Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

The terms non-surgical rhinoplasty and non-surgical nose job refer to procedures that shape the nose without invasive surgery. They can be performed on an outpatient basis, and they typically do not require anesthesia.

Injectable Fillers

One of the most common types of non-surgical rhinoplasty involves the injection of filler substances such as Artefill®, Juvederm®, Restylane® or Radiesse® into the nose. These fillers help to alter the appearance of the nose. This procedure does not offer as much flexibility as a surgical rhinoplasty, and it cannot reduce the size of an overly large nose, narrow nostrils or overly wide nostrils. However, adding fillers can camouflage bumps, raise droopy nasal tips and make a crooked nose appear straighter.

Inserts and Splints

Another non-surgical rhinoplasty option is the use of flexible nose inserts or splints. These splints are inserted into the nose, altering its shape. Some people compare their use to contacts lenses-they help you when you're wearing them, and you can wear them whenever you'd like. Nose inserts are much cheaper than traditional rhinoplasty and injections. Of course, they also have some drawbacks. They help only when you're wearing them, and they cannot be worn while sleeping, swimming or exercising. Also, some people find them uncomfortable.

Botox

A series of Botox®-like injections can help with problems such as nasolabial folds, wrinkles, crookedness, scars or a bony crest.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Overview

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is ideal for those who are concerned about the repercussions of surgery, are squeamish about the process or want very minor changes with no downtime. It can be done on people who are not good candidates for surgical rhinoplasty because they have health conditions or concerns.

Unlike surgical rhinoplasty, the results from these procedures are not permanent. The longest they last is several months, though some patients find that their results disappear more quickly. They are much less expensive than traditional rhinoplasty, costing as little as $500. With non-surgical injection rhinoplasty, make sure you find a physician who is skilled and qualified to administer the injections. Improperly administered injections pose risks to your health and appearance.

The Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Procedure

Because non-surgical rhinoplasty is simpler than surgery, it can be performed by plastic surgeons and dermatologists. The type of doctor you go with is less important than their levels of experience in performing these procedures. To find out if the physician has experience and training in this area, ask to see before-and-after photos of patients who have had non-surgical rhinoplasty. Ask the physician how long he or she has been performing the procedure and how many patients he or she has treated.

The first step for non-surgical rhinoplasty is to set up an initial consultation with a doctor. This provides a forum for you to ask those questions. You will discuss the changes you want to see, and the doctor will examine you and help you find the best option for meeting your goals. If you need time to decide whether you want the injections, you can set up another appointment and come back later. If, however, you and your doctor agree on a non-surgical method, and if you are ready, he or she can perform the procedure that very same visit. The doctor might suggest to inject other areas of the face to help give a more symmetrical look.

The first thing the doctor will do is rub the nose and surrounding area with a numbing cream to minimize the pain. The cream will need to soak in for about 30 minutes. Once the surface is numb, the doctor will start the injections.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty procedures are performed by injecting compounds called hyaluronic acid fillers, and there are several brands available in the U.S. Most common are Perlane®, Restylane, and Juvederm (Ultra and Plus). Belotero® and Hydrelle™ have also recently become available. Belotero's main advantage is its longevity: Results last up to 12 months. Hydrelle's advantage is it contains an anesthetic in the formula, which helps relieve the discomfort of the actual injection.

By judiciously using of one of these fillers, the doctor can achieve different affects. He or she can add volume to a thin or droopy nose or conceal irregularities, scars, ridges or bumps.

Because non-surgical rhinoplasty is less invasive, and fewer drugs are needed, you will not be required to wait at the office after the injections are finished. In fact, there is no downtime associated with it. You should be able to drive yourself home after your appointment and go to work the next day.

Pros And Cons

Advantages of non-surgical rhinoplasty

• It is faster and less painful
• It requires no recovery period.
• Because there are no incisions and no scars and no significant swelling, non-surgical rhinoplasty is the technique of choice for those who want to look good for a special occasion, such as a wedding or reunion, and don't have much time to prepare.
• It is also safer than surgical rhinoplasty because no anesthesia is required and infection is less of a risk.
• Because of the ease of the procedure, it is less expensive.
• Finally, it can help you "test-run" the idea of rhinoplasty and see whether you like the results you might get from a permanent surgical solution.

Disadvantages of non-surgical rhinoplasty

• It isn't permanent; like Botox, the effects gradually wear away, and recurring injections will be needed if you want to maintain your new look.
• Non-surgical rhinoplasty is not as effective as the surgical kind.
• It can't make the drastic alterations to your appearance that cosmetic surgery can, and it might not be able to fix some problems at all, such as reductions.

Whether non-surgical rhinoplasty is the best option for you will depend on what you're trying to achieve.

Is Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Right for Me?

Patients who choose alternative rhinoplasty methods have many reasons:

• They feel they are not ready for surgery.
• The change they want is minor and can be easily achieved with an alternative method.
• They are not good candidates for rhinoplasty surgery because of other medical conditions.
• They are ready to fix the flaws on their nose without surgery.

If this describes you and your desire to achieve results without invasive surgery, use our surgeon locator to find a non-surgical rhinoplasty physician near you.