Can a non-surgical nose job replace rhinoplasty?

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a precudure where a filler such as Restylane or Radiesse is injected into the nose, to change the contour. There has been significant media coverage of "non-surgical rhinoplasty". However, non-surgical rhinoplasty can not replace rhinoplasty for cosmetic improvement of the nose. There are only a few limited indications where non-surgical rhinoplasty can be effective. These include:

1. Effacement of depressions on the dorsum of the nose.

2. Smoothing of the edges in a small dorsal hump.

3. Augmenting a retrusive naso-labial angle.

However, non-surgical rhinoplasty is not indicated for:

1. Making a nose smaller or narrower

2. Making a tip more defined or smaller

3. De-projecting a nose, or narrowing the nostrils.

More over, non-surgical rhinoplasty with filler injections has a temporary effect, and will require repeated treatments every 6 to 12 months. Each treatment can cost between $700 to $1000. Although a single treatment is cheaper than a nose job, if the process has to be repeated over six times, a nose job would be increasingly a cheaper alternative.

I suggest you consult a facial plastic surgeon, who is capable of performing either procedure, in order to have a full discussion of risks and benefits of each alternative.

Currently there is a trend in cosmetic procedures for "non-surgical" solutions. One procedure that has receiving press is the non-surgical rhinoplasty or nose surgery. This is a term used to describe a technique in which synthetic injectable (Restylane, Radiesse, etc.) are injected in the nose to change the shape of the nose.

As a rhinoplasty surgeon in New York City, I have had several patients inquire about this procedure. I warn these patients of marketing terms used to sell a procedure and always recommend doing your homework before consenting to a new trend in cosmetic surgery. I have several concerns about this technique.

1. Patients should understand that this is a temporary solution. Currently, the only synthetic injectable materials FDA approved for cosmetic purposes are temporary. So patients must understand that future treatments will be required to maintain the changes.
2. I only recommend this technique to address very subtle depression on the nose. For example, if you had a small area on the bridge or sidewall of your nose you may be a candidate for this technique. However if you desired larger changes, such as changes to tip shape, to the width of the nose, or to the shape of your bridge I would not recommend using this technique.
3. Frequently, nasal surgery is done to improve your breathing. A "non-surgical" rhinoplasty will not address your breathing issues.

Hi,

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is performed by injecting fillers to correct bridge or dorsal deformities. These corrections are not permanent because the fillers are usually temporary. If you are a candidate for this procedure, it may be a good way for you to see the effects of a real rhinoplasty.

However, non-surgical rhinoplasty does not yield long lasting results. The fillers may also cause permanent scarring which can make a subsequent rhinoplasty more difficult.

Best,

Dr.S.

Helpful?

Contact the doctor