While surgical rhinoplasties are one of the most common types of plastic surgery performed around the world, they may not always be necessary.
In fact, there’s a type of non-surgical rhinoplasty that can provide you with the same level of results while involving less pain, a shorter recovery process, and a lower cost. Although this may sound too good to be true, the results speak for themselves! So read on to learn more about non-surgical rhinoplasties to determine whether or not it’s the right option for you.
What Is a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?
A non-surgical rhinoplasty is a minimally-invasive alternative to a traditional, surgical rhinoplasty. This procedure may also be referred to as a “liquid rhinoplasty” or a “15-minute nose job.”
During a non-surgical rhinoplasty, dermal fillers are strategically injected into the nose to change its shape either by concealing problem areas or emphasizing other areas.
Dermal fillers composed of hyaluronic acid are commonly used for non-surgical rhinoplasties, specifically Restylane, Perlane, and Juvederm. Radiesse is another type of filler that is made of a calcium hydroxyapatite material that lasts longer than the hyaluronic acid varieties but is harder to shape and harder to dissolve.
A board-certified plastic surgeon will choose the best type of filler for your unique nose shape and concerns.
How Does It Differ From a Surgical Rhinoplasty?
A non-surgical rhinoplasty is vastly different from a surgical rhinoplasty. In a surgical rhinoplasty, the bones and cartilage in the nose are cut and shaped to achieve the desired results. This process involves an extended recovery period wherein the entire face may swell and bruise while the nose is placed in a cast.
Depending on the advice given by your surgeon, you may need to take a week off from school or work, avoid exercise for six weeks, and avoid contact sports for six months while the bones heal.
While surgical rhinoplasties are permanent, this may not always be a good thing if you’re not satisfied with the results of your surgery. So instead of simply waiting for fillers to dissolve for poor results from a non-surgical rhinoplasty, poor results from a surgical rhinoplasty often necessitate a second trip under the knife.
What Are the Risks of a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?
One of the main benefits of a non-surgical rhinoplasty is that it is a relatively safe procedure with little risk of complication.
That being said, any procedure involves some amount of risk and this specific procedure involves the sensitive nasal area that’s filled with blood vessels. So while this may initially seem like a simple and straightforward procedure, it’s more complicated than it seems.
Some common side effects associated with a non-surgical rhinoplasty include redness, bruising, sensitivity, and swelling at the injection site; filler migration to other areas of the face; and nausea. Serious complications of a non-surgical rhinoplasty include tissue death, vascular complications, and vision loss — although many of these can be mitigated by using an experienced and well-trained provider, like a plastic surgeon.
What Is the Recovery for a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?
Another benefit of choosing a non-surgical rhinoplasty over a traditional, surgical rhinoplasty is an easier recovery process. In fact, most patients are able to resume their normal activities within the very same day!
Not only that, but you can resume these normal activities knowing that you have near-immediate results. However, you should expect to achieve your final results within seven days after treatment as any swelling and bruising subsides. Just be careful to avoid movement or massage in the area for about a week so as to not disrupt the careful placement of the filler.
Can a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Achieve Desired Results and How Long Do They Last?
A non-surgical rhinoplasty definitely has the potential to help you achieve your desired look depending on what your areas of concern are.
For example, if you’re looking to smooth out small bumps in your nose, lift the tip of your nose, or add volume to your nose, then a non-surgical rhinoplasty could be the right solution. On the other hand, if you’re looking to smooth out large bumps in your nose or make your nose look smaller, a non-surgical rhinoplasty likely isn’t going to help.
While the results of a non-surgical rhinoplasty aren’t permanent, they can be long-lasting. The fillers injected into the nose during a non-surgical rhinoplasty are able to last for an extended period of time since the nose doesn’t tend to move very much. So even though different bodies metabolize fillers at different rates, it’s not uncommon for non-surgical rhinoplasties to last for 18 months.
A 15-minute procedure for 18 months of results is actually an incredible feat that’s only possible with a non-surgical rhinoplasty.
Where to Get a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?
If you want the best possible results from your non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure, then you need to go with the best doctor. This type of procedure should be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is familiar with non-surgical rhinoplasty, understands facial anatomy, and is knowledgeable about the different types of fillers used in this procedure.
Before choosing a plastic surgeon, be sure to check out patient reviews and photo results. You should also schedule a consultation to ensure that a non-surgical rhinoplasty is the right procedure for you and will help you achieve your desired look.
Dr. Applebaum is a world-renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills who has been in practice for almost 30 years. In that time, he has helped thousands of patients achieve beautiful and natural results. He offers complimentary in-person and virtual consultations to evaluate your concerns and come up with the best treatment plan.
Final Rundown on Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
A non-surgical rhinoplasty can totally transform your face with a little bit of filler, a few minutes, and most importantly — no pain! As a result, this procedure is a great alternative to a traditional rhinoplasty that is often invasive, painful, and expensive.
Before you put your body through unnecessary stress and pain with a traditional rhinoplasty, reach out to Dr. Applebaum for a complimentary consultation to see if a non-surgical rhinoplasty is right for you.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Robert Applebaum
Dr. Robert Applebaum is a world renowned and highly respected Plastic Surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. In his nearly 30 years as a practicing physician, Dr. Applebaum has become known as an innovator in the field of laser technology techniques for plastic surgery procedures. He has published numerous articles and scientific papers about the use of laser technology and educates physicians worldwide on the applications of laser technology for plastic surgery. Dr. Applebaum primarily practices out of his private outpatient surgery center, Four Thirty Six Aesthetic Surgery Center, which is located in Beverly Hills.
Sources:
Filler Rhinoplasty | NCBI Bookshelf
Thinking About Rhinoplasty? | Harvard Health
How a Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty Can Provide Amazing Results | American Society of Plastic Surgeons