Leading aesthetic doctor and founder of Tiara Arsthetics, Dr Thiara, discusses whether nose filler can really rival surgical rhinoplasty.
Commonly referred to as 'nose filler', a 'liquid rhinoplasty/ nose reshape', or a 'non-surgical nose job/rhinoplasty', the aesthetic treatment promising to redefine the shape of one's nose continues to rise.
Dr Thiara has mastered the art of non-surgical rhinoplasty and teaches this procedure to other healthcare professionals globally.
"There is an increased demand for this treatment and medical practitoners want to offer this treatment in clinic. However, nose filler continues to be one of the highest risk treatment areas with filler, so choosing a highly qualified medical provider who has extensive knowledge of anatomy is imperative, " says Dr Thiara.
Non-surgical nose job procedure, and how it can change your nose shape?
"This advanced procedure requires skilled techniques. Our doctors strategically use high density dermal filler to address nasal deformities and imperfections. Administrating small drops of filler at multiple points including the bridge and tip of the nose can make it appear lifted, straighter and thinner [even if it isn't literally narrower], while improving the overall shape, size and side profile," Dr Thiara explains.
Who is the procedure suitable for?
Dr Thiara suggests: “A non-surgical rhinoplasty is suited to any patient who is bothered by a drooping nasal tip, or a bump – known as a ‘dorsal hump." "The precise placement of filler in a non-surgical rhinoplasty can improve the nasal tip, lift the tip, and straighten the side profile by correcting the bump.”
What does a non-surgical nose job procedure involve?
"We offer an initial consultation online to assess suitability of the patient via a webform. This allows us to tailor a specific treatment plan to the patients needs," says Dr Thiara.
"After we have consulted in person, applied numbing cream, sterilised the skin. We use a small needle to inject drops of the dermal filler into the specific areas to reshape and enhance; adding volume, filling in depressions, or smoothing out irregularities."
Dr Thiara adds, "There is a strategy in terms of the order of what part of the nose to start and end with."
The results are instant, "but I always advise my patients to wait a week for the mild swelling to settle. I personally see all my patients photos post procedure to see how the nose has settled". Our doctors welcome all patients to return for an aftercare appointment to assess how the filler has settled, if needed.
What are the benefits over traditional surgical rhinoplasty?
Dr Thiara explains: “We now have more and more options for performing non-surgical procedures. Being non-surgical it means less risk, less downtime, and fewer side effects. We can do so much in just ten minutes and with no pain, results can be tweaked after reviewing. Surgical rhinoplasty, however, takes a month or longer to recover from and results are not always perfect.”
What has influenced the rise of nose filler?
"More and more patients are becoming aware of filler rhinoplasty via social media, recommendation, referrals, and so as this sp
reads across different platforms, an increasing number of people are booking in for one with up to half clinic appointments being booked for nose filler,” Dr Thiara says.
What else is there to consider when choosing between a surgical or a non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Dr Thiara has extensive knowledge of both surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasties, which allows him to be able to guide patients in the direction that works for their goals and particular anatomy. “The only way to really know whether you would be a suitable candidate for a non-surgical rhinoplasty or surgical rhinoplasty
is to a consult an experienced provider,” he says.
In addition to the advantages of a non-surgical rhinoplasty noted above, there are some disadvantages to note: "You cannot make the nose narrower or slimmer, and cannot address any internal narrowing – and in those cases I would recommend a formal surgical rhinoplasty.”
What happens if you don’t like the results?
Dr Thiara notes that "another benefit of having non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers is that it isn't permanent, and it can be dissolved using Hyaluronidase which breaks down hyaluronic acid, allowing for their removal or adjustment if you are unhappy with the shape and end result of treatment".
Is it simple to dissolve filler?
“We can dissolve filler if you want to reverse the results, but you don’t want to do that unless it really is an issue,” says Dr Thiara. “I have never had to dissolve my own filler in practice as patients are happy with results, but it is reassuring for patients to know it can be reversed."
Does the procedure hurt?
Dr Thiara explains, "it can be slightly uncomfortable; however, we use topical numbing cream so the area will be numb". Additionally, the filler used includes anaesthetic within it, which further numbs the area, right make it painless. Dr Thiara adds that he uses a number of ways in order to minimise discomfort, “from local anaesthetic cream, to the smallest needles I can use for the particular procedure”.
How long do the results usually last?
According to patients, “The results last around 12-to-18 months, though some may require a slight top-up in between this timeframe.” Dr Thiara finds that the results last on average between 12 and 24 months.
How safe is a non-surgical nose job?
Dr Thiara feels that non-surgical nose jobs are safe in the right hands, but being one of the higher risk filler procedures, it is imperative to see the most experienced practitioner possible. “I use personally use the amazing quality Swiss filler, which will metabolise and be broken down by the body naturally.” We advise patients on
red flags and check up on high risk patients to enhance safety."
What are the side effects and risks?
Some injection-related side effects can occur including redness, tenderness, swelling and bruising, but none of these are very serious and will resolve in a matter of days. But, as with all cosmetic filler, in addition, there is the risk associated with the filler itself. "On very rare occasions 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, giving rise to a vascular occlusion (blockage). This can lead to tissue death in that area known as necrosis which can eventually lead to blindness, if not addressed" explains Dr Thiara.
"It is imperative to provide aftercare advice on all red flags post procedure. We go through in detail about the signs and symptoms of a vascular occlusion. In most cases the filler can be dissolved to resume blood flow in case of a blockage." "To minimise the risks of blocking arteries with filler, using practices like smaller needles, aspiration techniques and capillary refill checks can help to eliminate the risks further."