Best non-surgical cosmetic procedures for the face

Mr Debashis Ghosh

NHS Consultant
GMC Number: 4657664

Medically reviewed by a licensed NHS consultant

Last updated: 15/08/2019

Multiple reports suggest that cosmetic surgery is on the rise. However, you need not look at numbers and data to realise this – just take a look around you and you will see more and more people electing to change the way they look surgically. There are plenty of advantages of choosing to get cosmetic procedures both physical and mental. In the past few years however, there has been a significant increase in people choosing to get non-surgical procedures over traditional surgical procedures.

What is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure?

A non-surgical cosmetic procedure is also called a non-invasive procedure as it doesn’t require making any incision into the body, nor does it require any removal of tissue. An example of non-surgical procedures can include: injecting fillers to create a plumping effect, enhance contours or change their shapes, and laser procedures to remove things like scars and age or sun spots.

What are the benefits of having non-surgical cosmetic procedures?

The main benefit of getting a non-surgical procedure is the fact that is non-invasive, in comparison to standard procedures which involve surgery. The results are not permanent so if you are not happy with them at least you are able to revoke them. Simultaneously, if you can’t afford to spend too much on cosmetic surgery, non-surgical procedures are less pricy than normal surgical procedures. For more information on the financial option for cosmetic surgery check out our blog dedicated to it.

Examples of cosmetic procedures you can get without surgery:

What kind of non-surgical cosmetic procedures can I get done to my face?

There is a long list of procedures one can get to achieve different looks. Here are some of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic procedures for your face.

Lip injections

Image credit: Irina Bg/Shutterstock

Also referred to as a ‘lunchtime procedure’ due to the fact that it can be done in minutes and with few risks, lip injections are probably one of the most popular treatments of the past few years. Especially after Kylie Jenner admitted getting hers done, more and more people now desire to have fuller lips.

How does it work?

The most common way of getting a lip augmentation is through derma fillers which can come in may form, the most popular ones using hyaluronic acid substances. These substances are used to reshape and add structure and volume to your lips.

The hyaluronic acid substance is injected into the lips to create the desired look, which will last for approximately six months after which the procedure can be repeated.

Benefits of using hyaluronic acid

There are plenty benefits of using hyaluronic acid fillers such as:

• Having control over the volume you inject in your lips.
• You can gradually add more if you are not happy with the results.
• Any bumps created by the movement of your lips will quickly dissolve.
• You may get less swelling and bruising compared the other types of fillers. 
• While the results are not permanent, they will last for a long period of time.
• You are less likely to get an allergic reaction to it.

Risks and side effects

While the risks are usually minimal, as with any type if procedure there can be some side effects. These include: bleeding, bruising, swelling, redness and tenderness or you could experience a reactivation of fever blisters and cold sores.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty (nose job)

Image credit: L Julia/Shutterstock

An extremely popular surgical procedure is the rhinoplasty (or more commonly known as a nose job), is a procedure that is meant to change the size and/or reshape the nose. A non-surgical rhinoplasty is the alternative for the traditional surgical one, preferred by more for its non-invasive methods and the fact that the results are not permanent.  

How does a nose job without surgery work?

Just like the lip augmentation, this procedure is done by injecting derma fillers into the nose to achieve a different look. Instead of removing cartilage and bone, you are adding to the structure of your nose to level things out and to reshape it. The procedure can last between 10 to 15 minutes and you can expect instant results which will last to up to a year. There are different types of fillers that can be injected depending on the clinic you use and the results you aim to achieve.

Benefits of getting a non-surgical rhinoplasty

• You won’t get any surgical scaring
• You don’t need general anaesthesia
• It’s quick with instant results
• It gives a natural look
• Not permanent in case you are not happy with the results

Risks and side effects

Just as with the lip fillers, the risks can include bruising, swelling, redness and tenderness.

Chin and jawline sculpting

Image credit: Jade ThaiCatwalk/Shutterstock

As the name suggest, this procedure involves sculpting and defining the chin and jaw area using hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers. This procedure is targeted to patients with a smaller chin or an undefined jawline and it doesn’t require any surgery.

How does it work?

Depending on what the patient wants to achieve, the procedure is done by injecting fillers into the area to achieve more structure and definition. A weak chin and/or a sagging or undefined jawline can be easily changed using this method. The procedure is fast, and the results can last between 6 – 12 months.

Benefits of chin and jawline sculpting without surgery

• Improves the size, length, projection, shape and symmetry of the chin and jawline.
• You are less likely to get an allergic reaction to hyaluronic acid fillers.  
• Less swelling and bruising, and almost no recovery time.
• While the results are not permanent, they will last for a long time.

Risks and side effects

The most common side effect of this procedure, as with any other procedure involving the injection of fillers, is bruising. The procedure needs to be done by a specialist as the nerves in the chin and jawline can be easily damaged, so we recommend going to a certified professional.

Feature Image Credit: Kotin/Shutterstock