Restylane: The Nonsurgical Nose Job Alternative

Do you want to change the shape of your nose? Do you not want to have to undergo surgery to do it? If so—and if the issue you want to address is a minor imperfection like a bump or crack—help is on the way in the form of Restylane injections.

Restylane is a gel-like filler made from hyaluronic acid (a natural substance already present in your body that provides volume and fullness to the skin) that is injected into the skin to add volume to the area targeted. It is typically used to plump the lips or lift up wrinkles and folds, but many plastic surgeons—including me—also use it to give patients what essentially amount to temporary nose jobs.

If you want to reduce your nose size or drastically alter its shape, Restylane is not going to make the kind of difference you’re looking for; for that, rhinoplasty is necessary. If, however, you have a smaller imperfection you want to address—for example, if your nose turns down too much for your taste, or if it has a small bump on it that drives you crazy—Restylane is a great option. The procedure can be performed in as little as fifteen minutes, and while some bruising and swelling is a common side effect, it generally goes away within five to seven days.

The biggest downside of this procedure? For most, it’s the fact that it’s not permanent. The results can last for up to a year, but at some point, you’re going to have to come back for a touch-up. For some, of course (especially those unsure if they’re ready for a “forever” solution), the temporary nature of a Restylane nose procedure is actually an upside; and if you're on the fence about rhinoplasty, it can even be a way of testing the waters to see if a nose job is the right choice for you.

Interested in learning more? Contact us here at the Plastic Surgery & Laser Center and set up a free consultation to find out if you’re a candidate for this procedure!