The non surgical Rhinoplasty or “non surgical nose job” is quickly becoming one of the most requested and well-known non-surgical cosmetic treatments worldwide. And if you’ve seen any before/after comparison photos, it is very clear to see just why this treatment is so popular and why it dominates as a leading treatment in the aesthetics industry. It provides the perfect alternative for those individuals that have long considered a surgical correction/revision of their nose (‘rhinoplasty’) but cannot bring themselves to permanently alter their nose or afford the hefty price tag associated with cosmetic surgery. With all the excitement around this procedure, we sought to dispel the myths and deliver some facts and home truths about the benefits, limitations and risks of the non surgical rhinoplasty or “liquid nose job”.
What is the non surgical rhinoplasty and who is it suitable for?
The non-surgical rhinoplasty is achieved by hyaluronic acid dermal fillers like Juvederm Ultra and Juvederm Voluma. These are hyaluronic acid based gels that are carefully injected into skin tissue to sculpt and re-shape areas of the face in order to achieve optimal aesthetic results. Not only can the results be phenomenal but the fact that there is very little/no down-time, it takes next to no time at all (hence has been dubbed the ‘10 minute nose job’) and that the procedure is very minimally invasive are all big selling points. Furthermore, results are seen immediately without having to wait for any swelling or bruising to settle.
Perhaps the biggest advantage of this treatment is that clients are not sedated and instead remain awake in order to be able to check the progress of the treatment intermittently and in this way can have full input into the treatment process and outcomes. This is contrary to surgery where often clients can be extremely overwhelmed and not infrequently upset or disappointed at their new nose upon waking from the general anaesthetic.
What are the risks and side effects of a non surgical rhinoplasty?
Of course, no procedure is risk-free but the risks associated with non-surgical injectable treatments such as the non-surgical rhinoplasty are far less than those associated with surgical options. That being said, if these fillers are injected in the wrong place then they can lead to bruising, infection or even more seriously tissue loss and blindness if they block a blood vessel. These are thankfully rare but incredibly serious risks. As a result, it is vital to choose an expert and experienced doctor. Equally important is choosing to have your treatment somewhere that offers follow up and has emergency protocols in place in case allergy or a medical emergency occurs. Also important is that your injecting doctor is able to administer hyaluronidase (an enzyme that dissolves filler) should anything go wrong.
Liquid nose job or regular nose job?
It can seem a bit confusing when considering aesthetic treatments. The main thing to decide when to opt for non surgical and when surgery is best. Oh and of course, when to do neither! The non surgical rhinoplasty (aka “liquid nose job”) is best for reshaping mildly asymmetrical noses. It can also smooth modest bumps on the bridge of the nose and lift drooping tips. In short, it works best for noses that need building up, definition or mild correction of crookedness. What it can not do is make a nose smaller or correct severe asymmetries or drooping. It also can’t help with functional issues like breathing problems due to a deviated septum. In these situations, a surgical correction may be required.
Other things to consider are price differences; a non-surgical nose reshaping usually costs hundreds of pounds and is temporary whereas a surgical rhinoplasty will cost thousands but results are permanent. Of course, other things to consider are downtime and potential risks as well as complications for both which are rare in the hands of an experienced doctor but non the less existent.
Like all things in life, there is no silver bullet for nose reshaping. The trick is knowing what you want or need and seeking an expert doctor to discuss all your treatment options before making any decisions. Whilst not suitable for all patients, the non-surgical rhinoplasty is great for those wanting to correct small ‘lumps and bumps’ and improve minor deformities or quirks that have long been a cause for concern for many clients. This nose reshaping treatment can be used to treat a wide range of imperfections including size, shape and imbalances in facial proportions and ratios.
Of course, this treatment is not intended to replace a surgical procedure and your suitability for this and any treatment should be discussed at length during any consultation. As with any aesthetic procedure, it is always worth remembering that less is more when it comes to achieving optimal results that take into account your face structure and lifestyle. In the right hands this treatment can be highly effective and risks reduced but you should do your homework when choosing your treatment provider.
What next?
If you’re interested in learning more about facial contouring and sculpting, check out our pieces on cheek enhancement, chin enhancement and facial wrinkle fillers.
