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February 19, 2024
What’s Liquid Rhinoplasty?
Liquid rhinoplasty (or nonsurgical rhinoplasty) uses dermal fillers to alter the shape of your nose rather than surgery to change its shape.
These injections are FDA-approved for people above the age of 22, but the reasons to consider this procedure may look different for everyone.
“It really depends on you,” says Richard Kutz, MD, MPH, FACS, a plastic surgeon at Plastic + Hand Surgical Associates. “This includes your concerns, nose deformity, aesthetic changes you’re looking for, and what will work best in your particular situation. These injections will not improve your breathing, for example, but they can fix small to moderate cosmetic concerns patients might have about their nose and help them avoid surgery on their nose. This can even be used in patients who have had previous nasal surgery and have areas they desire to improve.”
Is liquid rhinoplasty right for you?
Plastic + Hand specializes in liquid rhinoplasty for patients.
This procedure can:
- Disguise a dorsal hump.
- Elevate a low nasal bridge (including for a “saddle nose.”)
- Correct a drooping nasal tip.
- Fill in uneven areas (especially nose scars, including skin cancer excisions.)
- Help correct the appearance of a crooked nose from the frontal view.
- Improve the appearance of granulomatosis with polyangiitis or previous nasal trauma.
Can it help with breathing issues?
“If you have an inherently poor supported nasal tip from a previous trauma or internal valve stenosis, injecting the top of the nose will temporarily give you a little bit of better breathing. It helps fill in and tighten the skin,” explains Dr. Kutz. “It’s like stabilizing a sagging tent, probably lasting a month or two. It’s temporary relief, but it’s not meant to improve everything or act as a permanent fix.”
Who might not be helped by liquid rhinoplasty?
There are instances where a liquid rhinoplasty may not be viable, including people who have any of the following:
- Previous surgical rhinoplasty where scar tissue may be tethering the skin down might not be improved completely with liquid rhinoplasty.
- A scar that has left an indentation, as the filler might not be strong enough to push the scar tissue out.
- Any concerns that involve the columella (the straight column between your two nostrils) or the nostrils themselves. It’s a tight space, hard to inject, and risky to attempt it.
- A very large dorsal hump since excess filler can further distort its appearance.
How long does liquid rhinoplasty last?
Liquid rhinoplasty effects will go away within 6-12 months, depending on the individual and the type of filler used. There is no limit on how many times you can have it.
“While it does gradually go away, studies show the body forms some collagen around the injection,” explains Dr. Kutz. “In that sense, there is some permanent effect to it.”
What are the risks of liquid rhinoplasty?
Even though it is not surgery, liquid rhinoplasty can have some potentially severe complications, including skin necrosis (injury to skin) and blindness is very rare but has been reported.
“Nose injections should only be performed by highly experienced injectors,” says Dr. Kutz. “These professionals also have hyaluronidase on hand to fix any immediate signs of a potential complication.”
Our Plastic + Hand team has the most qualified liquid rhinoplasty experts in Maine. Our plastic surgeons have the depth of experience and skills necessary to utilize the right injectable safely and successfully, giving you the results you’ll love.
Do I need a rhinoplasty instead?
“Liquid rhinoplasty is for cosmetic goals,” says Dr. Kutz. “But, it does not fix anything functionally with the nose long-term.” Surgical rhinoplasty will improve breathing.
While patients typically come into the office (often by referral) due to breathing problems caused by a fractured nose or previous nasal injury, many patients come in with cosmetic concerns.
“The nose is one of the structures of the body where its function truly follows its form,” explains Dr. Kutz. “Many patients are surprised that cosmetic work goes hand-in-hand with airway work, but it’s necessary to ensure breathing function remains adequate in any nose surgery.”
But how do you know if nonsurgical or surgical rhinoplasty is right for you?
“Let’s look at your nose, discuss your goals, and see how your nose works functionally,” answers Dr. Kutz. “We can see if fillers will help or discuss the surgical options that may address your concerns.”
Even if you’re only interested in liquid rhinoplasty, Dr. Kutz recommends seeing a plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty. “Many patients might not know what nose procedure can achieve the appearance they want or the functionality they need,” he says. “We can help point you in the right direction.”
Do you have questions about liquid rhinoplasty or rhinoplasty?
If you’re considering liquid rhinoplasty for cosmetic appearance or nose surgery (rhinoplasty) for either cosmetic concerns or to help with breathing issues (or a combination of both), our Plastic + Hand team has the most qualified rhinoplasty surgeons in Maine.
We’re committed to providing the results you seek with the respect and compassion you deserve. The first step begins here. Call us at 207-775-3446 or submit this request form to schedule your consultation with our Patient Care Coordinator to get started.
