Non-surgical Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly requested procedures in Plastic Surgery. It is a powerful technique that can bring harmony to facial features, or when desired, completely transform one’s look.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty can achieve some, but not all, of the same objectives as traditional rhinoplasty. Its appeal lies in the fact that results are immediate with virtually no down-time. In other words, you can have your nose reshaped in our office, and be back at work within an hour or less.
Although traditionally a surgical procedure, nose reshaping can now be accomplished using HA fillers. These are the same fillers we use for lip enhancement or correction of facial lines. Nose reshaping with fillers is an excellent option for clients who are hesitant to undergo surgery or simply unsure as to their aesthetic goals. Because HA fillers are temporary and can even be reversed, it allows clients to “preview” what a surgical rhinoplasty may look like without the commitment to surgery.
I first became interested in the possibility of minimally invasive nose reshaping years ago early in my practice when I attended the Dallas Rhinoplasty Course. Dr. Rod Rohrich had recently published his work on non-surgical rhinoplasty. Dr. Rohrich cautioned against using HA fillers other than Restylane in the nose due to the possibility of nodule formation. Since then, I have used Prollenium Versa with excellent results. Versa is an HA filler that has been shown to have some of the lowest rates of nodule formation in the industry. Over the years, many Plastic Surgeons and Dermatologist have offered different approaches to non-invasive nose reshaping. I have found there are specific features of the nose that can be reliably improved with fillers alone.
In our practice, we use HA Fillers to improve Nasal Tip projection and rotation; refinement of the Nasal Radix; and correction of a Dorsal Hump Deformity. I typically proceed with a Top Down approach — that is to say, I first improve the radix then smooth the dorsal hump. At this point, I reassess whether the tip requires further projection or rotation. In many cases, refinement of the nasal dorsum delivers the desired results and no manipulation of the nasal tip is required. In other clients, the treatment is focused solely on the nasal tip in order to create projection, which by itself may be all the client needs.
Non-invasive rhinoplasty is a highly customized and patient specific treatment requiring advanced aesthetic skills. In our practice, we sometimes use virtual imaging (Crisalix) to help plan the treatment. The consultation and treatment may be performed at the same time and lasts about 45-minutes.
As a surgeon, I find non-invasive rhinoplasties to be highly satisfying and the delight with which clients react to their new nose is one of the most fun experiences in our practice. If you are considering reshaping your nose, HA fillers are a safe and viable non-invasive option.
Dr. Reddy is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He has extensive experience in both reconstructive and cosmetic rhinoplasties having treated patients with nasal deformities from trauma and cancer. In his aesthetic practice, Dr. Reddy uses fillers extensively for facial rejuvenation, brow lifting, and nose reshaping.
P. Pravin Reddy, MD is a Board Certified Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.