Dr Joseph Hkeik of All Saints clinic in Sydney says non-surgical nose jobs are on the rise. Photo / Instagram
Dr Joseph Hkeik of All Saints clinic in Sydney says non-surgical nose jobs are on the rise. Photo / Instagram
It's nothing new — in fact, a non-surgical nose job has been around for the better part of 10 years, but through product advancement and social media, it has become a much sought-after cosmetic procedure.
Depending on the aesthetic physician, open rhinoplasty surgery — or simply nose filler — involves injecting one or three types of dermal filler (all containing hyaluronic acid) into a hooked nose, taking no more than 15 minutes.
The convenience and results of the "liquid nose job" are attracting more and more Australians which is ultimately a sculpting exercise to correct/soften a bump through lifting and contouring the nose.
Non-surgical nose jobs involves injecting dermal filler (containing hyaluronic acid) into a hooked nose which takes no more than 15 minutes for instant results. Photo / Instagram
"It's a quick and more affordable alternative to your traditional surgical nose job," says Dr Joseph Hkeik.
In the last two years, Dr Hkeik — the former dean and now fellow of the medical faculty of the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery — has seen his clientele double, making it one of the most popular procedures across his four Sydney-based All Saints clinics.
It comes second to liquid facelifts and cheek augmentation.
"It costs about $990 regardless of how much filler we have to use and can last between one to two years (depending on what's been done)," he told news.com.au
"When you consider the cost, it's negligible to the cost of surgery and time lost away from your day job."
Dr Hkeik explained the filler will "drop" with time, but after one year, it can be tweaked again.
"The major benefit is that you don't have to take three weeks off work, there is barely any pain, bruising or swelling — we put on medical make-up and no one has a clue what you've had done," he said.
It's a 'walk in walk out' prodecure popular with both men and women. Photo / Instagram
He described the pain as being no different to Botox injections.
"There is less downtime, side effects and risk — it's very discreet, which is why a lot of my clients have it done (about 10 a week)."
With a rise in the use of aesthetics due to social media and celebrity influence, such quick and easy "lunchbreak" treatments are becoming commonplace — but Dr Hkeik warns this procedure isn't to be taken lightly.
He explains that although it is a straightforward process, it is a high-risk zone and not for beginners.
By that he means due to the procedure's increasing popularity, people need to be aware of injectors' qualifications and the plethora of untrained practitioners.
"Complications can happen to anyone and there needs to be medical backing to rectify problems straightaway," Dr Hkeik told news.com.au
"The nose is complex and one of the most dangerous features on the face — there's blood vessels all around it one must avoid."
Dr Joseph Hkeik of All Saints clinic in Sydney has seen a drastic increase in clients wanting the procedure, but warns it should only be undertaken by those with a medical backing. Photo / Instagram
Pitfalls of non-permanent fillers can sometimes block the blood supply to the area, however it can be reversed by injecting hyaluronidase to break down the filler. But again, it should only be carried out by reputable board-certified surgeons.
"Don't use social media to check credentials. It is not a place to see if people are good or not," Dr Hkeik said.
He explained images on social media shouldn't be used as a complete guide, as some can often manipulate (Photoshop) to give a false indication.
"Go to their website, call the practice, find out about the doctor — have a conversation with the clinic and not beauty salons," he said, adding that extreme transformation photos on social media, even if they've been posted by a doctor, have the right to be questioned on authenticity.
"There has been a huge surge of people wanting nose fillers at my clinics which is mostly social media driven."
He said the nose is a high-risk zone, surrounded by blood vessels and while complications can happen to anyone, there needs to be medical backing to rectify problems straight away. Photo / Instagram
Dr Hkeik, who has just over 10 years experience in the field, is highly regarded for delivering natural-looking results, drawing from his sense of artistic appreciation — a skill he says is essential in delivering the procedure.
"It's a sculpting exercise — and depending on the nose and what I am trying to achieve, I can use up to three different types of products (Teosyal RHA 3, Perlane or Restylane, Belotero Balance)," he said.
"The commonality is that they all contain hyaluronic acid (gel-like water-holding molecule that helps keep skin plump and hydrated) with the properties behaving differently when you inject them. It's like working with three different colours — it's art."
The treatment begins with Dr Hkeik using ice to cool the area before injecting filler (which also has anaesthetic) into specific areas (depending on the nose) using a thin needle and then moulding the nose.
After 15 minutes, the results are there for all to see.
But while liquid nose jobs are a relatively inexpensive and easy alternative to surgery, they shouldn't be used as a long-term solution, says Dr Cangello of Cangello Plastic Surgery in New York City.
Dr Hkeik says liquid facelifts are also increasing with popularity across his four Sydney clinics. Photo / Instagram
"The filler tends to spread, since it is like a gel as opposed to a solid material. Over time, repeated trauma from injections with a needle causes inflammation, and the filler material itself causes an inflammatory reaction," he told Fox News.
"The result of inflammation along with the accumulation of filler that spreads through the tissue (instead of remaining in the place it was initially put) can lead to thickening of the soft tissue of the nose, which leads to a wider and bulkier appearance," Dr Cangello said.
