01Non-surgical rhinoplasty: indications and limits
Non-surgical rhinoplasty corrects the small visible flaws of the nose by adding volume. The nose changes over time, and minor adjustments are often enough to rebalance a face. In particular, it can:
- soften a mild to moderate bump by smoothing the profile;
- fill a hollow or a saddle on the bridge of the nose;
- improve the projection or lift a drooping tip;
- correct an asymmetry of the tip or wrinkles on the nose;
- touch up a residual imperfection after a rhinoplasty, or preview a future surgical result.
Its limits should be understood: non-surgical rhinoplasty adds volume, so it cannot reduce a large nose, remove a large bump, or correct a structural problem or a deviated septum. For these indications, only rhinoplasty provides a solution.
02Hyaluronic acid and Botox: the products used for reshaping
Non-surgical rhinoplasty relies on two absorbable products well known in aesthetic medicine:
- Hyaluronic acid: this is the main method. It adds volume where the nose lacks it (hollows, saddle) and smooths the contours. It contains lidocaine, which numbs a sensitive area locally; the injections are made with a fine needle or a micro-cannula, against the bone and cartilage, little by little, then the product is smoothed out with the fingertips.
- Botulinum toxin (Botox): used as a complement, it relaxes the muscles responsible for wrinkles on the nose (the « bunny lines » on the sides) and slightly lifts the tip when it is pulled downward on smiling.
On the nose, only fully absorbable products are used: non-biodegradable products are prohibited here because they expose the patient to late complications.
03A delicate area: why the choice of injector is essential
The nose is a highly vascularised area, supplied by arteries connected to those of the eye. This is what makes non-surgical rhinoplasty a simple but highly demanding procedure: a careless injection can, very rarely, compress or block a vessel. The risk is minimised by an experienced injector, a blunt-tipped micro-cannula, slow injections and small volumes. The major advantage of hyaluronic acid: it is reversible — an enzyme, hyaluronidase, can dissolve it if needed, something no surgery allows. This is why this procedure must be entrusted to a doctor with a perfect command of the anatomy of the nose.
04Before / after results
05How the procedure works
Before the procedure
A consultation precedes the session: the doctor listens to your wishes, measures the dimensions and analyses the proportions of the face (forehead, chin, lips) to define the most harmonious reshaping. Photographs taken from several angles (morphing) often make it possible to preview the result before the injections. Contraindications are checked: pregnancy, breastfeeding, autoimmune diseases, an active herpes outbreak, certain treatments. For overall harmonisation, a non-surgical chin augmentation (chin) or a non-surgical facelift may be offered as a complement.
During the procedure
The session lasts 15 to 30 minutes depending on the extent to be corrected and takes place in the practice, with no hospital stay. After disinfection and local anaesthesia (cream or the lidocaine contained in the product), the doctor performs light injections against the bone and cartilage, with a fine needle or a micro-cannula, meticulously and sparingly. The injections are made gradually: you confirm each step in a mirror. The product is then smoothed out with the fingertips. The procedure is almost painless and the result is immediate: a redrawn bridge, redefined angles, a rebalanced profile.
After the procedure
Recovery is very mild: some redness and slight swelling that fade within a few hours, sometimes a small bruise at the injection point, easily concealed. No social downtime: you resume your activities immediately. For the first 24 hours, avoid touching the nose, tilting the head and exercising in order to stabilise the product; for 15 days, avoid the sun, the sauna, the steam room and wearing glasses that press on the nose. A follow-up appointment is scheduled around day 15, an opportunity for any touch-ups. The result lasts 12 to 18 months, then gradually fades.
06Prices & fees in Paris
| Procedure | Aesthetic fees |
|---|---|
| Non-surgical rhinoplasty (hyaluronic acid) | 750 – 950 € |
Indicative “from” prices, surgeon fees included. The final quote is given at the consultation, after examination, depending on the area treated and the technique chosen. Part of the procedure may be covered by French national health insurance when the medical criteria are met.
07Your questions
How much does non-surgical rhinoplasty cost in Paris?+
Expect around €750 to €950 per session, depending on the amount of product and the areas treated. The result is renewed every 12 to 18 months. The details are provided at the consultation.
Is non-surgical rhinoplasty painful?+
No, it is considered almost painless: the injections are made with a fine needle or a micro-cannula, under local anaesthesia (cream, plus the lidocaine contained in the hyaluronic acid).
How long does the result last?+
The result is immediate and lasts 12 to 18 months: since hyaluronic acid is absorbable, periodic touch-ups help maintain the effect.
What are the risks of non-surgical rhinoplasty?+
The usual after-effects are limited to redness, slight swelling or a small bruise. As the nose is highly vascularised, there is a rare but serious risk of vascular injury: this is why the procedure must be entrusted to an experienced doctor, using a micro-cannula and careful injection. Hyaluronic acid has the advantage of being reversible thanks to hyaluronidase.
Non-surgical or surgical rhinoplasty: which should you choose?+
Non-surgical rhinoplasty corrects small flaws by adding volume (a mild bump, a hollow, the tip, an asymmetry), without surgery and on a temporary basis. Rhinoplasty is needed to reduce the nose, remove a large bump or correct the septum and the structure.
Can non-surgical rhinoplasty slim down a large nose?+
No: it adds volume, it does not reduce the size of the nose. It can, however, balance it visually (smoothing a profile, lifting the tip) to make it look more harmonious.
Can a bump on the nose be corrected without surgery?+
Yes, for a mild to moderate bump: by filling the hollows above and below the bump, the profile is smoothed and the bump appears erased. A large bump, on the other hand, requires surgery.
Does non-surgical rhinoplasty lift the tip of the nose?+
Yes: hyaluronic acid supports the tip and, combined with a little botulinum toxin, relaxes the muscle that pulls the tip downward — which lifts it slightly, especially when smiling.
At what age can non-surgical rhinoplasty be done?+
It is reserved for adults (from age 18), once the growth of the face is complete.
Is the result reversible?+
Yes, this is one of its advantages: as the reshaping is done with hyaluronic acid, it can be dissolved with an injection of hyaluronidase if the result is not satisfactory — impossible with surgery.
Is non-surgical rhinoplasty reimbursed?+
No: as it is performed for aesthetic purposes, it is not covered by the French national health insurance.
Can it be done after a surgical rhinoplasty?+
Yes: it is a good indication for touching up small residual imperfections (a saddle, a slight asymmetry) without operating again.
