Dermal fillers for Rhinoplasty?

Scottsdale – Dermal fillers are not FDA approved for rhinoplasty or post-rhinoplasty correction. However, because of their potential reversibility, low risks and ease of use, these are used in the nose with high frequency, especially for correction of minor defects after rhinoplasty.

The latest issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal discusses the use of dermal fillers to correct post-rhinoplasty deformities in the nose. The article was published through the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago.

The authors point out that dermal fillers are minimally invasive and can reduce the  financial expense, anesthetic risks, or downtime associated with revision nose surgery. The researchers discussed these options and give some sound advice.

The authors like hyaluronic acid (HA) derivatives, such as Restylane and Juvederm, and calcium hydroxylapatite gel, such as Radiesse. Tips on patient selection and injection technique in the article are important, including:

1. Nasal injection includes sub-SMAS placement to reduce visible or palpable nodules.

2. Restricting the use of fillers to the nasal dorsum and sidewalls.

3. Avoiding injections to the tip and alae, which carry more adverse risks with injections.

4. Radiesse is an acceptable treatment for post-rhinoplasty deformities, but patients must be carefully selected to minimize risks.

5. Avoid silicone altogether because of severe granulomatous reactions, infection, thinning of the skin, and necrosis.

I found the article to be quite useful. I do agree with the authors, patients who are treated with dermal fillers must be followed closely for complications. The use of any soft tissue filler must be carefully considered by the patient. An explanation of the risks and the off-label use must be clearly explained to patients before any non-surgical plastic surgery procedure is administered (model used in illustration).