The techniques of aesthetic medicine are constantly evolving. In the past, a simple nose enhancement or rhinoplasty required you to go under the knife. However, with new technologies in recent years, you are able to fulfil your facial fixes with less invasive, more efficient and, not to mention, pocket-friendly methods! From surgical to non-surgical options such as nose thread lift and 4D non-surgical rhinoplasty, you now have even more options depending on individual preference and needs.
In this article, we talk all things nose – from elevating the nose tip to removing bunny lines and nasal flares – we have got you covered!
If you are ready, let’s dive right in.
Nose augmentations may be used for a variety of reasons. It could be for aesthetic purposes to enhance facial proportions, a change in size or angle, straightening of the nose bridge, reshaping of the tip or narrowing of the nostrils. Nose jobs may also be used for reconstructive purposes such as a broken nose, birth defects (congenital disabilities), or sinus and breathing problems though these are only possible through surgery.
When preparing for a nose procedure, it is important to discuss what you wish to achieve and truthfully declare any past nose enhancement procedures you have had. It is only then that the doctor can recommend a procedure best suited for you accurately.
Now, on to the different kinds of non-surgical nose augmentation procedures offered here at Zoe Medical:
Nose fillers
Dermal fillers injected into dermal layers of the skin are typically used to promote and boost moisture retention with their hyaluronic acid or collagen-stimulating compound. However, in cases like these, they add extra volume into the target area to define facial features.
The more common types of dermal fillers, and ones used by Zoe Medical, are hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. Such fillers are used to sculpt the nose to enhance facial proportions especially in areas like the nose bridge to adjust its length, project the nose tip, and smooth out bridge bumps.
As volume is added to these target sites, they provide the desired shape and a more distinct nasal contour. For example, an uneven nose bridge can be smooth out by filling out other areas of the bridge and turning the uneven surface straight. The result of nose fillers usually lasts for nine to 12 months depending on the brand and type. Also, if you find that you do not like how it looks, you can reverse the procedure by injecting a filler dissolvent!
Nose thread lift
Thread lift is the process of inserting surgical threads made of Polycaprolactone (PCL) or Polydioxanone (PDO) material into the target area of the skin to lift or elevate features.
Thread lifts can be used for a variety of areas including the nose for enhancements such as redefining and straighten the nose contour, lift the nose tip, and increase the height of your nose by lifting the nose bridge. Nose thread lift can also be used to reshape the base of the nose as well, lifting it up and allowing the nose to look sharper and more defined. Such procedures have been widely favoured as an alternative to rhinoplasty as nose thread lift is seen as an option with less downtime and more affordable than surgical methods.
How does it work?
When these dissolvable threads are inserted into the middle of the nose bridge through the tip, they straighten the bridge of the nose and create a higher-looking silhouette. The added volume of the threads then helps to increase the height and straightness of the nose. Once inserted, these threads act as a scaffolding structure that immediately helps to contour, define, sharpen, lift and/or shape the nose as desired without surgery.
The result of this procedure typically lasts for about one to two years depending on the material used, individual lifestyle and bodily reactions. There is minimal downtime for this – about one to two days of discomfort around the area and it may also take about three to five days for the thread insertion point to heal. Possible side effects include mild swelling at the insertion site for about one to two hours.
Botulinum Toxin for nose
Botulinum Toxin is another non-invasive method to enhance or adjust the nose. We are all familiar with botulinum toxin when it comes to removing wrinkles, but this versatile aesthetic drug can also be used for nose augmentation and enhancement purposes. Some uses of Botulinum Toxin for the nose are to tackle bunny lines and nose flares.
The bunny line
As you get older, you might notice visible horizontal lines emerging just across the side or ridge of your nose especially when you frown or laugh. These are known as bunny lines and will appear most prominently when making facial expressions that heavily involve the mouth and lips.
Bunny lines are caused by the repeated contraction of one of the three muscles in the nose- the nasalis. To simply put it, people who often scrunch up their nose are likely to have more prominent bunny lines.
To tackle this, Botulinum Toxin is injected along the side of the nose right where it meets the cheeks. The results will reach its peak within 14 days and will last for approximately six months.
Droopy nose tip
A droopy nose tip is the most common reason why patients seek out nose Botulinum Toxin. A droopy nose tip happens when the Depressor Septi Nasi Muscle continuously pulls the nose down from the upper lip as we age. To lift the tip, Botulinum Toxin will be injected right under the septum of the nose. This paralyses the depressor septi nasi muscle, relinquishing its pull, thus resulting in a more lifted nose tip.
Excessive nasal flare
Individuals who experience an unwanted flare of their nostrils will be glad to know that this can be fixed temporarily with Botulinum Toxin as well. By introducing Botulinum Toxin into this area, the pull of the muscles will be softened, thus relaxing and minimising nasal flare for about four to six months.
4D Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty (NSR)
Last but not least in our list of non-surgical nose adjustment methods is the 4D Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty or 4D NSR for short.
A typical Asian nose presents with the following proportions: low radix (nose bridge), wide nostrils, broad tip, and disproportionate nasal length-to-height ratio. The 4D NSR, exclusive to Zoe Medical, addresses these components to achieve a harmonious nasal profile from both the front and side view.
The 4D NSR is able to raise the radix, narrow the nostrils, project the tip and achieve an aesthetically better length-to-height ratio. The beauty of this procedure is that it delivers dramatic yet natural-looking results. This means that even though the difference before and after the procedure will be significant, its natural-looking effect will make it seem like you did not do anything to your face. A typical rhinoplasty in the past is with surgical methods and those lead to permanent results. With the advent of such modern technologies, non-surgical methods are usually recommended by aesthetic practitioners because of the fewer risks and its temporal nature.
Zoe Medical specialises in non-surgical nose augmentation procedures, especially in 4D NSR, and offers surgical options as well. Speak to us and let us know your preferred treatment option.
