Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty

Nose jobs have always been a popular cosmetic procedure. It is perhaps the increased demand for the procedure that has led cosmetic surgeons to regularly develop new options to help people feel more comfortable with their noses. Be it through social media or from a friend; you've probably heard about nonsurgical rhinoplasty, a procedure that trades in surgical knives for injections. It’s touted to achieve similar results as surgical rhinoplasty with zero complications, but how true are those claims? Is nonsurgical rhinoplasty the best option for you? Keep reading for a full breakdown of this cosmetic procedure.

WHAT IS NONSURGICAL RHINOPLASTY?

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is also called liquid rhinoplasty, and it is a procedure that alters the shape of the nose by injecting dermal fillers into the bridge, tips, or sides. It is becoming increasingly popular as more people hope to get the same cosmetic results without going under the knife.

HOW DOES NONSURGICAL RHINOPLASTY WORK?

The filler used in nonsurgical rhinoplasty acts by settling into the part of the nose it is injected into and holding the shape. Therefore, different effects can be achieved depending on what area of the nose the filler is placed. It can add volume, emphasize the tip of the nose, and smoothen out minor bumps. It, however, cannot be used to reduce the size of the hone or make larger bumps smoother.

Hyaluronic acid is the most common filler in use, but calcium hydroxyapatite is an alternative that gives good results. These substances are hypoallergenic, meaning they will not incite an allergic reaction. But it is still important to avoid the blood vessels around the nose to ensure serious complications do not occur.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF NONSURGICAL RHINOPLASTY?

Recovery takes no more than minutes to hours
Cost of the procedure is lower than that of traditional rhinoplasty
The procedure is non-invasive and largely painless
Avoids the complications of surgery such as blood loss and effects of general anesthesia

HOW LONG DOES NONSURGICAL RHINOPLASTY LAST?

Because the substance used as fillers slowly dissolves over time, the effects of the procedure are not permanent. The length of time during which filler is active depends on the type used, but generally, they last anywhere between 3 months to 2 years, with 6 months being the average.

After the filler has worn off, you will need to return to the doctor for a new one. This gives you a chance to make changes if you found the last nose job to be unsatisfactory. Some doctors offer patients a longer-lasting filler option called Bellafill during the second session. It is collagen-based and can last for up to 5 years before a new liquid nose job is required.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS AND COMPLICATIONS?

Side effects may be experienced after the procedure, but they are often mild and will subside within a week. They include:

Pain
Redness
Swelling

In the hands of a licensed practitioner, serious side effects are very rare. Complications have only been reported in about 2% of cases, and they included:

Allergic reactions
Extensive bruising
Blurred vision

HOW MUCH DOES NONSURGICAL RHINOPLASTY COST?

The cost of this procedure varies depending on location and dermal filler used. The average price is between $500 – 1500. This procedure is purely cosmetic thus is not covered by health insurance. It is important to confirm the full cost of the procedure from the intended doctor beforehand.

CONCLUSION

A nonsurgical rhinoplasty is a good option for people looking to fix minor nose problems without undergoing surgery. The cost is reasonable, and the complications are few and far between if done by a licensed practitioner. It is, however, not a permanent solution; therefore, it will require multiple treatments to sustain desired results.