A closer look

The facts about the 10-minute non-surgical nose job.

16:33 17 August 2009

A new procedure, dubbed the "10-minute nose job", is gaining popularity across the UK. It is estimated that 1,000 patients have undergone the non-surgical nose job, which can be performed during a lunch break.

Taking only 10 to 20 minutes and at one tenth of the cost or regular surgery, it may seem a viable option for the many who do not like their profile in the mirror.

But what exactly is it, who can benefit and will it replace surgical nose procedures and what are the risks? Here is the lowdown on the new beauty treatment in town.

What is it?

The process involves dermal fillers being injected into the skin to reshape the nasal area without the need for painful surgery.

After an anaesthetic is applied, the cosmetic filler - known by brand names such as Restylane, Juvederm and Radiesse – is injected into the skin. The filler consists of a combination of hyaluronic acid and water.

Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance, which is found naturally in the body's connective tissue beneath the skin. It combines with water and structural protein collagen to form a spongy layer between cells.

The method, which was introduced to the UK only recently, originated in Brazil around 2002. It was created by cosmetic surgeons to provide an alternative for those requesting subtle changes to their nose shape, rather than the more dramatic changes produced by surgery. They applied dermal fillers already being used to fill out other areas of the face.

It was used to treat nose damage caused by sports injuries at first when it came to Britain, before branching out into the mainstream beauty treatment market.

When in synthetic form, the acid is injected beneath the skin where it attracts water and mixes with the hyaluronic acid in the skin's dermis, restoring its former volume and adding plumpness to specific areas.

How much does it cost?

A procedure typically costs around £250-300, compared to £3,000 for a surgical nose job.

Who can benefit?

This type of rhinoplasty (nose job) can help with people who donÂ’t like the shape or appearance of their nose; the application can be used to help straighten out the nose, help make the tip turn up instead of down, correct any asymmetry in the nose, and help smooth any bumps. Nasal dermal fillers can also help to soften the overall appearance of the nose.

However the non-surgical nose job is not suitable for anybody wanting to make their nose smaller as, it can only change the shape and not the size.

Furthermore, the process is also not permanent. Dermal fillers are made from materials which are eliminated by the bodyÂ’s lymphatic system and kidneys over time, therefore top-up fillers will need to be applied every year or so in order to maintain the new shape of the nose.

What are the risks?

Although there is little or no bruising caused by from the procedure, repeated dermal filler applications (which are likely to be required) can cause scar tissue to form, which can affect the shape of the nose and leave the patient with a lumpier nose than when they originally started

Although research has been performed to assess the safety of the fillers in general, little investigation has been undertaken to determine the effects on this specific area of the face.

Some cosmetic surgeons have expressed concern over the non-surgical nose job, stating it is difficult to determine if any long-term damage may occur from their use, until long-term studies of dermal fillers in the nasal area are carried out.

Is it a replacement for surgery?

Traditional rhinoplasty costs approximately £3,000, has abut a six week recovery period, is very painful and is permanent. The non-surgical dermal fillers take no more than 20 minutes, compared to surgery which can take hours, and costs 10% of a permanent operation.

However, the fillers aren't permanent and require continuous upkeep. They also can't make noses smaller in size and can't resolve breathing difficulties caused by obstruction to the nasal passages.

Typically, 18% of surgical rhinoplasty patients see side effects such as excessive bleeding, loosening of cartilage in the nose and scar formation - leaving nasal dermal fillers as a good alternative to cosmetic surgery for small alterations.