Liquid Rhinoplasty

Abstract

Soft tissue filler injections have become the second most common noninvasive cosmetic procedure performed in the United States, accounting for roughly 26% of all noninvasive procedures. As experience with filler injections has increased, so too have the applications and uses throughout the face. The popularity of "liquid," or nonsurgical, rhinoplasty has grown considerably with both patients and surgeons over the last decade. First documented in 2006, numerous descriptions of technique and application have grown in tandem with the increasing popularity of nonsurgical rhinoplasty procedures. Although nasal injections remain an "off-label" use in the United States, hyaluronic acid fillers have gained multiple applications for the nose. These include, but are not limited to, leveling a dorsal hump through the addition of volume above and below the dorsal convexity, filling of visible nasal concavities, correcting upper and middle third asymmetries, as well as improving the under-rotated or under the projected tip. Though attractive to both patient and surgeon for various reasons, nasal filler injections are not without risk, and knowledge of nasal surgical anatomy and management of complications are critical for safe, viable outcomes.