Do non surgical nose jobs work?

A non-surgical rhinoplasty or non-surgical nose job uses injection of safe and effective filler materials (typically Radiesse) to alter the shape of the nose. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a quick and easy alternative for those who want to improve certain features of their nose but are not yet ready for a surgical rhinoplasty. Non-surgical rhinoplasty takes less than five minutes to perform and has minimal discomfort and minimal recovery associated with it. Results typically last up to one year.  Non-surgical rhinoplasty should ideally be performed by a surgeon who is also experienced in surgical rhinoplasty.

It is important to realize that a non-surgical rhinoplasty can only be used to alter the shape by adding structure to the nose and cannot remove any structure form the nose.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty can help with the following types of noses:

1. Noses with small humps or bumps
2. Noses that have had prior surgery and are overly scooped (ski slope noses)
3. Saddle nose deformity, also known as boxer's nose, which is caused by collapse of nasal structures typically caused by fracture
4. Pollybeak (aka poly Beak or supratip deformity) deformity
5. Nose with a retracted columella (a sharp and deep angle between the upper lip and the nose)
6. Noses with slight asymmetry

Non-surgical rhinoplasty typically cannot help with the following types of noses:

1. Noses with large humps
2. Large noses
3. Noses with significant asymmetry
4. Noses that need tip reduction

The most common filler material used for non-surgical rhinoplasty is Radiesse. Radiesse is ideal for non-surgical rhinoplasty because it is soft enough that it can be injected and molded into shape, yet firm enough that it maintains its shape after injection. Radiesse is made up of tiny granules Calcium (the main element of human bone) so it is very safe and well tolerated by the body.  I have also performed a number of non-surgical rhinoplasty procedures using Restylane and fat injections. It is very important that the filler material is injected deeply, just above the bone of cartilage of the nose.

The cost of a non-surgical rhinoplasty is $1000 for the initial session, which is a fraction of the cost of a surgical rhinoplasty. If additional product is needed for touch-ups, the cost can range from $300 to $795.

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.