Can I Use Fillers for a Nose Job and Chin Augmentation? (photo)

This is a great question that will stimulate some controversial answers. As surgeons, and some non-surgeons, find out what the risks and limitations of fillers are we still have to advise our patients of what has worked best historically. The changes you seek can be done efficiently and permanently with fairly simple surgical procedures. These are time tested and safe. The use of fillers is not based on long term results, and there have been some significant complications, particularly in the nose. Most FDA approved fillers can be used "off-label" if a doctor decides it is in the patient's best interest. There are no FDA approved uses for fillers in the nose or chin. The other issue is cost. Fillers will last at most about one year, then you must redo the procedure or lose the effect. This can cost many thousands of dollars over a few years. The surgical cost is more up front, and there is a recovery period, but you will spend less over time. Make sure you seek advice from doctors who are able to perform both fillers and nasal/chin surgery. Many non-surgeons will only recommend the fillers, which may not be in your best interest.

    The filler would be appropriate for the nose softening and the chin augmentation as well.   However, you would be better served financially with a chin implant rather than spend your money on a huge volume of filler to get that degree of improvement.  Radiesse injected directly on the bone works well. 

           Chin augmentation with implant can be done for $3000 to $4000.  Radiesse is variable, but $750 per syringe is reasonable.  You may need 4 of those syringes to get that degree of improvement in the chin, and this will not be permanent.

A filler is an excellent way to augment the nose or chin. Here are some things to consider:


filler is  temporary and can give you a preview of a possible surgical fix

implants and surgery are hard to correct if you don't like the result

hyaluronic acid fillers are always reversible if you don't like the result

filler, though temporary, can be very long-lasting in both of these areas

it often lasts well beyond a year, as these sites are relatively immobile, making this option cost-effective

at the base, or "root" of the nose, a hyaluronic acid filler is safest because it is reversible

always have a very experienced physician do your injection, one who understands the anatomy and risks of injecting the nose area