The shape of your nose can significantly impact not just how you look but also your self-confidence. As much as friends and family may assure you they can’t see the problem, nose size and shape can sometimes become a source of insecurity, especially regarding photographs or dating.
Nose insecurity has established rhinoplasty as one of the top five most popular cosmetic surgery procedures worldwide — but one study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal discovered the average rate of rhinoplasty revision was 9.8%. So what are the alternatives? That’s where non-surgical nose jobs come in.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty — a non-surgical nose job or liquid nose job — uses filler to reshape the nose. At our Harley Street clinic, all dermal filler injections are administered using hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers, which are widely considered the safest available in the cosmetic industry. HA occurs naturally within the body and has an important structural function. In Hollywood, a liquid nose job is often called a “lunchtime nose job”, as the results can be achieved instantly with virtually no downtime.
Nose filler can change the shape of your nose by filling out target areas to create a smoother or more heightened effect. Depending on the part of your nose you want to alter and the degree of filler required, it is possible to achieve a subtle or dramatic change using HA fillers. Generally, you will receive multiple filler injections in certain strategic areas of your nose to create the shape you want.
Non-surgical nose reshaping for men and women has revolutionised how we can change people’s appearance. These options are particularly popular with people with a curved nose, a hook-shaped nose, or a bump on the nasal bridge. So, if you fall into one of those categories, a non-surgical nose procedure may offer you the natural look you want.
Whether you have been considering a traditional rhinoplasty procedure or prefer to avoid going under the knife, a liquid nose job could transform your nose in as little as 30 minutes. Read on to find out what you can expect from a non-surgical nose job and why it could be an ideal alternative to traditional rhinoplasty.
For many people, a nose job is a frightening prospect. Having anyone change your face without knowing or seeing the exact outcome can be unnerving, especially as you can’t be sure if the result will look subtle or natural.
A good surgeon, doctor or cosmetic practitioner should always listen to your requests and you should always be clear about the kind of result you’re after. Having photographs is useful, as is explaining the type of shape and style you’re hoping to achieve. If you want your nose job to look subtle and natural, a good doctor will prioritise this and ensure you get the desired results.
Nose filler treatment is relatively painless. Numbing cream is applied, and the HA filler is administered with a thin needle — the sensation could be compared to tiny stings or bites. A liquid nose job is also quick, usually taking between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on the amount of filler used and the treatment areas. You can immediately return to your day-to-day activities, as the procedure requires no downtime or recovery.
As with any procedure, you should weigh up any pros and cons before taking the plunge.
One of the top reasons people choose nose fillers is the benefit of immediate results. This, combined with no downtime or long recovery, makes it appealing when compared to a surgical procedure.
For anyone debating getting a non-surgical rhinoplasty, there’s the added advantage of it being reversible in some cases. One of the benefits of using hyaluronic acid is it is completely dissolvable if you are unhappy with the result.
One other significant benefit is the difference in cost. Nose filler is much more affordable than surgery, making nose reshaping more accessible for people with a smaller budget.
Due to the nature of this procedure, the results aren’t permanent. Fillers provide temporary results, and while they can be easily topped up, some people prefer to opt for more permanent surgery-based options to avoid any upkeep or maintenance.
For anyone wanting to reduce the overall size of their nose significantly, non-surgical rhinoplasty may not be the best option as nose fillers cannot reduce nose size, only reshape. It’s worth consulting an expert, though, as filler in some nose areas can address facial imbalance. When combined with other facial procedures, it can help create facial harmony, which in turn can create the illusion of a smaller nose.
As with any procedure, minor swelling or bruising may occur after your treatment. Other side effects can include redness and tenderness, which typically dissipate within a few days. You may also feel some firmness in certain areas of your nose, which will soften within one to two weeks.
In non-surgical nose reshaping, the longevity of results varies between individuals depending on age, general health, the type of fillers used and lifestyle. A liquid nose job with HA filler typically lasts between 12 and 18 months, after which repeat treatments may be required to maintain the amended nose profile and shape. Other types of dermal filler may last longer. However, they are not dissolvable and have a higher associated rate of risks and complications.
If you’re not ready for a complete surgical nose job or do not want to undergo one, a liquid nose job allows you to see how your nose looks when the shape is altered without committing to a surgical procedure.
Results from non-surgical rhinoplasty can differ enormously, and choosing the right practitioner to perform the procedure is critical. At Harley Street MD in London, your procedure will be carried out by Dr Chia Tan, an experienced and respected aesthetic doctor who is a member of the following organisations:
• Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCSEd).
• British College of Aesthetic Medicine (MBCAM).
• European College of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery (ECAMS).
• Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP).
Before your liquid nose job, Dr Tan will assess your facial anatomy and discuss your desired results in detail. Tailoring techniques are an essential part of creating an optimal outcome, and during your consultation, you will be fully aware of the results you can expect. This ensures you receive the treatment that will create the best results for you — and a clear understanding of what to expect from the procedure.
The procedure for the non-surgical nose job is straightforward. When you come into the clinic, we’ll make you feel comfortable and cleanse and disinfect your skin. We’ll apply a topical numbing cream to ensure your comfort, but you may feel a slight pinch from the insertion of the needle. A local anaesthetic is integrated within the dermal fillers to further minimise discomfort during and after the procedure. The doctor will apply the hyaluronic acid (HA) based filler to the appropriate areas based on your desired shape.
Nose filler can be a great option for anyone wanting to adjust the shape of their nose and is especially effective for those who desire a different shape or angle of the nose tip. The best candidates for non-surgical rhinoplasty may have:
Furthermore, nose filler can be used after surgical rhinoplasty if the results are not as desired or if the nose is too delicate for future surgery. This could be due to a major break or repeated revision rhinoplasty procedures.
Following a liquid nose job, there are very few restrictions on what you can do, but there are a few things you should avoid in the first 24 hours.
To allow the filler to settle, you should:
• Avoid touching, itching, rubbing or picking around or inside the nose
• Avoid alcohol
• Limit activity, and don’t do anything strenuous as this can increase and prolong swelling
• Avoid intense heat — we’d recommend avoiding sunbathing, hot baths and saunas
• Steer clear of extreme cold, so snow sports are a definite no-go.
Makeup, sunscreen, and cleansing products can be used immediately, but we recommend waiting 24 hours before you apply anything to your nose. Rather than using your fingers, a makeup brush is a good idea. But take care not to use pressure when applying products to your nose area.
As most skin damage is caused by the sun, it is best to try to stay inside for the first 24 hours. Then, we’d always recommend using a sunscreen protection factor (SPF) 50 or over for the face, reapplied every two hours if you spend any time outside. Not only will this prevent skin damage, but it will also help maintain your skin’s look and health.
A liquid nose job might not be the most appropriate option for everyone. Occasionally, a surgical nose job might be required to lower your nasal bridge, make it narrower or if you have a significant bump. But in most cases, nose fillers can correct the nasal shape without surgery.
Your satisfaction is our priority, and if Dr Tan does not think he can achieve the results you are looking for with dermal fillers, he will always be frank with you. We’re experts in subtly changing the shape of your nose, which can lead to impressive structure and shape changes overall. A tiny change in the shape of your nose can lead to a big difference in the structure of your face — and nose fillers are an ideal way to achieve this.