Is filler in the tip/lower lateral cartilage area okay?

Soft tissue fillers can be used in certain situations to correct deformities of the nose. One of the more common uses is to fill depressions of the nose especially after surgery. There are several important considerations when using soft tissue fillers in the nose to improve safety and prevent both short and long term complications. Use temporary fillers NOT permanent (Silicone, Artecol). Use gel fillers NOT particulate (Radiesse, Sculptra). The amount of filler injected at one time must not be excessive as this can cause problems with not only the appearance but also the blood supply. Hyaluronic acid fillers are ideal for injection into the nose as they are temporary (usually last for over 1 year) and gel. Additionally, if too much filler is injected or there are problems with blood flow to the nose, an enzyme (hyaluronidase) can be injected to dissolve the product and reduce the risk of skin loss and scarring. Both Juvederm and Restylene are commonly used hyaluronic acid fillers. Another consideration is that you have had previous surgery which causes the skin to be less pliable, so injecting fillers can be more challenging. In these situations with thin skin and scar tissue, using a hyaluronic acid filler that is softer is better to avoid pressure necrosis and skin loss. Additionally, small volumes should be injected and sometimes this may need to be done over several sessions instead of a large volume in one session. You would benefit from seeing a board certified plastic surgeon that performs both revision rhinoplasty and soft tissue filler injections into the nose to see what would be an appropriate option for you.

 We do not recommend fillers to be placed and the tip of the nose. If there is deficient cartilage, then cartilage grafting techniques are employed to reconstruct the nasal tip which  is what should be in that area of the nose. For many examples  of surgical closed rhinoplasty, please see the link below to our rhinoplasty photo Gallery

Traditionally the best way to correct small defects following a rhinoplasty has been a small revision surgery using either small pieces of cartilage or soft tissue. More recently, we have been using small amounts of filler to correct subtle nasal tip defects. Used judiciously and artistically, it has been quite effective for those people with small contour issues that don't want to have another surgery. Interestingly, although the effect of the filler typically goes away over a 6-9 month period, when used in the nose it tends to last much longer (12-15 months), and I have had a few patients who haven't needed further injections after being injected for a second or third time. Importantly, you have to be very careful when injecting into the nasal tip. It is not without risks and should be done by a very experienced injector. Good luck.