Quick Answer....Yes there is a "quick-fix" nose job

David Mabrie, MD answers: Is there a such thing as a "quick-fix" nose job?

I have seen new articles detailing a procedure that basically deals primarily with decreasing nostril width, and not so much with breaking bones of the nose? I have been told that this is a popular alternative to traditional rhinoplasty in ethnic communities? does this procedure exist, and if so what are the major differences in how the procedure is conducted?


David Mabrie, MD
7 months ago

Patients can achieve subtle, yet remarkable results with non-surgical and "limited" rhinoplasty.  In my practice, we see numerous patients from all ethnic backgrounds seeking to refine their nose and characteristics - not change them.  Small changes can make a big difference.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is performed by using long-lasting dermal fillers (Restylane, Juvederm, Elevess, etc) to build up the bridge of the nose, camouflage small humps, and elongate the dorsum.  The procedure is done in-office in about 1 hour. 

For patients who desire tip-refinement, nostril flare reduction, and/or large, hump reduction, a "limited rhinoplasty" can be performed.  In some cases, the procedure can be performed in-office. 

Both of these procedures work-well for ethnic patients looking to make slight changes to their nose without a "full" rhinoplasty procedure.

Before scheduling a procedure, make sure that your surgeon is board-certified and specializes in rhinoplasty.  If you are seeking a "non-surgical" rhinoplasty with dermal-fillers, make sure that your surgeon has experience with this treatment. 

Ask to view patient before and after photographs and gather patient references.

Take advantage of computer-generated imaging if your surgeon offers it!

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A: Ethnic Rhinoplasties

Steven H. Williams, MD
10 months ago

In my practice we see a good number of ethnic rhinoplasty patients (primarily Asian and African American), and I have yet to see a patient who was a good candidate for any of the "Quick Fix Nose Job" procedures. 

As Dr. Moelleken and Dr. Shah point out - these techniques usually involve injection of dermal filler to create temporary improvements in balance.  These techniques are more challenging in many ethnic patients because the dermis can be thicker.

And as always, short cuts usually come at a price.  Rhinoplasty can be a very challenging surgery to correct if done wrong.  Your best bet is to have the right surgery the first time.

Talk to a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and develop a plan for you.

Good luck!

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A: May be an option if all you need to fix is thin nostrils

Usha Rajagopal, MD
12 months ago

If all you need to fix is nostril width, then this is a good option for you, and should only take about ten days to heal. If its anything other than nostril width that is causing the problem (a bump in the nose caused by bone, etc) then you will have to get traditional rhinoplasty surgery.

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