As an esthetician with over two decades of experience, I’ve seen countless trends come and go in the beauty industry. But one thing remains constant: people want to look their best without going under the knife. That’s why I was thrilled to host Dr. Alexander Rivkin and Dr. Brandon Dunn on our Facially Conscious podcast to discuss non-surgical nose enhancements – a topic that fascinates many of my clients at Facial Bungalow.
My Experience with Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Years ago, I was fortunate to observe Dr. Rivkin’s groundbreaking work in non-surgical rhinoplasty. I visited his office monthly, watching in awe as he transformed patients’ appearances without surgery. This experience was invaluable for my professional growth and enabled me to better advise my clients on options beyond traditional skincare treatments.
What struck me most was how Dr. Rivkin could create such dramatic improvements with minimal intervention. “It takes five minutes,” he explained on our podcast. “I do it on stage at conferences all over the world. It’s like, no big deal.” Yet, the results can be life-changing for patients.
Understanding Nose Fillers: An Overview
Non-surgical rhinoplasty involves the use of dermal fillers to reshape the nose without surgery. Dr. Rivkin, who pioneered this procedure approximately 20 years ago, employs both temporary hyaluronic acid fillers and a permanent option called BellaFill (previously known as ArteFill).
What’s fascinating is that while adding filler technically makes the nose larger, it often creates the optical illusion of a smaller nose. Dr. Rivkin explained, “A bumpy nose or a curved nose attracts visual attention; it appears larger than a straight nose, which blends into the rest of the face and appears smaller.”
Safety First: The Importance of Provider Selection
One of the most important takeaways from our discussion was the significance of selecting the right provider for any injectable treatment, particularly for the nose.
Dr. Vicki Rapaport, our dermatologist co-host, initially expressed serious concerns about nose fillers, describing them as “so dangerous, so risky.” Dr. Rivkin and Dr. Dunn recognized these risks but emphasized that complications are extremely rare when proper training and technique are utilized.
However, these complications can be severe, including ischemia, necrosis, and in very rare cases, blindness or even stroke. This is why I always emphasize to my clients at Facial Bungalow and through my Esthetic Concierge service that choosing the right provider is paramount. As Dr. Rivkin noted, the difference between a skilled injector and an unskilled one lies in knowing how to:
- Steer clear of complications and reduce risks.
- Identify complications should they arise
- Address those complications efficiently and quickly.
Who is a good candidate?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for non-surgical rhinoplasty. Dr. Dunn highlighted two main categories of patients who should consider surgical options instead:
“Number one, I would say, is that they have functional issues. So, if people have difficulty breathing out of their nose… I think the efficacy of nasal filler is much less than surgery when it comes to improving the breathing.”
“And then the second is, if you want to make your nose smaller… if you want to make the nostril smaller or if you want to make the whole nose smaller, those patients tend to be a little bit less ideal for nasal filler.”
Interestingly, nearly half of Dr. Rivkin’s patients have undergone surgical rhinoplasty but are seeking refinements. This emphasizes an important point: even surgical outcomes aren’t always perfect, and non-surgical options can sometimes offer those finishing touches.
The Permanent Solution: BellaFill
One of the most intriguing aspects of our discussion was BellaFill, the permanent filler that Dr. Rivkin uses. While many doctors avoid permanent fillers due to safety concerns, Dr. Rivkin has been using BellaFill for over 13 years with outstanding results.
“I inject it very superficially,” he explained, helping to avoid the blood vessels that may lead to complications. The filler stimulates collagen growth, offering long-lasting results without the need for repeated treatments.
However, Dr. Rivkin warns that once you select a permanent filler, surgical rhinoplasty becomes significantly more complex in the future. For this reason, he usually begins patients with temporary fillers before presenting the permanent option.
What This Means for Your Skincare Journey
As the founder of Trina Renea Skincare and Facial Bungalow, I believe in a holistic approach to beauty. While my professional-grade skincare products can significantly enhance your skin’s texture and appearance, sometimes clients seek more dramatic changes to their facial features.
This is where my role as an educator comes into play. Through my Esthetic Concierge service, I assist in connecting clients with the appropriate specialists for their needs – whether that involves a skilled injector for non-surgical procedures or a plastic surgeon for more extensive changes.
The key lies in understanding all your options, as well as the potential risks and benefits of each. Non-surgical rhinoplasty can be a game-changer for the right candidate, but it is not suitable for everyone.
The Bottom Line
What I love most about hosting the Facially Conscious podcast is the chance to deliver expert knowledge directly to you. Whether you’re contemplating nose fillers or any other cosmetic procedure, education is your most valuable tool for making informed decisions.
If you’re interested in non-surgical rhinoplasty or other injectable treatments, I recommend booking a consultation at Facial Bungalow. While we don’t conduct these procedures on-site, I can evaluate your concerns and refer you to trusted specialists who can assist you in achieving your aesthetic goals safely.
Remember, beauty isn’t about conforming to someone else’s standards; it’s about feeling confident in your own skin. Sometimes, that means embracing your unique features, and other times, it means making subtle changes that help you feel more like yourself.
Whatever path you choose, I am here to guide you with honest and expert advice at every step of the way.
For more information about our services or to book a consultation, visit Facial Bungalow, Trina Renea Skincare, or Esthetic Concierge.