Whether it’s referred to as a “nose filler,” “wet nose job,” or “non-surgical/rhinoplasty/nose reshaping,” cosmetic treatment that promises to redefine the shape of the nose continues to grow.
“More and more aestheticians are practicing this procedure worldwide,” says Dr. Ashwin Soni, plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of The Soni Clinic. “However, they are still one of the highest-risk areas of treatment with fillers, so choosing a highly skilled practitioner who has extensive knowledge of anatomy is imperative.”
Here, Dr Soni and Dr Marco Nicoloso, aesthetic doctor and medical director at Uronyxreveals everything there is to know about how non-surgical nose jobs really work, who they’re best for, the results and risks – plus, how to find a professional you can trust.
How are non-surgical nose jobs done and how can they change the shape of your nose?
“This precise technique involves the strategic use of dermal filler to address nasal imperfections. Injecting small amounts of filler in multiple areas, including the bridge and tip of the nose, can make it appear straighter and slimmer [even if it isn’t literally narrower]while improving the overall shape and side profile,” explains Dr Nicoloso.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
Dr Soni adds: “A non-surgical rhinoplasty is suitable for patients with a drooping nasal tip or a bump – known as a ‘dorsal bump’ of the nose – that bothers them. Strategic placement of filler in a nonsurgical rhinoplasty can improve the nasal tip, lift the tip, and straighten the lateral profile by correcting the bump.”
What does a non-surgical nose job involve?
“There is an initial consultation to assess suitability and then a discussion on the choice of filler,” says Dr Nicoloso.
“After cleansing, using a small needle, we inject the dermal filler into the specific areas to reshape and strengthen, adding volume, filling in hollows or smoothing out irregularities.”
Dr. Soni adds, “There is a strategy to the order of which part of the nose to start and end with.”
The results are immediate, he adds, “but I always advise my patients to wait a few days for the mild swelling to subside. I personally see all my patients come back for a follow-up in a month to see how it has settled down.” Dr. Nicoloso also welcomes all patients to return for an aftercare appointment to evaluate how the filler has settled.
What are the benefits of this treatment over traditional rhinoplasty?
Dr. Soni explains: “Now we have more and more options for performing non-surgical procedures. Being non-surgical means less risk, less downtime and fewer side effects. We can do so much in just ten minutes and without pain. Rhinoplasty surgery, however, takes a month or more to recover from and the results are not always perfect.”
What else should you consider when choosing between a surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty?
As a plastic surgeon, Dr Soni has extensive experience performing surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty, which allows him the experience to be able to guide patients in the direction that works for their goals and their particular anatomy. “The only way to really know if you would be a good candidate for non-surgical rhinoplasty or surgical rhinoplasty is to consult with an experienced provider,” she says.
In addition to the advantages of a non-surgical rhinoplasty mentioned above, there are some disadvantages that should be noted: “You cannot make the nose narrower or thinner and you cannot address any internal narrowing – and in these cases I would recommend a formal rhinoplasty surgery. “
What has influenced the rise of filler use to transform the nose?
“More and more patients are becoming aware of rhinoplasty with fillers, and so as it spreads across different platforms, an increasing number of people are booking one,” says Dr Soni.
“The rise of the selfie over the years, shared across all social media platforms, has certainly influenced interest in non-surgical rhinoplasty,” he adds. you can often see the bump or drooping nasal tip quite clearly.”
Dr Nicoloso agrees. “The rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok has certainly popularized this treatment. A lot of people are exposed to before and after photos and transformations, which has sparked interest and curiosity.” This, plus the advantages of a short procedure time, minimal downtime and side effects (in terms of bruising), and that it is relatively safe when performed by an experienced physician, make it attractive to more people.
What if you don’t like the results?
Dr. Nicoloso notes that “another advantage of non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers is that it is not permanent and can be dissolved using Hyaluronidase which breaks down hyaluronic acid, allowing them to be removed or adjusted if you are not satisfied with the shape and final treatment effect”.
Is it simple to dissolve the filler?
“It is possible to dissolve the filler if you want to reverse the results, but you don’t want to do that unless it’s really a problem,” says Dr. Soni. “I’ve never had to dissolve my own filler in practice and I hope I never will, as it can affect your normal tissues as well and it doesn’t just break down the filler. So, yes, this is a reversible process, but the breakup can be avoided by having a big conversation before you go ahead and making sure you fully trust the provider when you come out of that consultation.”
Does the procedure hurt?
Dr. Nicoloso explains, “it can be slightly uncomfortable; however, we use a local anesthetic so that the area is numb.” Additionally, the filler generally used includes anesthetic in it, which further numbs the area, so the pain is considered tolerable. Dr. Soni adds that he uses a variety of ways to minimize discomfort, “from local anesthetic to ice creams to the smallest needles I can use for that particular procedure.”
How long do results usually last?
According to Dr. Nicoloso, “Results last approximately 12 to 18 months, although some may require a minor touch-up in between.” Dr. Soni finds that results last between 12 and 24 months on average.
How safe is a non-surgical nose job?
Dr. Soni believes that non-surgical nose jobs are safe in the right hands, but since it is one of the higher risk filler procedures, it is imperative to see the most experienced practitioner. “I personally use the amazing quality Swiss Teoxane filler, which is metabolized and broken down by the body naturally.”
What are the side effects and risks?
Some side effects related to the injection may occur, such as redness, tenderness, swelling, and bruising, but none of these are very serious and will subside in a few days. But, as with all cosmetic fillers, in addition, there is the risk associated with the filler itself. “In rare cases the filler can get into the wrong area, if this happens and there is filler in an artery it can cause a blockage so blood cannot flow through the vessel, causing a vascular occlusion (occlusion). This can lead to tissue death in this area known as necrosis which can eventually lead to blindness,” explains Dr Nicoloso.
What regulation is there in the UK?
Dr Soni warns that there is a significant lack of regulation in the UK around aesthetic treatments and injectables. “Since this is a higher risk procedure with fillers, make sure you do your homework on your provider. One should check with the respective providers that run the bodies to ensure they have a medical license to practice, for example the General Medical Council for Practitioners (GMC) is a good place to start. Study their website and find out where and what their training consists of. This is not a procedure you want performed by a non-medical professional. There can be serious risks if the provider is not extremely well trained, so don’t choose a provider simply based on the cost of the treatment.”
How else to choose a reliable professional?
“First, the number one priority is to thoroughly research your chosen provider,” reiterates Dr. Soni. “Before starting any procedure, it’s important to have a long discussion with your provider about what can realistically be achieved with a non-surgical consultation and whether you would be happy with it. Also, study a provider’s before-and-after photos to make sure your aesthetic goals align with the types of results they offer. You should also know what filler your provider is using and make sure it is hyaluronic acid based and the highest quality product. Finally, it is very important to check that a clinic or provider has an out-of-hours number that you can text or call in case of problems. You should have a way to contact this clinic if you need to.’
