Non-surgical rhinoplasty has become a more common alternative to traditional nose surgery, especially for those who are looking to make small adjustments without undergoing an operation.
While it’s not a replacement for surgical rhinoplasty when it comes to more structural changes or breathing-related issues, it can still offer a way to alter the surface shape of the nose using a volume-adding treatment instead of incisions.
In this blog, we’ll examine the actual process of non-surgical rhinoplasty, the kinds of changes it can make, the typical duration of the results, and recovery and aftercare.
What is a non-surgical rhinoplasty, and how can it reshape the nose?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty involves using a temporary volume-adding material that’s placed under the skin to make small surface-level adjustments to the nose.
The procedure can be used to fill certain areas of the nose where there are shallow areas, make slight profile changes (such as reducing the appearance of a dorsal hump), or address symmetry.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty may help improve the appearance of certain nasal features, such as the tip or base, and in some cases, may provide temporary support to the nasal tip. Results vary depending on individual anatomy and goals.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty may also help improve the appearance of nasal asymmetry in some individuals. Results vary depending on individual anatomy and treatment goals.
It may be suitable for candidates who may have already had a surgical rhinoplasty and want minor touch-ups without another operation, or for those who are just after very subtle changes to the shape of their nose rather than major structural changes.
How is the treatment performed?
The procedure is usually performed without the need for anaesthesia – typically, the treatment area can be numbed with a topical anaesthetic beforehand.
The material is then placed into the areas of the nose that need adjusting, such as the bridge, tip, or the area above the tip.
There’s often a bit of manual shaping involved straight after the placement of the volume-adding treatment, where your practitioner may use their fingers to gently shape the nose to encourage an even distribution while the material is still malleable.
Recovery: What to expect after a non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure
Soon after the procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling, particularly around the tip and bridge of the nose. There may also be some redness, tenderness, or slight bruising.
These side effects usually subside within a few days, although the final shape of the nose may not be fully visible until the swelling subsides entirely, which can sometimes take up to a week.
You’ll likely be given some aftercare advice, such as avoiding pressure on the nose, not wearing glasses for a few days, and avoiding of strenuous exercise for at least 24 to 48 hours. These guidelines are in place to avoid disturbing the placement of the volume-adding material during the early stages.
You should also avoid massaging or touching the nose unnecessarily during this time. While the material may still be a little soft during the first day or so, it will begin to integrate and hold its shape quite quickly, so it’s important that you don’t interfere with the treated area while it’s settling.
Recovery and care after your nose reshaping treatment
After the treatment, most people can go back to their regular routine quite quickly, sometimes even the same day, although it’s recommended that you take some precautions for the rest of the day after treatment.
Swelling is typically the most noticeable side effect and is usually mild. Some localised tenderness may last for a day or two, and bruising, if it occurs, usually goes away within a week.
You may be advised to avoid lying face down, applying pressure to the nose, or wearing heavy-framed glasses until the material has settled more firmly into place.
There’s usually no need for dressings or bandages, and unlike surgical rhinoplasty, there are no incisions to manage. However, you may be asked to come back in for a review appointment to make sure the results are stable and that there are no irregularities in how the shape has formed.
How long do the results last?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty isn’t permanent. The material used will gradually break down and be reabsorbed by the body over time.
In general, results tend to last from six months to about a year, although this depends on how your body metabolises the material, and how much was used.
Repeat treatments are possible and often done once the results have subsided, or if small adjustments are needed after the initial treatment.
Who the treatment may be suited to
The non-surgical nose reshaping procedure is generally suitable for those who only want smaller-scale adjustments made to the shape of their nose, without a surgical approach.
It’s often used to lift a slightly low nasal tip, address irregularities on the nose bridge, or conceal a dorsal hump. It can also be useful in addressing minor asymmetrical features, particularly if the asymmetry is due to a difference in volume.
It’s not typically suitable for someone who is looking to structurally make the nose smaller or narrower, or for those with structural concerns that affect breathing. For patients with these specific types of needs, surgical rhinoplasty would typically be the more appropriate option, as it allows for internal adjustments to the cartilage and nasal passages that a non-invasive treatment can’t achieve.
If you’re unsure about which type of rhinoplasty is better suited to your nose, a consultation is the best way to find out. Your facial proportions, nasal structure, and the results you’re aiming for should all be considered when deciding which approach will work best.
Possible risks and complications to be aware of before having your treatment
While the treatment isn’t surgical, there are still some possible risks and complications that can occur. It is still important to be aware of these in advance, so that any steps can be taken to prevent them from occurring.
Since the nose has a network of blood vessels, very careful placement of the volume-adding material is absolutely essential to avoid serious complications like vascular occlusion.
On a more minor level, complications like uneven distribution or unsatisfactory results can also occur.
While more concerning complications are relatively rare, they do highlight the importance of choosing someone with specific experience in performing cosmetic treatments.
Contact our team to book your treatment with Dr Attalla at Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne
Dr Mark Attalla is a respected Fellow of the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery, as well as the founder and director of Chelsea Cosmetics Melbourne.
Before having any treatment, including a non-surgical rhinoplasty or nose reshaping procedure, you’ll need to let Dr Attalla know what changes you would like to make, so that he can plan your personalised treatment to suit your needs. You will also need to talk about any possible health conditions that could impact your suitability to undergo the procedure, and learn about any helpful steps that can help you minimise complications as much as you can.
Once you are ready to book your consultation for your non-surgical rhinoplasty treatment with Dr Attalla, you are welcome to contact our team. Please also feel free to get in touch if you have any questions before your consultation.
