A Rhinoplasty Without Surgery? Discover the ‘Nonsurgical Nose Job’

A woman looks happy with her non surgical rhinoplasty results.

The nose is at the center of the face, which means it can attract attention if it’s large or asymmetrical. Many people undergo a rhinoplasty at my San Francisco practice so they can feel less self-conscious when looking in the mirror. But what if surgery makes you feel uneasy? Can a nonsurgical nose job give you the same aesthetic outcome?

While a “liquid rhinoplasty” is a good choice for those who want to avoid surgery, it’s not the same as traditional rhinoplasty. This blog post will explain the major differences between the procedures and how you can tell if nonsurgical rhinoplasty is right for you.

How does the nonsurgical rhinoplasty procedure work?

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses dermal fillers to adjust the shape of the nose. These injections typically use hyaluronic acid-based fillers placed at strategic locations to modify the bridge, tip, and other areas. Neurotoxins (like BOTOX®) also might be used, but this is less common..

The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. A numbing cream can be used beforehand so that the injections involve minimal discomfort. Our fillers also come pre-mixed with anesthetic for comfort.

Rhinoplasty, in contrast, is a surgical procedure that remodels the nose’s bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. The procedure usually takes 2 to 3 hours and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia.

What issues can a liquid rhinoplasty treat?

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty is best for those who want slight, subtle adjustments to their noses. With dermal fillers, bumps can be evened out, the nasal tip can be refined, and the bridge can be made to appear straighter and slimmer.

Some doctors are also testing the use of injectables for widening the airway. While injectables can help relieve breathing problems, they are not a substitute for septoplasty. Learn more about this functional rhinoplasty procedure in our related blog post.

Dermal fillers can help your nose appear straighter or more refined. However, they cannot shrink the size of your nose. Because of this, a “liquid” nose job works best for patients who only wish to make the nose straighter or to modify the tip.

What are the recovery and results like?

This is a nonsurgical procedure, so patients can return to work or home immediately after treatment. There is a possibility of slight bruising or swelling afterward, but these side effects will subside after a few days. Patients will notice a change in their nose’s appearance almost immediately.

Unlike revision rhinoplasty, patients don’t need to wait a year to address any cosmetic concerns they have. Instead, your provider can dissolve your filler with hyaluronidase at any point before the filler is naturally metabolized by your body.

How long does liquid rhinoplasty last?

The results of nonsurgical rhinoplasty last as long as the fillers themselves. Because dermal fillers are made up of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body, the effects gradually fade over time. Most results last anywhere from 6 to 12 months before a follow-up procedure is needed to maintain your nose’s modified appearance.

What are the benefits of choosing nonsurgical rhinoplasty?

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty can be an excellent option for many reasons. You should consider treatment if you:

  • Are uncomfortable with the idea of surgery and want a less invasive option with no downtime
  • Mainly want to address smaller problem areas, such as refining the bridge or modifying the nose tip
  • Prefer a treatment that is temporary or easily reversible; some patients use a nonsurgical nose job to “test drive” changes they might desire from traditional rhinoplasty
  • Want a lower price point that is more easily accessible

Choosing a Provider

While liquid rhinoplasty is a nonsurgical procedure, that doesn’t mean you should trust just anyone to inject your fillers. You should look for a provider with professional expertise and advanced knowledge of nose anatomy. The injector should have a medical license, and they should stock hyaluronidase (the enzyme that dissolves dermal fillers).

Liquid rhinoplasty is safest when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with a background like mine in otolaryngology and nose-related treatments. With proper precautions and personal skill, the risk of complications is very small.

Achieve Facial Harmony Today

While traditional rhinoplasty is a popular choice, the procedure isn’t for everyone. For patients with slight nose imperfections who wish to avoid surgery, liquid rhinoplasty is an excellent treatment alternative.

Our San Francisco team specializes in rhinoplasty and would be happy to answer any questions you might have. Request a consultation online or call our office at (415) 441-1888 to explore the best treatment option for you.

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