An "Avatar nose" refers to a specific cosmetic outcome resulting from filler injections in the glabellar region (the area between the eyebrows). It's characterized by a widened, flattened appearance of the upper nose, resembling the nose shape of characters from the movie Avatar.
Here's a breakdown:
-
Cause: It's primarily caused by the unintentional spreading of filler injected into the glabella, leading to volume increase and a broadening effect in the nasal bridge area. This happens when filler migrates or is injected too superficially.
-
Appearance: The defining feature is a wider, flatter-looking nose, particularly in the upper region, creating a distinct, and often undesirable, "Avatar" appearance.
-
Filler Rhinoplasty Context: This complication is most commonly discussed within the context of non-surgical rhinoplasty (nose jobs) using injectable fillers. While fillers can be used to reshape the nose, risks like the "Avatar nose" effect must be considered.
-
Prevention: Proper injection technique, a thorough understanding of facial anatomy, and careful selection of filler type are crucial in preventing this outcome. Doctors must avoid injecting too much filler superficially and avoid injecting directly into the glabella region.
-
Correction: If an "Avatar nose" develops, hyaluronidase (an enzyme that dissolves hyaluronic acid fillers) can be used to reverse the effect by dissolving the misplaced filler.
In summary, an "Avatar nose" is a cosmetic side effect of filler injections near the glabella, resulting in an undesirable broadened appearance of the upper nose. Proper injection technique and careful planning are essential to avoid this outcome.