A lunch time nose job? What? Yes! Amazingly enough this has become a thing, and it’s all the rage – non-surgical rhinoplasties that literally take less time to run a mile (even for the fastest runner). Just a few years ago, when someone wanted a nose that was smaller, straighter, or smoother, rhinoplasty was the only option. Enter Dr. Alexander Rivkin, the facial cosmetic surgeon who is credited for inventing the non-surgical technique – using the same hyaluronic acid gels used for lips and cheeks that can correct curves, bumps, and lumps in a nose and transform a profile in under 15 minutes. Confused about how this is even possible? Here’s the good, the bad, and the real about this hot new trend.
Is it safe?
Good question , and the answer is yes, IF AND ONLY IF it’s done by a credible and experienced medical practitioner. Here’s why. All injections come with risks of swelling, bruising, and bleeding, however, the nose is a particularly delicate area of the face. “I think that people need to understand the safety principles of injecting and have a healthy fear of the nose. In terms of what’s dangerous, the nose ranks up there as the most dangerous. That’s because the blood supply to the nose is quite weak, particularly in noses that have already undergone a previous surgery. If you put a whole bunch of filler into the tip or nostril, you can overrun the blood supply to your skin and cut it off,” states Rivkin in an article from Harper’s Bazaar. Do not, and we repeat, do not shop around for this procedure on Groupon, and make sure to speak to your doctor about all the potential risks.
Is it permanent or temporary?
Temporary. Depending on the type of filler you choose, most hyaluronic acid injections will last an average of nine to twelve months before slowly dissolving. Because it’s reversible and natural looking, Rivkin typically starts with a temporary filler, and if the client is happy with the results, will move on to a more permanent collagen-based injectable filler.
Is it expensive?
Surprisingly enough, a non-surgical nose can end up costing more than traditional rhinoplasty. Temporary nose jobs cost around $700-$900 per year. The average cost of rhinoplasty in the United States is around $5,000.
Is it going to fix the shape of my nose?
Ultimately a non-surgical nose job is not going to change the structure of the nose and will only camouflage any irregularities. The ideal candidate for this procedure is someone who has a pronounced bump on the bridge of their nose. By filling the area around the bump, you can create the illusion of a perfectly straight nose. Who is not a candidate for this procedure? Anyone who wants a smaller nose, has broken their nose, or wants to completely change the anatomical structures of the nose. In that case, traditional rhinoplasty is the better option.
Is there a long recovery time?
Non-surgical nose jobs definitely have the edge here. Rather than going through an invasive surgery, this procedure is relatively painless, and the recovery time is minimal. Typically, a topical cream is used to numb the area around the nose before the injection is administered. Dr. Rivkin states, “It’s a real lunchtime procedure. People can generally go right to work. You can be a little red or a little bruised for a week, but there are lasers that can fix that too.”
At Skin NV, we believe it’s not about looking as good as you did when you were younger, it’s about looking good now! For information on any of our products or services or to schedule a consultation at our South Tampa Med Spa, please contact us today at 813.839.4141.