Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: What is Nose Filler & How Long Does it Last?

What is non-surgical rhinoplasty?

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is an aesthetic procedure that uses dermal filler to temporarily smooth lumps and bumps or change the shape of the nose. Your aesthetic clinician will first apply a topical anaesthetic to numb the skin. They then inject filler just beneath the skin into specific areas of the nose to achieve the desired result. 

One of the benefits of a non-surgical nose job is that the procedure is less invasive. It can be performed without general anaesthetic and is relatively quick – some call it the ‘15-minute nose job’ – but it can take up to 45 minutes. That can make it a good option for those who want minor changes to their nose for a special occasion or to see how certain modifications might look before deciding whether to make them permanent via surgical rhinoplasty. 

Non-surgical rhinoplasty does have its limitations. You can only make minor or moderate changes and it cannot make your nose narrower or smaller. Injecting filler adds volume to the nose. So, if you want a smaller nose, a non-surgical nose job is unlikely to be the right procedure for you.   

A non-surgical nose job can:

• Smooth out lumps or bumps, particularly on the nasal bridge
• Add volume to your nose
• Lift a drooping tip for a more youthful appearance
• Correct minor asymmetry for a straighter nose

How long does a non-surgical nose job last?

The results of non-surgical rhinoplasty can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months. 

The exact time depends on the type of dermal filler used and your metabolic rate. 

Dermal fillers come in gel form and vary in thickness. Your body will gradually metabolise the filler, and it takes longer to break down if it’s thicker. Patients also metabolise filler at different speeds, with external factors such as poor diet and smoking potentially causing the filler to break down more quickly. 

How much does non-surgical rhinoplasty cost?

A liquid nose job can be a good option for those who cannot afford the expense of surgical rhinoplasty or who prefer not to have surgery. Prices start at around £250 and increase to £850 depending on the clinic. 

As the body breaks down the filler, you’ll typically require a repeat treatment every 12 to 18 months. That makes a surgical nose job more cost-effective If you’re looking for long-term results.   

Surgical vs non-surgical rhinoplasty: choosing the right procedure for you

There are many factors to consider when deciding whether nose filler or a surgical nose job is right for you. Here we discuss those factors in more detail to help you make an informed decision.

The intended result 

Non-surgical nose job

Aesthetically speaking, a good candidate for a liquid nose job is someone who wants to make minor or moderate changes to their nose. Typically, that could be a bump on the bridge, or a droopy tip. Nose filler cannot make drastic changes or make your nose narrower or smaller. 

Surgical nose job

Surgical rhinoplasty is the only way to make your nose narrower or smaller nose. It’s also the only way to correct a broken or severely crooked nose. Those who want to correct breathing issues will also need a surgical procedure. 

The cost 

Non-surgical nose job

A liquid nose job is cheaper than the surgical equivalent, with prices averaging around £500 per treatment. However, that will quickly add up if you want to maintain the results.

Surgical nose job

At Enhance Medical, the cost of surgical rhinoplasty is £5,995. That includes pre- and post-operative appointments, your pre-operative assessment, 12 months of aftercare, all prescribed medications and 24/7 nurse care. Finance packages are also available if you’d like to spread the cost over time. 

The procedure

Non-surgical nose job

A liquid nose job is less invasive than its surgical equivalent. Dermal fillers made of hyaluronic acid are injected just below the skin to achieve the desired result. No general anaesthetic is required, it takes less than an hour and you can return to your normal routine immediately.

One of the benefits of this procedure is that there’s a degree of flexibility. If you’re unhappy with the result, your practitioner can add or dissolve filler to achieve the desired effect. 

Surgical nose job 

Surgical rhinoplasty is a more invasive procedure performed by a cosmetic surgeon to reshape and resize the nose by removing bone, cartilage and tissue under general anaesthetic. The procedure can take up to three hours and you will have to stay in hospital overnight. 

Pain and recovery

Non-surgical nose job 

There’s less pain and discomfort after a liquid nose job and the recovery time is much quicker. Your practitioner will usually apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area and reduce the pain. All you’re likely to feel is a pinching sensation when the needle is inserted and some pressure when the filler is injected into the skin. 

In terms of your recovery, you may experience some initial swelling and bruising that could last a couple of days, but there’ll be no impact on your daily routine.  

Surgical nose job

The surgical rhinoplasty procedure is painless as it’s performed under general anaesthetic. However, there will be some pain and discomfort afterwards and the recovery takes time. You’ll usually have to wear internal dressings and an external split for up to one week after the procedure, and you will need to take at least one week off work. You can also expect bruising, swelling and discomfort for up to three or four weeks.  

Read more: Recovery from Rhinoplasty: Timeline and Swelling Stages 

Nose filler side effects

Although non-surgical rhinoplasty has a low complication rate, like any aesthetic procedure, there are some potential side effects and risks. The most common side effects include:

• Redness – You may notice some redness around the injection site but it will usually fade within a few hours.
• Swelling – Swelling is also very normal and typically lasts two to three days.
• Bruising – You may experience some bruising around the nose but it should fade within one week. 

There are also some rare side effects and risks that can be more serious:

• Bumps and irregularities – In some cases, the filler doesn’t settle properly and can cause bumps or asymmetries, although they can usually be corrected by your clinician.
• Infection – If the swelling and redness don’t subside or the surrounding area is painful or hot to the touch, contact your clinician or a doctor immediately. 
• Allergic reaction – Allergic reactions are rare, but you should seek medical assistance if you experience a rash or itching, have difficulty breathing or your lips or cheeks swell. 
• Vascular occlusion – One of the most serious risks is when filler is injected into a blood vessel. Symptoms include the whitening of the skin and severe pain. Again, seek medical assistance immediately. 

The benefits of surgical rhinoplasty

If you want to make your nose smaller or narrower, are unhappy with your nose and want a permanent solution or need a more significant correction (perhaps after an injury), surgical rhinoplasty is your best option. 

The benefits of surgical rhinoplasty include:

• You can make the nose smaller and narrower, correct lumps, bumps, droopy tips and asymmetries, and narrow wide or large nostrils
• If you have breathing issues, a nose job provides health benefits such as better sleep and improved breathing
• The results last a lifetime
• It can correct injuries such as a broken nose and reduce the pain associated with those injuries
• There are no scars from closed rhinoplasty and only a small scar between your nostrils from open rhinoplasty that will become unnoticeable 

Affordable, high-quality rhinoplasty with Enhance Medical

When we ask our patients what the biggest benefit of rhinoplasty is, the answer is usually just one word – “Confidence”. At Enhance Medical, we can give you that confidence with a rhinoplasty procedure performed by our specialist team of GMC-registered aesthetic surgeons. Find out more about a rhinoplasty procedure, view our locations and contact our team to book a free consultation.