Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty: Histopathological Effects of Dermal Fillers on Nasal Cartilage in a Rabbit Model

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty has emerged as a preferred nasal aesthetic treatment due to its safety, predictability, and high patient satisfaction. It utilizes dermal fillers, primarily hyaluronic acid (HA), to enhance nasal profiles and correct defects. However, limited data exist on the effects of HA-containing dermal fillers on nasal cartilage. This study aimed to evaluate these effects histopathologically. Sixteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into two groups (A and B). Group A's right lateral cartilages (AR) received 0.1 mL of VYC-20L filler, while the left (AL) received isotonic saline. Group B's right lateral cartilages (BR) received 0.1 mL of VYC-25L filler, with the left (BL) serving as the control. After 90 days, the rabbits were sacrificed, and cartilage samples were analyzed histopathologically for cartilage thickness, chondrocyte nucleus loss, inflammation, fibrosis, giant cells, granulation tissue, abscess, and necrosis. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Significant differences were found between groups for chondrocyte nucleus loss, fibrosis, and giant cells (p = 0.005, 0.018, <0.001, respectively). No difference was observed in cartilage thickness between AR and BR (p = 0.918). Chondrocyte nucleus loss was present in AR and BR but absent in AL and BL. Giant cells were detected in all VYC-20L and VYC-25L samples. Chronic inflammation and fibrosis varied but were not statistically significant. No abscess or necrosis was observed. This study demonstrated the histopathological effects of VYC-20L and VYC-25L on nasal cartilage using a rabbit model. Further studies with larger samples and diverse fillers are recommended.