10 years ago, only the brave went under the knife for rhinoplasty. Now, non-surgical ‘liquid nose jobs’ are booming with their promise of a straighter, more defined nose with next-to-no downtime and at a fraction of the cost.
The first liquid nose job, using ‘liquid’ dermal fillers, was documented in 2006 – but proof of its popularity today are the numerous intriguing videos of the procedure currently going viral on TikTok.
Perhaps the social platform's obsession with the liquid nose job isn't so surprising: nose jobs, both surgical and non-surgical, continue to be one of the most-performed surgeries globally. In its 2022 annual audit, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) estimated that rhinoplasty was one of the top UK cosmetic surgery procedures, with over 2,220 cases performed in 2022, an increase of 67% over the year before.
According to the pros, many patients continue to cite 'zoom-face' as one of their motivations for booking since the pandemic – with the ‘dorsal hump’ (a bump on the nose made from cartilage and bone) as the main area of concern. Whatever the reason, it's your face and your choice. Our main aim at GLAMOUR is to ensure you have all the information you need before booking any procedures.
What is a liquid nose job?
A liquid nose job, also known as non-surgical rhinoplasty, uses a gel-like dermal filler to reshape the contours of the nose. It's done in a doctor's chair while you're awake, and involves local rather than general aesthetic.
"A non-surgical rhinoplasty generally uses hyaluronic acid dermal filler to make small adjustments to change the shape of the nose," says Mr Hazim Sadideen, a consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon, who performs both surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasties. “Most commonly it can be used to camouflage dorsal humps (including larger 'bumps'), to raise the nasal tip making it look more defined and to improve certain contours.”
Can non-surgical rhinoplasty do what surgery does?
During a surgical nose job, the bone and cartilage is typically removed to reshape the area in what is undeniably a gruelling and permanent procedure that requires 10-14 days recovery.
“But for many cases, a non-surgical nose job can actually be as good and sometimes even better than surgical solution,” says cosmetic doctor Dr Antoni Calmon, “especially when the objective is to make the nose straighter, or even make the nose look smaller and more in harmony with the face.”
He cites bumps, deviation, asymmetry, a plunging tip and prominent nostrils as just a few concerns that a liquid nose job can fix. “The bump vanishes, the sharp edges of a ridge are smoothed and a drooping tip is raised,” Dr Calmon notes. “When it comes to making the nose look narrower, an injection of corticoid can help to thin the tip.”
Mr Sadideen concurs, adding, “The nose is a 3D complex structure composed of skin, soft tissue, cartilage and bone. Much of what you see is to do with the shadows. Some contours are more prominent in certain lighting or angles, and a non-surgical treatment is a great way to soften this.”
How long does the procedure take?
A big draw for non-surgical rhinoplasty is the speed. "The procedure takes around 10 minutes to perform, with minimal pain and no real downtime; patients can go straight back to work with little tell-tale signs other than a very small chance of a tiny bruise or a little swelling," says Mr Sadideen.
What happens during non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Dr Calmon describes a liquid nose job as a “surprisingly simple” procedure. “Your practitioner will sterilise your nose and the area around it with an antiseptic liquid before applying a small amount of anaesthetic to numb the skin,” he says, adding that the sharp scratch from the injection is considered by many to be the most painful part of the whole procedure. “Small amounts of filler are then gradually injected into the precise contours of your nose, which allows the practitioner to step back and ensure the shape is uniform. The filler is then massaged and moulded gently to ensure it's smooth and even.”
How quickly will I see results?
According to Dr Sadideen, results are visible immediately after the treatment and will be fully evident in two to three weeks. "This allows any minor swelling to settle," he says.
How long does recovery take?
Possible side effects include bruising and slight swelling. “But these are fleeting,” says Dr Calmon. “They will only last for few days at most and can easily be camouflaged with a few touches of makeup.”
How long will the results last?
The main way a liquid nose job differs from surgical rhinoplasty is that it isn't permanent. “Non-surgical rhinoplasties last between nine to 18 months depending on the nasal anatomy and skin thickness,” Mr Sadideen notes. “Thinner skin requires a thinner viscosity dermal filler and will initially likely last for a shorter period of time, whereas thicker skin can tolerate a thicker filler with results lasting from 12-18 months.”
Interestingly, liquid nose jobs don't need to be immediately repeated. "There is often good retention in shape, which means some patients return for their top-up at 2 years, and have required less filler at this stage," he says. "Two to three treatments may be required to build up gradually and achieve the optimum results, especially in cases where thinner filler is used."
What is the benefit of a liquid nose job over a surgical nose job?
Both surgical and non-surgical procedures can improve symmetry, reduce bumps and reshape the tip, however non-surgical procedures are more limited within the confines of your existing shape. They can reduce the appearance of bumps, but they can't remove them or reduce the size of your nose altogether.
Surgical rhinoplasties give you the ability to make more drastic changes. They can alter the size and shape of your nose, reshape the nostrils, improve breathing difficulties (and snoring) and repair injuries.
That said, surgical nose jobs are more painful and involve more risks and a much longer recovery time. They are permanent, which means you won't need to repeat the procedure every few years, but you can't always guarantee you're going to like the results.
Non-surgical nose jobs can achieve a very similar result with less risk, fewer side effects and no downtime. They're also non-permanent (and reversible if very necessary). Some patients even adopt a 'try before you buy' approach. “The [non-surgical] ‘Nose Lift’ technique can be a first step before going into surgery,” says Dr Calmon. "This way you can ‘try’ your new nose temporarily before embarking on surgery with radically more commitment.”
By undertaking a thorough assessment, surgeons will be able to guide patients as to whether a non-surgical or surgical rhinoplasty is more appropriate. It's important to discuss your requirements in detail with your practitioner and have realistic expectations of what is achievable.
What happens if I don’t like my results?
"If the patient is unhappy with the non-surgical results, the dermal filler can be dissolved with hyaluronidase injections, but this is not encouraged unless it is necessary," says Mr Sadideen. "It is also very important to see a specialist in this procedure in order to minimise the risk of complications."
What's the aftercare like?
"Simple, minimum maintenance is required following a non-surgical rhinoplasty," says Mr Sadideen. In addition to the general advice with hyaluronic acid fillers (e.g. keeping the area clean, avoiding make-up to the area for 24 hours), Mr Sadideen advises you don't move or apply pressure to the area. Exercise should be avoided for 48 hours after treatment; refrain from wearing heavy glasses, stay out of the sun and steer clear of saunas for two weeks post procedure.
What are the risks involved?
Dermal fillers are considered extremely safe when delivered by a trained medical practitioner. That said, possible risks include:
- asymmetry or uneven results
- allergic reactions
- bruising, bleeding or swelling at the injection site
- damage to skin
- possible scarring
- lumps of filler under the skin
- skin necrosis and infection
How to choose an aesthetic practitioner or rhinoplasty surgeon?
Whether you're opting for a surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty, it's important to do your research.
- Not only do you need to ensure that your doctor is able to carry out the treatment, but you want to ensure they have the expertise to make corrections or address any problems should anything go wrong.
- Make sure you look at before and after pictures of their previous work, read patient testimonials (if you can get a recommendation from a trusted friend, that's even better).
- Check out their qualifications and which organisations they belong to (membership of BAAPS, BAPRAS and Rhinoplasty Society of Europe are recommended).
- Make sure the clinic you go to has a reputable track record for safety and hygiene.
How much does it cost?
Costs vary considerably depending on where in the country you are, the anatomy of your nose and the work involved, the amount of filler used and the type of filler used, but treatments at The Cadogan Clinic typically start from £450.
For more from Fiona Embleton, GLAMOUR's Acting Associate Beauty Director, follow her on @fiembleton.
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