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.