Can I Get a Nose Job Without Surgery? (2024)

A nonsurgical nose job, also called nonsurgical rhinoplasty or liquid nose job uses dermal fillers to change the nose's appearance. Unlike surgical rhinoplasty, a nonsurgical nose job can be done in minutes with minimal recovery time, fewer risks, near-instant results, and at a fraction of the cost.

Nonsurgical nose jobs are not permanent. They address minor cosmetic changes without changing the size or function of the nose.

This article will discuss what nonsurgical nose jobs do, what they don't, and how they compare to surgical nose jobs.

Everything You Need to Know About Nonsurgical Nose Jobs

Surgical nose jobs are well-known, but what about a nose job that is noninvasive? Nonsurgical nose jobs are a good option for some.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Nonsurgical Nose Job?

Because it is noninvasive, not requiring incisions, sutures, or anesthesia, a nonsurgical nose job can be safe for most people.

A nonsurgical nose job may be a good option for people who:

• Have cosmetic concerns about their nose, such as a bump, asymmetry, or a drooping nose tip
• Don't want, or are not good candidates for surgery
• Want to try out changes to their nose without the commitment of a permanent surgery
• Have realistic goals and understand that results from a nonsurgical nose job are less dramatic than surgical rhinoplasty
• Do not have interior issues that need correcting, such as breathing function or a deviated septum
• Are not allergic to any of the components of the fillers used
  

Targeted Areas

Nonsurgical nose jobs target external areas of the nose only.

Some of the changes a nonsurgical nose job can make include:

• Diminishing the appearance of a bump on the nasal bridge
• Making the nasal bridge appear straighter or giving it more definition
• Smoothing small indentations or contour irregularities
• Improving nose/facial symmetry
• Giving the appearance of lifting the nose tip
• Changing the appearance of high nostril rims

How Much Does it Cost?

The cost of a nonsurgical nose job depends on factors such as:

• The expertise and qualifications of the person performing the procedure
• In what geographic location the procedure is being done
• How much filler is needed
• Type of filler used
• The time and effort the procedure requires

According to the 2020 statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost per syringe of common dermal fillers used in nonsurgical nose jobs is:

• Juvederm Ultra, Juvederm Ultra Plus, Perlane, Restylane, Belotero (hyaluronic acid): $684
• Radiesse (calcium hydroxylapatite): $717

Nonsurgical nose jobs are not covered by health insurance, but many plastic surgeons offer financing plans.

Choosing a Plastic Surgeon Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty

The most important part of preparing for a nonsurgical nose job is choosing the right person to perform the procedure. Do your research, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Some things to look for include:

• Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and/or the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• Has specialized training in plastic surgery and a thorough understanding of facial anatomy
• Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
• If an office-based surgical facility is accredited by a nationally (or state) recognized accrediting agency or state-licensed or Medicare-certified
• Before and after photos of nonsurgical nose job procedures the surgeon has performed
  

How Does Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty Work?

Dermal fillers work by increasing the volume of the skin. This smooths skin, lifts tissue, and "covers up" aesthetic concerns a person may have.

For instance, if a person wants to straighten the appearance of their nose, filler injections can be used to "plump up" the area around the bump.

Risks and Side Effects

When performed by a qualified professional, nonsurgical nose jobs are considered low risk, with serious complications being uncommon.

Depending on factors such as the filler used, complications from dermal fillers may include:

• Bleeding at the injection site
• Skin eruptions that resemble acne
• Asymmetry
• Bruising
• Swelling
• A wound and possible scarring caused by damage to the skin
• Infection at the injection site
• Lumps or being able to feel the filler under the surface of the skin
• Skin rash with itching
• Skin redness

Very rarely, the filler may be unintentionally injected into the blood vessels instead of under the skin, which can block blood flow. Also, rarely the filler can compress the local blood supply. If either of these occurs, it can cause skin death and scarring. It can also lead to permanent vision loss. Having had previous nose surgery can increase these risks.

How a Nonsurgical Nose Job Is Performed

Knowing what the procedure is like can help you decide whether it is right for you. Here is what you may expect.

Preparing for Treatment

You will consult with the plastic surgeon on a date before the procedure. Discussion subjects during the consultation may include:

• Your goals and expectations for the procedure
• Your medical history, medical conditions, allergies, medications including vitamins and herbal supplements, and alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
• Past treatments such as soft tissue fillers, Botox, laser therapy, facial procedures or surgery
• Your options for treatment and recommendations
• What the procedure entails
• The type of filler recommended
• Expected results
• The risks and potential complications of the procedure
• Any questions you may have
  

The surgeon may also:

• Perform an examination to look for pre-existing health conditions or risk factors that may exclude you as a potential candidate for the procedure
• Take photos
• Measure your face
  

What Is the Procedure Like?

A nonsurgical nose job takes about 20 to 30 minutes and is known for being a procedure than can be "done during your lunch hour."

The procedure has four main steps:

1: Facial assessment and mapping:

• The areas to be augmented are determined and examined.
• Points may be marked as injection sites.
• Photos may be taken.

2: Cleansing and anesthetizing:

• Injection sites are cleaned with an antibacterial agent.
• Anesthetic ointment or a very cold instrument to chill the skin may be used to lessen injection site pain.
  

3: Injection:

• The fillers are injected into the determined sites.
• Results are evaluated.
• Additional filler is added as needed.

4: Clean up and recovery:

• Markings are cleaned off.
• If there is swelling or discomfort, an ice pack may be offered.

After Treatment

Recovery following a nonsurgical nose job is minimal. Most people can return to work and their normal activities immediately.

Restrictions that may be given for up to a week following the procedure include:

• Avoiding strenuous exercise
• Avoiding wearing glasses
• Avoiding touching or rubbing your nose
• Making sure to sleep on your back

Many people see results on the same day of the procedure, and some changes can often be seen immediately.

Nonsurgical Nose Job vs. Traditional Rhinoplasty

Surgical nose jobs and nonsurgical nose jobs are both distinct procedures with unique benefits, risks, and downsides.

Benefits of Nonsurgical Nose Job

Benefits of a nonsurgical nose job include:

• Minimal recovery time, no missed work
• Minimal side effects
• Minimal pain
• Quick procedure
• Quick results
• Changes are not permanent and may be reversible
  
• Benefits last about 12 months
• Lower cost
• No anesthesia needed
• Can be done safely in outpatient clinics
• Can be used to have a preview of results or make decisions for a future surgical nose job

Drawbacks of Nonsurgical Nose Job

Downsides of a nonsurgical nose job can include:

• Results are more subtle
• Only works for external issues, and cannot correct interior concerns such as nasal function or a deviated septum
• Needs to be repeated every one to two years to maintain results
• Cost over time with repeated procedures can total more than the price of a surgical nose job
• Not covered by insurance

Benefits of Traditional Rhinoplasty

Reasons to choose a surgical nose job may include:

• Can change external and interior concerns
• Can correct medical problems such as breathing impairment or structural concerns
• Results can be more dramatic, such as a change in the size of the nose in addition to shape
• Results are permanent
• May be covered by insurance if correcting breathing impairment
  

Drawbacks of Traditional Rhinoplasty

Downsides to a surgical nose job can include:

• Higher risk of complications, including anesthesia risks, infection, breathing difficulties, changes in skin sensation, scarring, and other risks
• Longer recovery time (swelling usually subsides within a few weeks, but may come and go during the first year after the surgery)
• More painful
• Higher cost (the average price is $5,483, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, plus additional costs for anesthesia, hospital or surgical facility costs, medical tests, prescriptions, and other expenses)
• Results are not reversible
• Can take up to a year to see full results

Summary

A nonsurgical nose job is a procedure that changes the nose's external appearance through the strategic injection of dermal fillers. Nonsurgical nose jobs are noninvasive, considered low risk, have a minimal recovery period, and provide quick results. In addition, they are not permanent and may be reversible depending on the filler used.

Results from a nonsurgical nose job are less dramatic than a surgical nose job, but the procedure is also much simpler. If you decide to pursue a nonsurgical nose job, research well when choosing your surgeon and ask lots of questions.