Effects of hyaluronic acid filler injection for non-surgical rhinoplasty on first impressions and quality of life (FACE-Q scale)

Background The nose is a central visual feature of the face leading many patients wishing to improve their facial esthetic appearance to undergo rhinoplasty. Increasingly more patients are seeking non-surgical alternatives such as hyaluronic acid filler injections. These treatments have the ability to profoundly impact patients' esthetic appearance and first impressions. Objective To evaluate the effects of hyaluronic acid filler injection in non-surgical nasal augmentation on first impressions, quality of life, and to evaluate treatment efficacy in reducing the height of the nasal dorsal convexity. Methods Ten female subjects underwent small-particle hyaluronic acid filler injection into the nasal soft tissues. Photographs of the subjects were taken at baseline and post-treatment after achieving an optimal correction result. Patients reported satisfaction with outcomes using a validated patient-reported outcome measurement tool. Blinded evaluators were used to assess first impressions across specifically defined categories using the baseline and post-treatment photographs. The height of the pre and post-injection nasal dorsal convexity was compared. Results All patients experienced a statistically significant reduction in the height of their dorsal nasal convexity. There was significant improvement in patient-reported outcomes based on all measures of the FACE-Q scale. A total of 224 evaluators completed blinded assessments of first impressions. Mean first impressions in all eight categories, along with overall first impression score showed statistically significant improvement following treatment. Conclusion Hyaluronic acid filler injections for non-surgical nasal reshaping are a safe and effective method to improve perceived first impressions and to improve patient-reported self-esteem and esthetic satisfaction with their nose.