Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Non-surgical rhinoplasty, also known as a liquid “nose job,” is a minimally invasive treatment used to alter a patient’s nose shape with injectable fillers. ⁽¹⁾ In the last 20 years, liquid rhinoplasty has become very popular as both an alternative and enhancement to surgical rhinoplasty. This procedure is typically performed using hyaluronic acid fillers to achieve aesthetic and functional augmentation of the nose. It is safe and effective and has been reported to last up to a year. ⁽¹⁾

Before & After Photos

View More

Dr. Jonathan Pontell and his team at Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgery Center provide quality care to patients in Greater Philadelphia. He is a double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes exclusively in facial plastic surgery. With almost 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Pontell is well-versed in all types of facial aesthetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical. If you have always wanted a nose job, but are not ready to undergo rhinoplasty surgery, schedule a consultation with him today. Call our office directly at (610) 688-7100, or fill out our short contact form to get started. 

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Techniques

Though the use of injectable fillers to augment the nose is not new by any means, it has grown in popularity in the last two decades. The general increased interest in dermal fillers for other facial contouring could explain this. Injecting fillers into the nose produces noticeable shape changes and can be easily customized to a patient’s preferences. To perform this procedure, Dr. Pontell uses his extended knowledge of facial structure to both provide quality results and increase efficacy.

How Does Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Work?

There are a range of reasons why a patient might want to alter the shape or outline of their nose. Dr. Pontell carefully assesses each patient to find the appropriate placement for filler to correct many different aesthetic issues. The most common are:

• Dorsal hump: A bump located in the middle of the nose bridge, often interrupting both its profile and straight-on view. This trait is typically inherited and ethnically relevant.  Noses universally look better without a dorsal hump.
• Collapsed nasal bridge: Often called a saddle nose deformity, this appears as a dip in the nose bridge that interrupts an aesthetic profile and front view. 
• Nasal sidewall abnormalities: When one side of the nasal sidewall is concave creating asymmetry.
• Nasal tip irregularities: Droopy nasal tip, depressions, insufficient tip projection, etc. 

What Fillers Are Used for Liquid Rhinoplasty?

Most surgeons recommend and often use hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers for this procedure. Dr. Pontell offers the full range of Restylane and Juvéderm dermal fillers, many of which may be utilized during non-surgical rhinoplasty. Both lines are proven to be effective, safe, and relatively long-lasting. They are composed of HA, a naturally occurring component found in the body’s connective tissues. When cross-linked, HA becomes more stable and lasts longer after injection. This makes these dermal fillers a viable option for nose augmentation that looks natural. They also provide optimal results with very little chance of a problem. ⁽²⁾

HA fillers are commonly used to address slight asymmetries even after surgical rhinoplasty. If a patient has undergone surgery previously, they can be utilized to enhance their results. For those who are not ready or completely against surgical nose jobs, non-surgical rhinoplasty using HA filler is an optimal procedure route.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Non-surgical rhinoplasty provides a variety of benefits including:

• Instant results
• No scarring
• Affordable treatments
• Reversible
• Quick process
• Minimally invasive
• Low risk
• Highly customizable
• Dramatically reshapes the nose without surgery

This procedure improves a patient’s facial appearance and symmetry without a large  risk of side effects. It can be used to make subtle changes to the nose, or it can correct distracting asymmetry to accomplish facial harmony. Furthermore, if a patient is unsatisfied with their new nasal contour, the HA filler will eventually dissolve over time or it can be dissolved immediately with a simple injection of hyaluronidase. 

Who is the Ideal Candidate?

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is meant for patients with mild to moderate aesthetic concerns. Since Restylane and Juvéderm are suitable for most patients, this procedure can be utilized by many. Patients must be in good overall health with reasonable expectations.

 Even though a nose is made larger by injecting HA fillers, the nose appears smaller when a dorsal hump is camouflaged. It is also important to remember that the treatment is not surgical, and therefore cannot achieve all of the results that surgical rhinoplasty might.

Personal Consultation

Dr. Pontell meets with each of his patients privately to discuss their cosmetic desires. He will assess your nose to determine if non-surgical rhinoplasty can help you achieve these goals. He will then perform a physical examination of the treatment area to help him map out your injection sites. This consultation will allow Dr. Pontell to make sure you make a good candidate, and if not, he will suggest a better direction to go in. Finally, a member of our staff will assist you in scheduling your non-surgical rhinoplasty for a later date.

Preparation

Dr. Pontell provides detailed instructions on how to get ready for your procedure that may include:

• Avoid NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen
• Stop smoking tobacco and nicotine products
• Stay away from herbal supplements

Generally, there is little preparation necessary before receiving HA dermal fillers. Stay hydrated and eat a nutritious meal before your procedure.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Treatment Steps

 Dr. Pontell starts your procedure by administering a topical numbing agent. He then injects very small amounts of filler according to his procedure plan, taking his time to place it at the correct depth. Depending on the amount of augmentation you seek, this can take at little as 10 minutes to complete. After injection, Dr. Pontell lightly massages the area to make sure the filler settles properly. He may apply a cooling agent to soothe any residual pain. 

Minimal Recovery, Lasting Results

There is little to no recovery time associated with non-surgical rhinoplasty. You may experience some bruising and discomfort in the days after your procedure, but this subsides quickly. There is typically redness and irritation around the injection sites. This also fades with time. You are free to resume your regular activities when the procedure is through. 

There are many factors that influence the length of results after this procedure, but typically the results last for 1 year. However, it is imperative that you understand your results are temporary. To keep them for an extended period of time, you must receive treatment again in the future.

Corresponding & Complementary Procedures 

More Locations for Dermal Filler Injection

While a non-surgical rhinoplasty changes the shape of the nose, Restylane and Juvéderm fillers can be utilized elsewhere to further enhance facial contours. Restylane Lyft is a popular HA filler used to add volume to the cheeks. It can also be used to correct asymmetries on the jawline, chin, and temples. The most common area for filler augmentation along with a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty is the chin. A Non-Surgical Chin Augmentation can help create a dramatic change in a patient’s profile.  For moderate to severe wrinkles, Juvéderm Vollure XC can tackle lines around the mouth and nose. It can be applied to smooth out nasolabial folds and smile lines.

These fillers can be administered during your non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure. They can help enhance your results and add volume and radiance to the skin.

Ultherapy

For comprehensive and non-surgical skin tightening, Dr. Pontell offers Ultherapy treatments. This device uses ultrasonic energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production. There are no needles, only micro-focused ultrasonic energy that evenly heats the skin causing controlled tiny thermal injuries. This initiates the body’s natural healing process, effectively speeding up the production of the skin’s most viable components. Collagen and elastin production slows down as we age, leading to less skin elasticity and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Ultherapy is a simple and quick treatment that tightens the skin without the need for a facelift.

Cost of Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty in Philadelphia 

When compared to surgical nose jobs, this treatment is highly affordable. To receive an accurate cost estimate, you can schedule your private consultation with Dr. Pontell in Philadelphia today. Call our beautiful facility at (610) 688-7100 or fill out our convenient contact form. We hope to hear from you soon!

In the meantime, read Dr. Pontell’s blog to learn more about the exciting procedures he performs every day.

FAQ

References

1. Hall SC, Kontis TC. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty. World Journal of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. 2023;9(3). doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/wjo2.104
2. Baser B, Singh P, Shubha P, Roy PK, Chaubey P. Non-surgical Rhinoplasty and Use of Hyaluronic Acid Based Dermal Filler-User Experience in Few Subjects. Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery. 2020;73(1):52-58. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-020-02100-8