Nonsurgical rhinoplasty using soft tissue fillers

Introduction

The application of soft tissue filler is the second most common minimally invasive cosmetic procedure reported in the 2018 plastic surgery statistics report^[1]. Overall, fillers provide an enticing alternative to surgical procedures for patients seeking an aesthetic improvement. This is due to the minimal downtime, low cost, and low risk profile associated with fillers. While soft tissue fillers initially made their debut in the 1970s, it was not until the mid 1980s that physicians began reporting contouring noses with injectables^[2,3]. Recently, the popularity of injectable fillers has increased significantly. Filler use rose 274% between 2000 and 2015^[4]. Initial reports consisted of using bovine collagen and silicone, but a transition to more reliable and safe formulations of hyaluronic acid (HA) and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHa) have allowed clinicians to obtain remarkable results with nonsurgical rhinoplasties. Nonetheless, the most important factor in providing optimal treatment is patient selection.

Nasal reshaping with HA filler is often most helpful as a post rhinoplasty adjunct. However, many authors have reported the use of HA filler in an unoperated nose. When treating the virgin nose, injectors must be cognizant that the use of large amounts of HA filler to correct a deformity may lead to vascular compromise, thus making liquid rhinoplasty a poor solution for significant nasal deformities. The most appropriate candidates for nonsurgical rhinoplasty are often those with mild cosmetic defects. Patients who tend to show the best results are those with a mildly deviated nose, mild dorsal hump, slight imbalances from previous surgery, and high nasal tip with flat radix^[5,6]. Following a physical examination, the clinician must determine whether a reasonable improvement in the defect can be achieved, and inform the patient of alternatives such as surgical rhinoplasty as well as risks and benefits in order to improve patient understanding and set reasonable expectations.

For some patients, there is a contraindication to using fillers. This group of patients includes individuals with a history of bleeding disorders, autoimmune disorders, and hypersensitivity to filler composition. Patients who are pregnant or are breastfeeding should avoid filler injections. In addition, patients who show signs of inflammation or infection near injection sites should not receive the procedure. Extreme caution should be taken with patients that have undergone a recent surgical rhinoplasty. Additionally, all patients are advised to avoid substances that impair hemostasis for one week to prevent bruising and bleeding^[6]. Further, it is suggested that patients with suspected body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) see a psychiatrist before undergoing liquid rhinoplasty. This is done in an effort to avoid patient dissatisfaction, as there is an increased occurrence of BDD in people seeking a rhinoplasty^[7].

Successful application of filler also relies on choosing the appropriate product. Permanent fillers are generally not used due to their irreversible nature and the risk of granuloma formation. Currently, HA filler is the most common filler used in liquid rhinoplasty, with up to 80% of liquid rhinoplasty procedures using HA^[6]. Many clinicians prefer HA because it is soft, provides a natural feel and can be reversed and quickly dissolved with hyaluronidase^[8]. However, some clinicians opt for CaHa. While CaHa cannot be easily reversed, it provides a longer lasting effect and is more durable over time. CaHa fillers usually last between 12 and 18 months, while HA fillers last between 6 and 12 months^[9]. Therefore, HA fillers may require more repeated injections in order to maintain the desired form or shape. However, while CaHa requires less product, more stiffness can cause increased discomfort after the procedure^[10].

Technique

Prior to injection, topical anesthetic ointment is applied 15-30 min before the procedure.

Fillers can be reconstituted with the addition of 1% lidocaine with epinephrine (1:100,000) to reduce discomfort, viscosity, and ultimately result in less postprocedural ecchymosis. As the average injection volume for nasal reshaping is 0.4 mL of HA per injection site, addition of 0.004 mL of lidocaine is suggested^[11].

Injections can be delivered with a needle or cannula. Previously, it has been shown that cannulas provide improved patient comfort, with decreased side effects such as edema and ecchymosis, especially in highly vascular regions^[12]. Additionally, Pavicic et al.^[12] demonstrated that filler placement with cannulas provides improved precision. Nonetheless, injection technique is highly variable and often based on prior training and comfort^[13]. Due to the reduced risk of vascular complications and bruising, the use of microcannulas has become more popular [Figures 1 and 2].

Figure 1. Injection site is created with a 23-gauge needle

Figure 2. 22-gauge microcannula insertion through the injection site

Understanding the anatomy of the nose is critical to minimizing the risk of complications and optimizing the aesthetic outcome. From superficial to deep, the four layers that comprise the nose are the superficial fatty layer, the SMAS (superficial musculo-aponeurotic system), the deep fatty layer, and periosteum^[14]. The superficial fatty and SMAS layers contain major blood vessels of the nose. To minimize and avoid vascular occlusion, skin necrosis, and blindness, filler injections should be delivered into the deep fatty layer, which is between the SMAS and the periosteum. In regards to the dorsal nasal artery, it is imperative that the injector verifies that the tip of the cannula is in the preperiosteal plane. This helps to avoid accidental arterial cannulation which can often lead to serious ocular complications^[15].

Additionally, from superior to inferior, the nose can be broken down into four segments starting with the radix, followed by the rhinion, supratip and tip [Figure 3]. A top down approach is often preferred to address the nose [Figures 4 and 5].

Figure 3. Anatomic injection sites

Figure 4. Initial treatment of the radix

Figure 5. Treatment of the rhinion following treatment of the radix

Patients may also benefit from improved nasal tip definition and may stand to benefit from enhancement of the nasolabial angle. Nasal tip contouring can involve injections into the alar margin, nasal spine, dome area, and columellar space^[16]. Injecting into the alar margin can help correct alar retraction. Injecting into the nasal spine elevates the nasal tip, which can help contribute to a more obtuse nasolabial angle^[17]. Filling the columellar space can help correct columellar retraction by providing additional support for the nasal tip. Many injectors prefer injection of the tip prior to treatment of the supratip because the tip has relatively weaker supporting structures, which makes it difficult to ascertain the final amount of projection that can be achieved at the desired location [Figure 6].

Figure 6. Treatment of the nasal tip

Overall, general safe injection technique involves injecting below the SMAS plane into the deep fatty layer and staying midline whenever possible to decrease the likelihood of asymmetries. Consider the use of a blunt cannula to decrease the chance of vascular complications. When injecting, a two-hand approach is recommended: one hand is responsible for the action of injecting while the other hand helps to stabilize and guide the needle into the skin. After injection, light massaging of the area is recommended to help form a smooth contour. Following the above technique can help achieve safe, reproducible results.

Complications

Complications of liquid rhinoplasty can be divided into two categories: early and delayed onset. Early onset complications are characterized by an appearance after several hours, while delayed onset complications are characterized by an appearance after weeks or years. The most common early complication is asymmetry, which can be prevented by staying as close to the midline as possible. There can also be hypersensitivity reactions to the filler content leading to fever, pruritis, and pain. Surface nodules and unevenness can also occur along with erythema, edema, ecchymosis, and pain at the sites of the injection^[22]. Another early complication is the Tyndall effect, which occurs due to superficial filling and is characterized by a bluish tint on the skin. Delayed complications include granuloma formation, scarring, and skin color change.

Some of the more serious complications are infection, which has a complication rate of 0.04% and skin necrosis, which has a complication rate of 0.06%^[23]. Skin necrosis is caused by vascular occlusion, which can be a result of direct intravascular injection, or from a compressive effect on local vessels. The main arteries at risk of vascular complications in the nose are the lateral nasal artery, which predominately supplies the nasal tip, and the dorsal nasal artery, which supplies the upper dorsum of the nose. There are several anastomoses in the nasal region between the external and internal carotid systems, whose blood flow can be reversed with injections, creating a potential retrograde embolization and subsequent stroke or blindness^[24]. To diminish the risk of vascular complications, injectors should aspirate before injection, inject slowly with minimal pressure, use products with vasoconstrictors, and use blunt, large microcannulas in the avascular deep plane below the level of the SMAS^[25].

In addition to complications and safety concerns, novel research has shown that liquid rhinoplasty can have an insufficient effect in some patient populations. A 2016 study notes that 10% of 250 patients reported that the filler injection lasted only a short duration of less than 6 months or did not achieve the desired aesthetic result^[20]. This requires patients to receive repeat injections, which increases the risk of complications and may cause potential financial burden.

Conclusion

Liquid rhinoplasty with HA fillers is a safe procedure with positive aesthetic results when performed by a trained professional. Post procedure, many patients will have self-limiting side effect such as mild erythema and swelling. Very rarely, some patients will suffer infections and local tissue necrosis. Using correct injection technique such as filling only in the deep fatty later and staying in the midline can help reduce the chance of adverse effects. Further, having a targeted plan on the location and order of injections can help achieve the desired aesthetic result with safety, consistency, and reproducibility.