Non-surgical Rhinoplasty: Patient Satisfaction and Progression to Surgery

Abstract Background Non-surgical rhinoplasty (NSR) may achieve a satisfactory aesthetic result. However, if NSR falls short of patient goals, patients may then elect to undergo surgical rhinoplasty. This latter cohort of patients has not been well studied in terms of satisfaction and motivation to pursue surgical rhinoplasty. Objectives The objectives of this study are to determine when NSR may be most beneficial and why patients may choose to undergo surgical rhinoplasty following NSR. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of patients undergoing NSR from 2019 to 2024 by a single surgeon. All patients received injection of hyaluronic acid (HA) filler. Demographic data, satisfaction scores using FACE-Q data, progression to surgical rhinoplasty, and complications following injection and rhinoplasty were recorded. Results 162 patients were included in the study. 90.7% were female and average patient age was 30.5 ± 9.2 years. On average, patients had 1.7 ± 1.2 injections with an average of 0.38 + 0.08 cc volume per injection. 8/162 (4.9%) of patients went on to surgical rhinoplasty with an average of 8.1 ± 5.8 months between last injection and surgery. The main motivations for proceeding to surgical rhinoplasty were patient readiness for more permanent results. FACE-Q surveys were completed by 36/162 (22.2%) of patients, which showed an average satisfaction of 79.8% + 15.7%. Conclusions NSR is a safe aesthetic procedure with low rate of progression to surgical rhinoplasty. In patients who elect to proceed to surgical rhinoplasty, the main motivation is readiness for permanent surgical outcomes