The Truth About Nose Fillers: What You Need to Know
Have you ever considered getting a nose job but were terrified of going under the knife? You're not alone! On our latest episode of Facially Conscious titled " Bellafill and Other Nose Enhancements: What You Need to Know, " featuring Dr. Alexander Rivkin and Dr. Brandyn Dunn, we had the pleasure of speaking with two renowned experts in cosmetic enhancement: Dr. Alexander Rivkin and Dr. Brandyn Dunn. Dr. Alexander Rivkin pioneered liquid rhinoplasty, and Dr. Brandon Dunn is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon.
As someone who has observed Dr. Rivkin's work firsthand- I used to follow him around his office once a month!- I've experienced the magic of nose fillers up close. It's truly remarkable how a five-minute procedure can transform someone's profile without surgery.
The Pioneer's Perspective
Dr. Rivkin shared how he began performing non-surgical rhinoplasty nearly 20 years ago when the field was brand new. Back then, most surgeons regarded the procedure as sacrilegious! Now it has become mainstream, with Dr. Rivkin leading the way using BellaFill, a permanent filler he has worked with for around 13 years.
What fascinated me most was learning that while fillers technically make the nose larger, they often create the perception of a smaller nose. When a bumpy or curved nose is smoothed out, it attracts less visual attention and appears smaller. It's all about perception!
Safety First
Both doctors emphasized the importance of safety when it comes to nose fillers. While complications are rare, they can be serious – including ischemia, necrosis, and in extremely rare cases, blindness or even stroke. This is why it's crucial to see a qualified provider who understands facial anatomy and knows how to handle complications.
Dr. Rivkin explained his approach to safety: "I never inject a large amount of filler into one place. I always keep moving with my syringe and inject tiny amounts." He also stages injections over multiple treatments for both safety and optimal results.
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Who's a Good Candidate?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for liquid rhinoplasty. According to Dr. Dunn, there are two main categories of people who should consider surgery instead:
1. Those with functional breathing issues
2. Those who want to make their nose significantly smaller
Interestingly, Dr. Rivkin noted that about half of his patients have already undergone surgical rhinoplasty and are seeking minor adjustments. This underscores the challenges of rhinoplasty – patients often pursue that final touch of perfection even after surgery.
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Permanent vs. Temporary Fillers
One of the most fascinating aspects of our conversation was Bellafill, the permanent filler that Dr. Rivkin uses. While many doctors shy away from permanent fillers, Dr. Rivkin has found them to be safe when used correctly. He typically begins patients with temporary fillers and then provides them the option to switch to permanent ones.
The main advantage? Patients are not required to return every year or two for touch-ups, and they can steer clear of the minor risks associated with each injection session. However, he warns that once permanent filler is used, surgical rhinoplasty is essentially ruled out permanently.
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The RF Microneedling Inquiry
We also addressed a listener question regarding whether radiofrequency microneedling produces "scarred collagen" that could lead to issues later on. Both doctors reassured us that the controlled, microscopic injuries from RF microneedling should not interfere with future procedures like facelifts, as they operate on different tissue planes.
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My key takeaway
What I love most about non-surgical rhinoplasty is that it provides an alternative for individuals who aren't ready for surgery or who require minor adjustments after surgery. It's not about pursuing perfection, but rather about helping people feel more confident in their appearance.
However, the most important takeaway is this: if you're considering nose fillers, visit someone who truly knows what they're doing. As Dr. Vicki emphasized, "Don't go to a med spa. Go to someone who writes the papers, conducts the research, and trains the other trainers."
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Whether you're contemplating a cosmetic procedure or aiming to enhance your natural beauty, remember that healthy skin is the essential foundation. Our Night Night Cream works overnight to nourish and rejuvenate deeply, helping you wake up to your most radiant self – because sometimes, the best enhancement comes from simply caring well for what you already have.
Have you ever thought about non-surgical rhinoplasty? Or have you tried fillers in other areas of your face? I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
Until next time, stay Facially Conscious!
Trina Renea