I do admit I’ve pondered about getting a nose job. But the thought of my nose getting cut open is just too scary to comprehend—I knew I never should’ve watched YouTube videos.

But when I was doing my research, I found out that there are non-invasive options that won’t have me under general anesthesia. It seemed doable for me because I only wanted to smoothen a bump on my nose. 

So, if you’re afraid of incisions and scarring and looking for an alternative to surgery to alter your nose’s appearance, breathe easy and check what I’ve gathered about this cosmetic enhancement and see if it’s what you want.

What is a non-surgical nose job?

First, we need to understand what a non-surgical nose job is because it’s very different from traditional rhinoplasty. So, what exactly is it?

A non-surgical nose job, also called a liquid rhinoplasty, involves injecting dermal fillers into the nose to change its shape. It’s just like a typical nose job, except there’s no need to undergo an operation.

This non-invasive procedure is ideal for individuals who only want minor changes, such as correcting bumps, straightening the nose, and defining the tip. Basically, it’s an option for individuals who don’t want to go through surgery to change their nose.

But do note it won’t correct breathing issues. Only a traditional rhinoplasty can fix problems with the functionality of the nose.

It’s also important to remember that despite it not being an invasive surgical procedure, it’s still vital to choose a highly qualified plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty to ensure they know the exact places to inject the fillers.

What are the types of non-surgical nose jobs?

The most common non-surgical nose job is the use of dermal fillers. These have a gel-like consistency, which is then injected into the nose to temporarily alter its shape. 

Check out the other types below and see how they differ from each other:

Hyaluronic Acid

The most preferred filler is hyaluronic acid, which is widely used in cosmetic procedures and smoothens fine lines. It has also undergone extensive research and is known to be versatile and effective.

It’s also the dermal filler used in famous brands, such as Juvederm, Restylane, and Revolax. As a temporary solution, this usually lasts 6 months to 1.5 years.

Radiesse

Radiesse, or calcium hydroxylapatite, is another temporary dermal filler used in liquid rhinoplasty. The difference is this is a little more “permanent” than hyaluronic acid simply because it lasts longer, usually 12 months to 2 years.

Nose Thread Lift

Nose thread rhinoplasty is another non-surgical option that is more common in South Korea and Thailand than in Western countries, but it has grown in popularity. You’ll find this method available in Canada clinics.

It’s sometimes called a lunchtime nose job because you can do it in a quick office visit, usually just 15 minutes or so. It’s used to reshape the nose tip and bridge by stimulating collagen.

The procedure is kind of like an implant, as the surgeon will insert a thread under the skin of the nose (which can be in the nose bridge or the nasal cavity) to make it more defined. It’s ideal if you want a more contoured nose or a higher bridge.

Despite the insertion of the thread, this non-surgical nose job doesn’t need general anesthesia. The patient will only undergo local anesthesia and will be awake during the procedure.

What are the advantages of non-surgical rhinoplasty?

There are many benefits of getting a non-surgical rhinoplasty. There’s no age limit to this procedure, but the approved age for the use of dermal fillers is around 18 to 21. 

Most clinics will turn away people who don’t reach their age requirement for a nose job.

There’s also no downtime necessary and the patient can see the results immediately right after the treatment is done–and once the swelling goes down.

Non-surgical nose jobs are also quick to do, usually taking less than an hour. Meanwhile, a traditional rhinoplasty surgery can take 1.5 to 3 hours.

Since there’s no surgery, there are no incisions made on the nose that will result in scarring.

The patient also doesn’t have to go through general anesthesia because non-surgical nose jobs only require local anesthesia (a numbing cream), which means the patient is awake during the treatment.

Non-surgical nose jobs are also ideal for individuals who aren’t quite sure about the permanent results of traditional rhinoplasty, which is irreversible.

Plus, if the patient is unhappy with the outcome of the surgery, they need to undergo a revision rhinoplasty, which is another expensive procedure. In Toronto, a full-nose revision costs around $14,000 or more.

That said, it’s important to know that a non-surgical nose job is not permanent. But the results last months or several years and are also reversible.

Nose fillers are also dissolvable. It either dissolves naturally over time or the patient can visit the doctor’s office to get it dissolved for more immediate results.

But it’s different for nose threads. While they dissolve over time, getting them removed earlier may require surgical intervention.

What are the risks of non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Though non-surgical cosmetic procedures don’t require going under the knife, they certainly still come with possible complications. 

After a non-surgical nose job, you may feel minor pain or pressure on your nose, which will usually disappear in a few hours.

You will also see some redness around the injection site, which will fade after an hour or two. Swelling and bruising may also occur, which are normal and should subside in a couple of days.

Migration is another risk to liquid rhinoplasty, which occurs due to poor technique, incorrect type of filler, and when too much pressure is applied to the nose.

It’s possible to correct migration, though, as hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved with hyaluronidase. In contrast, Radiesse doesn’t migrate to other areas of the nose because it has a thicker consistency.

A non-surgical nose job is no stranger to serious complications. The nose has a vascular network, which means there are many blood vessels in the area.

If the filler is injected into a blood vessel, one can experience blurred or loss of vision and tissue necrosis of the nose.

To avoid potential risks, your injector must know the anatomy of the nose. Make sure to do your research and go to a board-certified plastic surgeon in Toronto with years of experience and specialization in rhinoplasty.

How different are the costs of traditional and non-surgical rhinoplasty?

A traditional rhinoplasty is a lot more expensive than a non-surgical one. The average cost of the surgery in Toronto starts around $10,000, but can go even higher up to $20,000.

In contrast, the starting price for non-surgical rhinoplasty is only around $700 to $1,500 but can reach up to $2,500 in some clinics. The exact price will vary depending on the number of treatments, the type or brand of filler, and the clinic.

In addition, it costs way less because the injector only needs to apply the fillers or threads to the nose. Since it doesn’t require surgery, there’s no need to pay for hospital fees, general anesthesia fees, and medical tests.

Who is a good candidate for non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Not all noses are qualified for non-surgical rhinoplasty as it can’t fix those with functional issues. But you can be a good candidate if your nose has a bump, a dent, a droopy tip, and is mildly crooked.

Basically, if you want to improve the appearance of your nose, then you may be a good candidate. However, it won’t completely change the look of the nose since it won’t change the size or shape, so it won’t make a wide nose smaller.

Remember to go to a reputable plastic surgeon if you’re planning on getting a non-surgical nose job. Even though it doesn’t require surgery, the injector’s expertise is vital for a safe and effective cosmetic treatment.