Nasal contouring: what you need to know about the procedure

Modern cosmetology is to some extent an alternative to plastic surgery. This also applies to a procedure called "nasal contouring" or "injection rhinoplasty". Dotted and injection lines of certain substances allow you to adjust the shape of this part of the face. This, of course, is not an operative intervention, but the procedure is quite complicated. It takes a lot of experience from the specialist who performs it, from the patient - the ability to choose the right dermatocosmetologist and follow his instructions exactly.

General information about the procedure and indications for it

Contour rhinoplasty is not a panacea. For example, unlike plastic surgery, it is not performed when it is necessary to reduce an oversized nose, "correct" a distorted internal septum, or correct the consequences of serious injuries.

But there are many indications for it:

• disproportionately small nose;
• unaesthetically thin or broad, curved back;
• flabby, loose skin on the nose (this is especially visible on the wings and its tip);
• depression at the site of the nasal septum in any part of the back;
• excessively broad wings, their apparent asymmetry;
• a runny nose (the tip of the nose is pulled upwards), a "beaked one" (he, on the contrary, "looks" downwards), the nose is a "potato";
• pronounced hump, congenital or acquired (for example, due to the need to constantly wear glasses);
• flattened bridge;
• the need to slightly adjust the outcome of plastic surgery if it does not suit the surgeon or patient;
• the presence of not too noticeable scars, scars, post-acne.

Injectable rhinoplasty helps correct many nose problems, often causing psychological discomfort.

Nasal contouring is done for people aged 18 and older in specialized clinics and medical centers licensed for this type of activity. This can only be done by certified dermatocosmetologists. The cost of the procedure depends on the defect to be repaired, the region and the reputation of the institution.

One should not count on a permanent effect - the substance (filler) injected is gradually absorbed and excreted from the body. Depending on the speed of metabolism and other individual characteristics of the body, the result will last 1-2 years.

Advantages and disadvantages of the procedure

Compared to plastic surgery, rhinoplasty has the following undoubted advantages:

• ability without surgical intervention, which is unacceptable for many reasons;
• relatively short recovery and rehabilitation period;
• lack of respiratory function problems, stitches and scars;
• lower risk of complications, shorter list of contraindications;
• complete safety of substances used for health and their biological compatibility with the human body;
• short duration of the "session" and quickly manifested effect;
• almost complete absence of pain;
• more affordable price;
• "reversibility" of results if not appropriate to the patient.

The obvious effect that does not have to wait long is one of the main advantages of rhinoplasty.

Of course, it was not without its drawbacks:

• injectable rhinoplasty, of course, is considerably cheaper than "traditional, " but even in this version not everyone can afford the procedure;
• lack of lasting effect (regular new injections are needed for maintenance);
• difficulties in finding a truly qualified doctor with the necessary experience (the outcome will largely depend on him).

Many would not mind correcting the shape of their nose, but not everyone is able to find a suitable specialist.

Existing contraindications for contouring

Dermatocosmetologists classify injectable rhinoplasty as a low-trauma procedure. However, it has a rather long list of contraindications:

• incompletely healed mechanical damage (scratches, abrasions, burns) or purulent diseases (acne, folliculitis) of the skin in the "operative field";
• the presence of malignant, benign tumors, as well as the formation of unknown etiology (for this reason, many experts refuse to perform nasal contouring if there are large moles, scars, warts);
• any chronic diseases in the acute phase (especially hypertension, liver, kidney problems);
• viral and / or bacterial infections in the body, inflammation, regardless of location (even the common cold, SARS);
• diseases that negatively affect the immune system, causing problems with the endocrine system and hormonal "failures" (including diabetes of any kind);
• the whole period of the child's birth and its natural feeding;
• menstruation;
• trypanophobia (panic fear of injections, syringes, needles);
• skin hypersensitivity, tendency to hyperpigmentation, formation of rough keloid scars;
• recently (in the next 2 weeks) performed "aggressive" cosmetic procedures (for example, peeling that affects the deeper layers of the skin).

There have been no studies on the effect of drugs used in injectable rhinoplasty on the body of a pregnant woman and fetus, but it is unlikely that at least one expectant mother will want to risk her child.

An allergic reaction to fillers is extremely rare (occurs in 1 in 2, 000 people), but cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, before the procedure, the selected drug is necessarily tested for individual intolerance.

Different methods and drugs are used

The technique chosen by the rhinoplasty injection specialist and the specific drug are determined based on the nature and extent of the problem.

Fillers can be injected;

• under the skin;
• subdermal;
• intradermally;
• into the mucosa.

The drug is a viscous, thick gel that can retain its shape. Its main ingredient is hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite. In the first case, the substance is intended to fill gaps and cavities, increase volume, the "side effect" is the rejuvenation of tissues at the cellular level by stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin. In the second, after its introduction, a kind of "frame" is formed, gradually overgrown with connective tissue fibers.

The shape of the nose after contouring is helped by special preparations - fillers.

Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are eliminated from the body faster. However, preparations with calcium hydroxyapatite require an accurate calculation from a specialist - where, how and in what dose to use. In case of a mistake, very serious complications and negative consequences are possible.

The success of the process depends on the quality of the filler. Therefore, reputable clinics and centers use only the products of companies with a solid reputation, and such drugs simply cannot be cheap.

High-quality filler, with the skill of a dermatocosmetologist, gives the desired effect after injection rhinoplasty.

How is the preparation and the procedure itself

Preparation for injection rhinoplasty must include consultation with the doctor who will perform the procedure. In a conversation with the patient, it is determined whether the nasal contouring will be effective in this case, with the help of computer graphics the result of the "operation" is modeled, taking into account the patient's wishes. for injection rhinoplasty.

Furthermore, the patient is explained how the procedure itself goes, the preparation for it and the recovery period. Recommendations are given that will have to be followed later, even if they look like ridiculous reinsurance. The consultations end with the determination of the date of the "operation".

Nasal contouring is not performed without a preliminary study of the patient’s history and clarification of the issue of the absence of contraindications.

Preparations start a week earlier. The patient will need:

• take a course of recommended antiviral medication if there is a predisposition to herpes;
• give up alcohol, strong tea and coffee, minimize smoking if possible (ideally stop smoking completely), maximally include healthy and wholesome foods in your diet;
• do not take anticoagulants (if a course of blood-thinning medication is prescribed and it cannot be stopped, you will have to wait with the contouring of the nose until it is over);
• do not perform any salon cosmetic procedures (especially hardware and injections).

Coffee, consumed in large quantities, retains fluid in the body, which prevents rapid tissue regeneration.

The session itself lasts 30-45 minutes. It goes like this:

1. Dermato-cosmetologist cleans the "operative field", if necessary, removes decorative and care cosmetics. The area of filler injection is additionally treated with antiseptic.
2. At the patient's request, the doctor uses local anesthesia. In most cases, they work without it - hairpins are used for filler injections, punctures almost do not cause pain. But skin sensitivity is different for everyone, so some prefer to play it safe. It takes 15-20 minutes for the anesthetic to take effect. At this point, the specialist prepares everything that is needed. The ampoule with the medicine must be new, it is opened in front of the patient. All "consumables" (syringes, needles, gloves) are used for single use only. The patient has the right to ask to take a closer look at the ampoule to make sure that it is the selected drug, in the right dose and with a shelf life.
3. The doctor wipes the remnants of the anesthetic cream or gel with a cotton pad, and repeats the antiseptic treatment.
4. The specialist injects the filler into the required areas in the required amount. Then you have to spread it properly with your fingers, as if "sculpting" a new shape of the nose. Blood protruding from the injection site, the feeling of "splashing" at the injection site is normal.
5. At the end of the procedure, the "workspace" is disinfected again. Then the patient is recommended to spend another 15-20 minutes in the clinic. If no discomfort or deterioration of health is noticed, you can go home.

The most important part of the procedure, the filler injection, takes only 10-15 minutes.

Sometimes, in order for the filler to "remember" the new shape faster, it is practiced to put a special splint. You will have to wear it for a maximum of one day, and then you can get rid of the "supplement" yourself.

Recommendations for the rehabilitation period

Rehabilitation after contour plastic surgery is divided into 2 phases. The first lasts 3-4 days, during which it is clearly visible that the nose has undergone some kind of intervention.

At this time, dermatocosmetologists recommend:

1. Minimize hand touches to the face. Do not touch the filler injection site at all, except when applying the antiseptic, regenerating and / or anti-inflammatory cream recommended by your doctor. Moreover, you can't pull your nose, press it, rub the bridge of your nose, back and so on.
2. Refuse to use care and decorative cosmetics in the "operating field". It is better that even water does not reach the nose.
3. Sleep, if possible, only on your back or at least on your side, but in no case - without burying your face in a pillow.

When the severe symptoms that indicate the intervention disappear, in the next 2-3 weeks, it is necessary to refrain from:

• visits to baths, saunas, solariums (first, high temperatures are harmful, second, sweat corrodes stings that have not yet completely healed, inhibiting regeneration, and third, you can get an infection, which is now very undesirable);
• bathing in natural and artificial reservoirs (this is also a potential "source of infection");
• sunbathing (every time you go outside, when the stings are completely healed, it is necessary to apply sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or more);
• frequent stay in the "upside down" position;
• intensive sports training and any other physical activity;
• any cosmetic procedure in the salon;
• the use of skin care products containing alcohols, acids, dyes, fragrances, other "aggressive" substances (hypoallergenic cosmetics for sensitive skin will be the best choice at this time), peels, peels, decorative cosmetics;
• long lying in a warm bath (hot showers are also undesirable).

Intensive training also poses a risk of nasal injuries, so it is better to refrain from them during the rehabilitation period after contouring.

Possible negative consequences

If both the doctor and the patient strictly adhere to the "protocol" of the procedure, both in terms of the filler injection session itself, and in the period of preparation and rehabilitation, the risk of complications after injection rhinoplasty is minimized.

Of course, in the next 3-7 days you will have to endure some unpleasant symptoms, but in this case they are considered the norm:

• bruises in places where the skin is pierced;
• swelling, swelling and / or redness in the "operative field";
• mild dull or aching pain;
• small hematomas.

Immediately after contouring, the nose may not look very representative, but this is a temporary phenomenon.

More serious complications and negative consequences can be blamed on both the doctor and the patient. The former can introduce an infection under the skin when introducing fillers, choose the wrong injection sites and determine the volume of drug injected. The other is to ignore the instructions given to him. Moreover, complications may not appear immediately, but after 2-3 weeks after nasal contouring.

This includes:

1. "Migration" filler. This most often occurs with poor quality medicine or mechanical action on the nose after its application. The filler moves, the nose takes on an unnatural appearance, asymmetry and disproportion appear.
2. "Bumpiness" and palpable seals under the skin, pronounced asymmetry of the nose. It occurs if you "overdo it" with the filler or do not distribute it enough during the procedure.
3. Allergic reaction. It cannot be ruled out if an individual intolerance test to the selected drug has not been performed. Manifestations of allergies range from unpleasant but tolerable (rash, itching, tingling, redness) to life-threatening and even life-threatening (Quincke's edema, breathing problems).
4. Inflammatory process, suppuration. Typical symptoms are redness, hyperemia of the skin, increase in body temperature. They develop if the infection enters the injection site during or after injection rhinoplasty.
5. Tissue necrosis, blockage of blood vessels, embolism. It is accompanied by cramps, loss of skin sensitivity, intense pain, change of skin color to cyanotic or off-white color. It occurs when the filler is accidentally injected too deeply and "pinches" small capillaries and larger blood vessels. Preparations based on calcium hydroxyapatite are especially dangerous in that respect: their entry into blood vessels can cause serious problems with the cardiovascular system, up to a heart attack.

The absence of the desired effect after injection rhinoplasty can also be considered a kind of negative consequence. This is due to the introduction of substandard drug or injections into too deep subcutaneous layers.

Is it possible to "reverse" the effect

The need to get rid of the injected filler can arise both in the case of complications that threaten health, and when the result of the procedure simply does not suit the patient. Hyaluronic acid has an antagonistic substance - hyaluronidase. It is injected into the desired area in the required dose by injection or hardware. One (in rare cases 2-3 procedures) is enough to return the nose to its "initial state".

It is becoming more and more complicated with calcium hydroxyapatite. He is not appearing at all at the moment. To gradually get rid of the filler, over several months, injections of saline in combination with hardware procedures will help.

Many people would like to correct the shape of the nose, if possible. But sometimes you have to refuse plastic surgery. However, there is an alternative to surgery - nasal contouring. It is only necessary to choose a qualified doctor who will explain what effect each patient can expect and how to avoid unpleasant consequences after the procedure. From the specialist, in order for everything to be successful, experience and strict adherence to the "protocol" of injection rhinoplasty are required, from the patient - respect for all his regulations.