What is non-surgical rhinoplasty?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty, commonly known as the nose filler or liquid rhinoplasty, is an aesthetic medicine procedure that reshapes the profile of the nose without resorting to the operating theatre. Through the strategic injection of hyaluronic acid fillers, Dr. Marco Galati is able to correct aesthetic imperfections that make the nose look out of harmony with the rest of the face.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in the human body, biocompatible and gradually reabsorbed over time. Once injected, it fills deficient areas, redistributes volumes and creates the optical illusion of a more balanced nasal shape. The treatment is particularly effective for:
- Correcting the nasal hump — adding volume above and below the prominence produces a straighter, more harmonious profile line
- Redefining the nasal tip — targeted filler injections can lift or project the tip, making it sharper and more symmetrical
- Correcting minor asymmetries — small visible deviations or differences between the two sides of the nose can be precisely balanced
- Compensating for volume deficiencies — a depressed radix (root) or nasal dorsum can be augmented to restore facial proportions
The procedure is not indicated for correcting structural or functional problems of the nose (deviated septum, breathing obstruction), nor for significant volume reductions, for which surgical rhinoseptoplasty remains necessary.
Ideal candidates
The nose filler is the right choice for those who wish to correct small imperfections of the nose without undergoing surgery, for those who want to "preview" a result before considering definitive surgery, or for those who cannot undergo general anaesthesia for health or time reasons. Ideal candidates are people in good general health, with realistic expectations and mild to moderate aesthetic defects, without associated functional problems. During the consultation, Dr. Galati carefully assesses the nasal anatomy, facial proportions and the patient's expectations to establish whether the nose filler is the most suitable solution.
How the treatment is performed
The non-surgical rhinoplasty pathway begins with an in-depth medical consultation, during which Dr. Galati examines the anatomical characteristics of the nose, analyses the facial proportions and discusses the patient's expectations. This phase is essential to plan a harmonious, personalised result.
- 1. Consultation and assessment — in-depth analysis of the nasal profile and the face as a whole. The physician explains the correction possibilities, the limits of the treatment and answers all the patient's questions. Standardised photographs are taken for documentation and planning.
- 2. Preparation and topical anaesthesia — the nasal area is carefully cleansed. A lidocaine-based anaesthetic cream is applied for 20–30 minutes before the treatment, minimising any discomfort during the injections. No general anaesthesia or sedation is required.
- 3. Filler injection — using a fine needle or cannula, Dr. Galati injects the hyaluronic acid filler into the previously planned strategic points. The technique is precise and gradual: small quantities are deposited at different depths to achieve a natural, even result, without stiffness or an artificial appearance.
- 4. Shaping and final check — at the end of the injections, the physician gently moulds the product by hand to optimise its distribution. The patient can immediately see the result in the mirror and agree on any minor adjustments. The whole session lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
Products used
Dr. Galati uses exclusively CE-certified, latest-generation fillers, with highly cross-linked hyaluronic acid specifically formulated for areas of the face subject to limited muscle movement, such as the nasal dorsum. The choice of product (density, degree of cross-linking, volume) is personalised according to the area to be treated and the thickness of the patient's skin. The fillers used are completely reversible: in the event of an unsatisfactory result or a rare adverse event, the product can be dissolved by injecting hyaluronidase.
Recovery and results
What to expect immediately afterwards
The nose filler is a treatment with zero downtime: at the end of the session the patient can immediately return to daily activities, including work. Results are visible straight away, although in the first 24–48 hours the following may be present:
- Mild localised swelling in the treated area
- Possible slight skin redness
- Rare appearance of small bruises, more frequent in patients taking anticoagulant medication
These transient effects resolve spontaneously within a few hours, or at most within 48 hours. The definitive result can be appreciated from the first week, once any residual swelling has been fully reabsorbed and the filler has integrated into the tissues.
Duration and maintenance
Hyaluronic acid is a biodegradable material: the body metabolises it gradually over the months. The duration of the results depends on several factors: the type and quantity of filler injected, the patient's individual metabolism and the area treated — areas less subject to movement tend to hold the result longer. On average, results last between 12 and 18 months. Periodic maintenance sessions, which often require smaller amounts of product than the first session, are sufficient to maintain the effect over time. Dr. Galati monitors the evolution during scheduled follow-up visits.
Safety and reversibility
One of the main advantages of the nose filler compared with surgery is its complete reversibility. The enzyme hyaluronidase can dissolve the hyaluronic acid filler in a few minutes, in the event of a complication, an unsatisfactory result or simply a change of mind. This aspect makes the nose filler a particularly safe and flexible choice. The procedure is performed by Dr. Galati exclusively in a controlled medical environment, with the highest standards of asepsis and safety, in line with his expertise as a specialist plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience and 5,000 certified procedures.
Frequently asked questions
The treatment is generally well tolerated. A topical anaesthetic cream is applied before the session, further reducing any discomfort. Most patients describe a slight pressure or pinch during the injections, without significant pain. The nasal area is rich in nerve endings, but modern injection techniques and the use of atraumatic cannulas further minimise discomfort. In cases of particular sensitivity, the physician can add supplementary local anaesthesia.
Nose filler results last on average between 12 and 18 months, depending on the type of filler used, individual metabolism and the treated area. Periodic maintenance sessions allow the effect to be prolonged over time. With maintenance treatments, the amount of product needed often decreases progressively, since part of the corrective effect is already consolidated. Dr. Galati schedules regular follow-up visits to monitor the evolution and suggest the optimal time for a touch-up.
No: the nose filler is indicated to correct mild or moderate aesthetic defects (hump, poorly defined tip, minor asymmetries) and cannot modify bone or cartilage structure, nor correct functional problems such as a deviated septum or breathing obstruction. It also cannot reduce the size of the nose — it can only add volume selectively to create better optical proportions. Significant structural or functional changes require surgical rhinoseptoplasty. For many patients, however, the nose filler proves a definitively satisfying solution, avoiding surgery altogether.
Yes. The nose filler requires no recovery period. After the session, mild swelling or localised redness may appear and resolve within a few hours, or at most within 24–48 hours. Normal daily and work activities can be resumed immediately. It is advisable to avoid intense physical activity, saunas and steam baths in the first 24 hours, not to expose the area to direct sun or extreme temperatures for the first few days, and not to touch or massage the treated area. Make-up can be applied a few hours after the session.
Yes, completely. Hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved in a few minutes by injecting the enzyme hyaluronidase, in the event of a complication, an unsatisfactory result or simply if the patient changes their mind. This reversibility is one of the key safety advantages of non-surgical rhinoplasty compared with permanent procedures.