Ask a plastic surgeon: What is a non-surgical nose job?

A nose job, designed to modify the size and shape of a nose to improve facial harmony, is one of the most common procedures in plastic surgery. A few years ago, surgery was the only way to achieve this. Now, an alternative procedure called a non-surgical nose job, is on the rise.

Here to provide a detailed insight into what a non-surgical nose job entails, including how it differs from a surgical nose job and who is a suitable candidate, is Mr Naveen Cavale, esteemed consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon.

Why might a non-surgical nose job be performed?

A non-surgical nose job can straighten, lift and reduce the size of a nose. This can help to correct noses that are misshapen, crooked, hooked or that appear to have a bump.

How is a non-surgical nose job achieved? What does the procedure involve exactly?

Using a fine needle, small doses of dermal filler are administered underneath the skin. They are placed in areas that are strategically chosen to help contour and restructure the shape of the nose. By filling out the dents and dips in the nose, a more aesthetic profile is achieved, with more balanced proportions.

The result of a non-surgical nose job procedure can completely change the appearance of the nose, straightening it and in most cases, reducing the size as well. This is due to the dermal filler, which causes the light to reflect off the nose so as not to produce shadows. The nose looks both straighter and smaller, as a result.

Patients with a dorsal hump (bump) on the nose may especially benefit from this. In cases where a patient has a hooked nose, a pixie nose lift or a pixie tip lift may be performed. With a pixie nose lift, the tip of the nose will be lifted to help decrease the look of the downturned hook.

How long does a non-surgical nose job procedure take?

Through a non-surgical nose job, the appearance of a straighter and smaller nose can be achieved in around 15 minutes.

How does a non-surgical nose job compare to a surgical nose job?

A surgical nose job (called a rhinoplasty) is an extremely complicated and invasive procedure. For this reason, the recovery period is long and side effects include bruising as well as pain. It is also expensive. Above all, there is always the risk that the patient may not like or may not be convinced with the appearance of their nose post-surgery.

A non-surgical nose job is a quick and more cost-effective procedure with little recovery time. Most importantly, results are temporary. This means that patients who are dissatisfied with the outcome of the procedure can request filler dissolving, to break down the filler and return the nose back to its original shape.

How long do the results of a non-surgical nose job last?

Although reversible and temporary, the results of a non-surgical nose job can last for up to 12-18 months. Patients will need top ups of dermal filler in their nose to maintain their profile.

If you are considering a non-surgical nose job, and would like to know more about this plastic surgery treatment, do not hesitate to visit Mr Cavale’s Top Doctors profile today.