Not every nose job necessarily requires full-on rhinoplasty surgery. A number of changes patients commonly desire can be accomplished using dermal fillers instead. This non-surgical alternative is often referred to as a “liquid nose job” or “nasal contouring.” Could it give you the results you want?
When it comes to the nose, even small changes in shape can make a tremendous difference. After all, our face is the first thing most people see and remember about us, and the nose is positioned front and center. If you feel uncomfortable about your nose, it can damage your self-esteem and become a distraction for you, even if no one else really notices the imperfection.
But surgery? That’s a big decision, in terms of time commitment, pain, recovery time, and cost. And there’s no guarantee you’ll love the results because there is no such thing as the perfect nose. So the non-surgical option can feel more comfortable. There are also fewer potential risks associated with non-surgical treatment.
What Can You Achieve?
Dermal fillers can be used to:
- Fill in depressions
- Raise the nasal bridge
- Make a dorsal hump appear less noticeable, especially in profile
- Improve symmetry
- Modify a droopy tip
Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez says that this option provides the most impact for disguising a hump and for building up the bridge. While dermal fillers add volume, a nose that looks better-balanced can actually appear somewhat smaller. On the other hand, if your goal is to reduce the overall size of your nose, this is not the solution for you.
It’s Temporary, and That Can Be a Good Thing
If you get rhinoplasty surgery and are not thrilled with the results, you will have to either live with them or undergo another surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is more difficult and comes with greater risks. Dermal fillers are temporary, providing results that last for a few years before the filler is absorbed by the body. You can renew the injections, of course, to maintain your new look.
But you can also make changes when you renew. A little more volume this time? A little less? No problem. This means you can refine results as you go, and over time you can make adjustments to accommodate changes due to aging.
You can also preview potential changes if you’re on the fence about surgery. In fact Dr. Elizabeth Hernandez says “a fair number of patients use fillers first, sometimes for several years, then undergo surgery.”
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Complements Other Facial Procedures
Typically, patients considering some type of facial rejuvenation zero in on lines and wrinkles, or sagging jowls, or their double chin, without considering the fact that all parts of the face affect overall balance and appearance. And many people just don’t know that dermal fillers can be used to contour the nose, says Dr. Hernandez. For this reason, she frequently discusses nose contouring with patients as part of their facial evaluation if she feels that they could benefit from it.
So What about You?
If something about your nose is bothering you, non-surgical rhinoplasty might be the solution. Make an appointment to talk with Dr. Hernandez. She can evaluate your nose and you can talk about the changes you’d like to see.
