What is a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty used to be the only option for those looking to change the shape of their nose. But a rhinoplasty – also commonly known as a nose job – is a permanent solution for people unsatisfied with the shape and appearance of their nose. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is the perfect treatment for those who aren’t ready to take the final leap to a nose job.
A non-surgical nose job is increasingly popular, especially among the younger generations. Dermal fillers containing synthetic hyaluronic acid are injected into and around the nose. The surgeon can resculpt the shape of the nose with the fillers, making it look smaller even when it’s getting larger.
Keep reading to learn more about non-surgical nose jobs, including some pros and cons of this innovative alternative to traditional rhinoplasty.
The Rise of Dermal Fillers
Dermal cosmetic fillers are injected into the face to add volume and shape. Originally, fillers were made from animal collagen and used to permanently transform the face.
These days, popular fillers are made from synthetic hyaluronic acid, which offers temporary solutions to facial alteration. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring substance in the body, found in the highest concentrations around the joints, eyes, and skin. Fillers made with hyaluronic acid last anywhere from three months and five years.
These fillers have provided alternatives to many common cosmetic surgery treatments – from the traditional facelift to rhinoplasty. They also offered promising benefits for treatments like lip augmentation and cheek lifts which previously required surgical solutions.
The rise of dermal fillers transformed the world of cosmetic surgery, allowing patients to come into the office and leave the same day with minimal recovery, less pain, and more volume in their faces.
What Does Non-surgical Rhinoplasty Fix?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is not a solution for all nose-related problems. Since the fillers add volume, they are not effective for treating overly wide or large noses. If the nose has been broken, is dramatically crooked, or there is a large bump or lump that needs to be removed, dermal fillers will not improve the overall aesthetic of the nose.
However, dermal fillers can fix small bumps on the bridge of the nose, correct a droopy tip, or correct mildly crooked noses. In some cases, fillers can correct scar tissue beneath the surface of the skin, flattening out old injuries with a small injection.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is also a viable solution for people who had a rhinoplasty in the past who were unsatisfied with the results. Occasionally, the rhinoplasty leaves the nose in a delicate state, and the surgeon will not feel comfortable performing a revision rhinoplasty. Fillers are a safer alternative to another rhinoplasty procedure.
Weigh the Pros and Cons
Non-surgical nose jobs, like any cosmetic procedure, come with equal numbers of pros and cons. Talk to your surgeon before your treatment to be sure you address all questions and concerns.
Pro: Reversibility
Reversibility is one of the greatest benefits of non-surgical nose jobs. Before, patients needed to carefully weigh the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery procedures since the results were most likely permanent. Now, dermal fillers offer a temporary alternative so patients can experiment more freely with the changes they would like to see on their faces.
Some dermal fillers are completely reversible, requiring an injection of hyaluronidase to return the nose to its natural shape. Other fillers offer a more lasting alternative. If the patient is satisfied with the results from their temporary fillers, many surgeons will switch to a more permanent option which will last anywhere from two to five years.
Pro: Quick Recovery
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is often called a “lunchtime procedure” because it is relatively painless and can be completed in 15 to 30 minutes. A topical anesthetic is applied to the nose, and most patients do not feel much pain. Some redness and bruising might be visible for a week, but – compared to traditional rhinoplasty – the recovery is much more manageable.
Con: Tissue Death
Like all cosmetic procedures, non-surgical rhinoplasty isn’t without risk. The blood supply to the nose is relatively weak, which makes the nose one of the trickiest areas of the body to inject. Dermal fillers can block blood flow to the skin, resulting in tissue death.
When left untreated, the skin will rot. Skin blocked by the filler will turn white and cause a stinging or burning sensation. You should contact your surgeon right away if you notice any signs of tissue death after your procedure.
Con: Popularity and Availability
Tiktok and other social media platforms have popularized the non-surgical nose job, making it seem easy and safe. The complex anatomy of the nose means that it takes a delicate hand to correctly apply the filler. Potential risks include blindness, cysts, and infections.
While it may seem like a good idea to shop for the best deal, you are better off with an experienced and licensed plastic surgeon who is intimately familiar with nasal anatomy and knows all the potential dangers and risks.
Consider The Cost
The price you pay for this temporary alternative to a traditional rhinoplasty is relatively high. Pricing for rhinoplasty ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. Temporary dermal fillers cost about $2,500 a year, and more permanent fillers approximately $4,500 a year.
If you are looking for a permanent nose job, the cost of non-surgical rhinoplasty may be a deterrent. Yes, you can re-do your nose job once a year and change the results every time if you like. However, you are essentially paying the cost of a permanent solution once a year for however long you decide to use fillers.
Call to Action
Dr. Shah conducts non-surgical rhinoplasty in Chicago, IL. If you would like to learn more about dermal fillers and how they can change the shape and appearance of your nose, feel free to contact us for a consultation or call (312) 944-0117.
