What is non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Non-surgical rhinoplasty (also called liquid rhinoplasty or non-surgical nose job) is a cosmetic procedure where injectable fillers are added to specific parts of the external nose under the skin. Dermal fillers are increasingly used to make the face look more youthful by adding volume to areas such as the nose, lips, cheeks or the tear troughs.

It is important to note that non-surgical rhinoplasty is not for everyone, as it cannot fundamentally change the entire shape of the nose. Dermal fillers can fill hollows or depressions; they cannot make the nose smaller or remove bumps in the nose. They can also be used to make your nasal tip appear more elevated by injecting them in the base of the columellar (the underside of the nose that separates your nostrils).

Non-surgical rhinoplasty offers an effective way to boost your self-confidence and shape your nose in proportion with your face. A non-surgical nose job offers a less expensive alternative, with minimal downtime compared to surgical rhinoplasty.

Would you be suitable for non-surgical rhinoplasty?

The central focal point of your face is the nose. If you feel like your nose is out proportion with the rest of your face, it can be upsetting.

You may be a good candidate for a non-surgical nose job if:

  • The bridge of your nose is flat and you would like more definition
  • You want to improve your nose symmetry
  • Your nose has contour irregularities that you would like to even out
  • The tip of your nose is drooping down and needs lifting
  • You would like to improve your profile
  • Your nostril rims are too high.

To determine if you are a suitable candidate for non-surgical rhinoplasty, a consultation and examination with a Cosmetic Doctor or Cosmetic Nurse will be needed. It’s important to note that surgical rhinoplasty is still regarded as the best way to reshape the nose.


What are the benefits of having non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Because of its convenience, affordability, instant results and minimal down time (15-20 minutes) non-surgical rhinoplasty is growing in popularity. Compared to surgical rhinoplasty, non-surgical rhinoplasty has less serious risks, complications and side effects.

If you have never had previous rhinoplasty surgery, non-surgical rhinoplasty can:

  • Increase radix height
  • Reduce a supra-tip break
  • Increase dorsal (bridge) height
  • Increase nose tip projection
  • Unify a bifid tip
  • Increase columellar show
  • Minimise visible asymmetries

In a nose, which has had previous rhinoplasty surgery, in addition to all the above, dermal fillers can also:

  • Thicken the skin layer to reduce visible irregularity
  • Minimise an inverted V
  • Filling minor or specific asymmetries
  • Increasing the natural appearance of a nose where it has an operated look

Key facts about non-surgical rhinoplasty

  • Non-surgical rhinoplasty is also called a non-surgical nose job, injection rhinoplasty or liquid rhinoplasty.
  • A non-surgical nose job is a cosmetic medical procedure where injectable dermal fillers, most commonly hyaluronic ones such as Juvederm or Restylane are used to alter the shape of a person's nose - without invasive surgery.
  • Because your nose is an important facial feature, it is very important to choose a Cosmetic Doctor or Cosmetic Nurse who has extensive facial injection experience and training. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is not a cosmetic procedure that should be performed by a less experienced injector who is offering discounts.
  • Compared with surgical rhinoplasty non-surgical rhinoplasty is quick, easy, and cost effective. With minimal pain and downtime involved, this treatment is becoming more and more popular.
  • Non-surgical rhinoplasty does not have the serious side effects, risks and complications that are possible with surgery. Because the effects are only temporary, a change of heart is possible.

Which dermal fillers are used for non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Dermal fillers can be biologic or non-biologic and can be temporary or permanent. The most common types of dermal fillers used for non-surgical nose jobs include:

Biologic Temporary Fillers:

  • Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Juvederm or Restylane

Biologic Permanent Fillers:

  • Fat graft
  • Dermis graft
  • Non-biologic Permanent Fillers:
  • Aquamid
  • Artecoll / Artefill

Most Cosmetic Doctors recommend temporary biologic fillers and specifically hyaluronic acid fillers for non-surgical rhinoplasty. Each filler substance has different physical properties, including thickness and suppleness that can deliver the best nose shape possible.

Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are reversible, and in some patients can last for up to 2 years. These types of dermal fillers are viscous enough to add volume to an area or to correct a hollow. One of the reasons why hyaluronic acid dermal fillers are the most common choice for Cosmetic Doctors is because if they become infected (in rare cases) they can be removed by injecting hyalase into the infection site.

Permanent fillers can be very attractive for people if a permanent correction is usually desired. While the actual materials in the permanent fillers appear to be non-toxic and safe, if an infection occurs it can result in long-term infections and even irreversible deformity. Many Cosmetic Doctors believe that the even though the risk of infection is low, the complications of permanent fillers cannot be easily or effectively treated.

Can injectable fat grafting be used for non-rhinoplasty surgery?

Injectable fat grafting is quite safe for the nose. However, because it is liquid, it creates swelling of the nose, rather than specifically correcting a problem. This is why fat grafting is not a popular way to perform non-surgical nose jobs.

What happens during non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is usually carried out in the Cosmetic Doctor or Cosmetic Nurse's office, under local anaesthetic or with no local anaesthetic. The dermal filler is then injected into the parts of the nose where you would like improvements made.

Finer dermal fillers are used in areas where your skin is fine and thicker dermal fillers can be injected deeper in areas that need more bulk and volume. Many dermal fillers are blended with lignocaine, a local anaesthetic that can drastically reduce the amount of pain during your procedure. This local anaesthetic mildly numbs the injection site so you experience minimal discomfort.

Most patients experience temporary swelling and only minimal bruising. Some patients may also have a tender nose for 3 to 5 days. While most patients can drive home after the procedure, if you’ve been given any sedation with the procedure, you must not drive home.

Are there any risks or complications with non-surgical rhinoplasty?

All non-surgical cosmetic procedures have risks and complications that you need to be fully aware of before you choose to have treatment. The best way to reduce risks and complications is to choose a Cosmetic Surgeon or Cosmetic Nurse who has extensive experience and training in facial injections.

After a non-surgical nose job, specific complications that may occur include:

  • Redness, which will disappear after a couple of days
  • Swelling and bruising, which will subside a few days after the treatment
  • Tenderness in the nose
  • Itching, infection, hypersensitivity and/or allergic reactions
  • Nasal skin damage
  • A lumpy or asymmetrical appearance or unsatisfactory outcome

It is important to note that if you have had previous rhinoplasty surgery, the risks associated with non-surgical rhinoplasty will increase significantly. Previous nose surgeries can alter the blood supply and anatomy of your nose, which can increase the likelihood of dermal fillers blocking the blood supply. This is rare, however if dermal fillers are injected into arteries that supply your nose, the skin can die and scar.

When will you see the non-surgical rhinoplasty results?

After you’ve had dermal fillers in your nose, you will see immediate visible results. However, it is important to note that the outcomes and effectiveness of the treatment varies depending upon the dermal filler used.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty results can last from 8 to 12 months. The duration of the results are not permanent and depend on the type of filler used, treated part and patient’s general health.  It is highly recommended to consult a certified surgeon to determine the best results according to the age, skin and genetics, etc.

Where to find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeon for non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Before you have non-surgical rhinoplasty, we suggest you consult with several Cosmetic Doctors or Cosmetic Nurses. At your consultation they will discuss which features are bothering you and how they can correct them. They will also advise you on the types of dermal fillers they will use including side effects, price, and after care. Find the best Australian Cosmetic Surgeons for non-surgical nose jobs here.

Important to know

So you can make an informed decision, your elected surgeon or doctor will discuss the possible risks associated with a non-surgical nose job. 

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Reviews

 

 Ellis Choy

Ellis Choy

292 Reviews

Plastic Surgeon
New South Wales, Australia

Gretchen March 15th, 2017

When I was diagnosed with a basal cell carcinoma (BCC) on my nose at age 39, I had a difficult decision to make regarding treatment options. Given that this was going to effect the way my face looked no matter what I decided, and the fact that I had to do something to remove the cancer, I made the decision to ask a specialist plastic surgeon his opinion. I wanted the cancer gone completely, I did not want to waste any time with creams or laser treatments or the like. Dr Choy clearly explained all treatment options, and not once made me feel pressured in any decision making, it was always my choice. I was lucky enough to have worked along side Dr Choy in my current profession, so I had seen his surgical work first hand. His professional and caring approach with his patients had always impressed me, and he treated me in this same regard. The staff at his rooms, always warm and caring, were eager to assist me with any issues or concerns I had throughout my experience. Dr Choy’s assistant in Coffs Harbour was available to me with any concerns I may have had throughout the healing process. My experience of consultation and onto surgery, was a process met with ease, I always felt comfortable and confident to ask any questions at any time. On the day of surgery, I knew I was in safe hands, as all aspects of the surgery had been clearly explained to me in the pre operative consultations. Being able to see other examples of his work through photos kindly shared by previous patients, allowed me to know what to expect in the post operative period. Initially, the surgery had a significant impact on my life. I had to take two weeks off work, contend with a large bulky dressing in the middle of my face then no dressing at all for a few days. It was not easy being seen in public with such an extensive surgical wound on my face, however, I knew that this would only be temporary, and that I was destined to gain an excellent result in the months to come. Today, I have seen Dr Choy again, and his caring and professional assistant in Coffs Harbour, to have the final stages of my dressing removed. The result is better than I could have imagined, considering I had 26 stitches in my little nose! Yes, there is still a lot of healing to go, but I can visualise in the coming months, that some of the redness, and scarring will settle. I am now facing the world in a confident manner, knowing that I have made the right choice to travel the path of consultation, surgery and post operative care with Dr Ellis Choy and his fantastic team in Sydney and Coffs Harbour.

Q&A

Ask our surgeon community a question

roselove 18/07/2016 Australia

Juvederm and hyaluronidase

Hi I got a non surgical nose job in February, I had very little juvederm put into my nose (0.2 cc) targetting my nostril area. I didnt like the results and went to get it removed with hyaluronidase. Ive gone 3 times because I didnt see it going back to normal....read more

cosmetic 13/06/2016 NSW

What filler is best & cosmetic physician recommendations please!!!

I underwent primary rhinoplasty back in August 2014, I Had/ still have a deep horizontal crease in my radix. The surgeon in pre-op discussed doing a radix graft to take out the deep crease which unfortunately don't think he did as the crease only got deeper h...read more