Everything you need to know about non-surgical nose jobs

Liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical procedure during which injectable fillers are injected into nose to alter the shape of nose. Use of fillers in this way works best to hide a hump on the bridge of the nose. It is also used to lift a droopy tip or to define the tip better, if it is flat and rounded. The procedure fills in a depressed area, can lift the angle of the tip of nose or can smoothen bumps or irregularities on bridge of the nose. Mr Irfan Khan, Consultant Plastic Surgeon at Spire Liverpool Hospital, carries out this procedure in his clinic at Spire Liverpool Hospital. Please ring the hospital on 0151 522 1881 to book an appointment

What fillers are used and how long do they last?

Mr Khan uses fillers which have a long history of safety. Commonly used fillers are Restylane, Juvederm or Radiesse. Restylane and Juvederm are hyaluronic acid fillers which can last for up to a year. These are the same fillers which are used for cheek or lip enhancement. If a patient is happy with the appearance, then Radiesse can be used. Radiesse can be injected once Juvederm has worn off for a longer term result. Radiesse cannot be dissolved and lasts up to two years, so it can be used if the patient likes the result of the Juvederm filler (which can be dissolved but lasts up to one year). This is a calcium hydroxyapatite filler which can last for up to two years.

Mr Khan would never recommend permanent fillers. If a patient does not like the result then hyaluronic acid fillers can be easily reversed. However, if Radiesse is injected and the patient does not like the result then it cannot be reversed.

How is the procedure done?

This procedure is done in a clinic. Local anaesthesia cream is applied to the area of injection and left to work for 10-15 minutes. Following this, the area is cleaned with an antiseptic and then the filler is injected into the area of concern. This is done using very fine needles. Some fillers come with local anaesthesia mixed in it and an experienced practitioner can use this in a way to make the procedure almost painless. The beauty of the procedure is that patient can see instant results with the deformity corrected. The total time for procedure is 20-30 minutes.

Are there any risks of the procedure?

This is a medical procedure so should not be taken lightly. There is risk of infection, bleeding, swelling and bruising. Properly trained doctors or nurses who have an understanding of the blood supply of the area should carry out this procedure. An injection into a vessel can cause necrosis of the skin and even blindness if the filler travels to the eye. Overfilling the area can also cause damage or necrosis of the skin. While complications can occur, Mr Khan takes all precautions for these and they will be explained at the consultation.

What are the limitations of the procedure?

The filler will last for a limited time therefore the procedure has to be repeated. This will be at an additional cost. It is an augmentation procedure so will not reduce the size of the nose. It is much cheaper then a surgical nose job, but the cost may add up over a period of time. Mr Khan is a Specialist in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty (Nose job) so he will discuss this at the consultation.

What after care is needed?

Patients can typically go back to work straight away. Avoid any knock on the nose or rubbing it hard. If wearing glasses or sunglasses then don’t wear them for a prolonged period or keep changing their position on the bridge of the nose for couple of weeks. Avoid alcohol for three days after the procedure. Arnica tablets can help in avoiding bruising.