelming to many patients.
If this sounds familiar to you, a treatment called a nonsurgical rhinoplasty or liquid rhinoplasty could help make changes in your facial profile. It is an efficient and safe non surgical procedure that does not carry the same risks and downtime as surgical rhinoplasty. Keep reading to learn more about this treatment which is also called a liquid nose job. Find out who are appropriate candidates, what to expect during the procedure, and how to find a provider.
What is a nonsurgical rhinoplasty?
A nonsurgical rhinoplasty is essentially a dermal filler procedure. It involves the injection of a filler material like hyaluronic acid to change the shape of the nose. Instead of going under the knife like you would during a traditional surgical rhinoplasty, you undergo an injection treatment. The risks are lower and the recovery time is shorter than rhinoplasty surgery. However, the results of a nonsurgical nose job are temporary and last less than 6 months.
How does it work?
Surgeons use hyaluronic acid, which is a gel-like substance that is naturally found in the body, to contour the nose during a nonsurgical rhinoplasty. Sometimes, botulinum toxin (Botox) is also used to create a smoother contour of the nose. The hyaluronic acid injections are carefully placed in depressions to smoothen the nose and change its appearance. The skills of the injectors are important in achieving the desired aesthetic results.
What improvements can you get from a filler technique?
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty techniques can be used to lift the tip of the nose or make the tip more prominent. Surgeons can also fill depressions, add volume where needed, and smooth out bumps, essentially giving the nose more balance and a smoother contour. For example, if a prominent bump on the bridge of the nose gives you a less than desirable facial profile, filler injections can camouflage this imperfection.
Who is a good candidate for a non-surgical nose job?
A liquid rhinoplasty is ideal for people who want to change the shape of their nose, smooth out bumps, or make their nose less angular without undergoing rhinoplasty surgery. However, people who undergo nonsurgical rhinoplasties should be aware that they will not get permanent improvement in their nose concerns. Rather, they will have to return to their plastic surgeon or aesthetic provider for repeat treatment with fillers every 4-6 months for touch-ups. If you are one of those people who is not quite ready for nose surgery but would like to explore filler options, then this treatment may be right for you. Your surgeon will show you before and after images to demonstrate the types of results you can expect.
How long does non-surgical nose filler last?
Most filler injections last less than 6 months. Some fillers like Radiesse can last for more than a year. There are some longer-lasting fillers that can give results for up to 3 years. Your surgeon will discuss various fillers with you during the consultation and recommend the most appropriate ones.
What to expect during a nonsurgical rhinoplasty treatment?
The procedure itself is relatively simple, especially compared to nose surgery. The surgeon will clean your skin and apply a topical anesthetic to reduce discomfort from the injections. They will then take a syringe of the filler and inject it in and around your nose. You may feel a slight pinching sensation or pressure when the surgeon does this. The entire rhinoplasty treatment takes less than an hour to complete.
Risks and side effects of a non surgical nose job
Like any cosmetic procedure, a nonsurgical rhinoplasty carries the risk of complications. The most common side effects are sensitivity and redness in the area of the injections, which usually resolve in a day or two. Other common side effects include swelling and bruising. Occasionally, the fillers can migrate from the injection site, creating a wavy appearance. If the results are not what you expected, the surgeon can use an enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the hyaluronic acid filler.
Recovery and aftercare
Some pain, swelling, and bruising are expected for a few days. Using an ice pack can help minimize these symptoms. The redness and swelling go away in a week or two, which is when you can see the results of your nonsurgical rhinoplasty. There is essentially no downtime after a liquid nose job and you can return to work and normal activities on the day of your procedure.
Is a nonsurgical nose job worth it?
There are several advantages to the fillers technique for improving the appearance of noses. The procedure does not involve general anesthesia. Recovery is quick and you can return to normal activities on the day of the treatment. The cost of a nonsurgical rhinoplasty is much lower than surgical rhinoplasty. Also, if you don't like the result, you don't have to live with it forever, unlike surgery which leads to a permanent change in the appearance of your nose.
On the other hand, the fact that the results are not permanent is a deal breaker for many patients. People who opt for this procedure need to be prepared to undergo re-treatments every few months or years. Also, like any procedure, a liquid rhinoplasty carries some risks, including serious ones like damage to the vision from a misplaced needle.
How much does a non-surgical nose job cost?
The cost of a nonsurgical rhinoplasty is considerably lower than a traditional surgical rhinoplasty. You can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $1,500 for this procedure depending on the type of filler used, how many injections you need, where you live, and the expertise of your provider. Since it is a cosmetic procedure, a liquid nose job is not covered by insurance.
Why is choosing an experienced provider important?
If you get the treatment done from inexperienced injectors, you could end up with an overfilled look to the nose. It is also worth noting that this part of the face has a rich blood supply. If a blood vessel gets nicked, it can lead to bruising or bleeding. Injections in this area therefore require more skill than in some other parts of the face. Choosing an inexperienced provider puts you at risk of more serious complications of a nonsurgical rhinoplasty such as blurred vision, blindness, and allergic reaction (if a person has a history of allergies, the surgeon may recommend doing a skin test during the consultation). By choosing an experienced provider for a liquid nose job, you can reduce your risk of adverse effects.
Finding a provider for a liquid rhinoplasty
Your results from a nonsurgical rhinoplasty depend to a large degree on the skills of the injectors. The MeTime app makes it easy to find experienced cosmetic surgeons in your community. You can click and upload pictures, do a video consult, and have suggestions sent directly to you. Interested in setting up a consultation for a nonsurgical rhinoplasty procedure? Try the MeTime app now!
