The nose is at the center of the face, which means it can attract attention if it’s large or asymmetrical. Many people have rhinoplasty so they can feel less self-conscious when looking in the mirror. But what if surgery makes you feel uneasy? Can a non surgical nose job, also called a liquid rhinoplasty, give you the same aesthetic outcome?
While a liquid rhinoplasty is a good choice for those who want to avoid surgery, it’s not the same as traditional rhinoplasty. This blog post will explain the major differences between the procedures and how you can tell if non surgical rhinoplasty is right for you.
How does non surgical rhinoplasty work?
Non surgical rhinoplasty is a minimally invasive procedure that uses dermal fillers to adjust the shape of the nose. It typically injects hyaluronic acid-based fillers at strategic locations to modify the bridge, tip, and other areas. Neurotoxins (like BOTOX®) also might be used to lift the tip of the nose or remove “bunny line” wrinkles on the nose, but this is less common.
The procedure itself usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. A numbing cream can be used beforehand so that the injections involve minimal discomfort. Our fillers also come pre-mixed with anesthetic for comfort.
Rhinoplasty, in contrast, is a surgical procedure that remodels the nose’s bone, cartilage, and soft tissue. The procedure usually takes 2 to 3 hours and is performed while the patient is under general anesthesia.
What issues can a liquid rhinoplasty treat?
Non surgical rhinoplasty is best for those who want slight, subtle adjustments to their noses. A liquid rhinoplasty can:
- Even out bumps
- Refine the nasal tip
- Make the bridge appear straighter and slimmer
- Add volume to a disproportionately small nose
- Smooth a concave bridge
Some doctors are also testing the use of injectables for widening the airway. While injectables may help relieve breathing problems, they are not a substitute for septoplasty. Learn more about this procedure in our related blog post.
Dermal fillers can help your nose appear straighter or more refined. However, they cannot shrink the size of your nose. Because of this, a liquid nose job works best for patients who only wish to make the nose appear straighter, more proportional, or more honed at the tip.
What are the recovery and results like?
This is a non surgical procedure, so patients can return to work or home immediately after treatment. There may be slight bruising or swelling afterward, but these side effects will subside after a few days. Patients will notice a change in their nose’s appearance almost immediately.
Unlike revision rhinoplasty, patients don’t need to wait a year to address any cosmetic concerns they have. Instead, your provider can dissolve your filler with hyaluronidase at any point before your body naturally metabolizes the filler.
How long does liquid rhinoplasty last?
The results of non surgical rhinoplasty last as long as the fillers themselves. Dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. As time goes on, your body metabolizes dermal filler, so the effects gradually fade. Most results last anywhere from 6 to 12 months before a follow-up procedure is needed to maintain your nose’s modified appearance.
What are the benefits of choosing non surgical rhinoplasty?
Non surgical rhinoplasty can be an excellent option for many reasons. You should consider treatment if you:
- Are uncomfortable with the idea of surgery and want a less invasive option with no downtime
- Mainly want to address smaller problem areas, such as refining the bridge or modifying the nose tip
- Prefer a treatment that is temporary or easily reversible; some patients use a non surgical nose job to “test drive” changes they might desire from traditional rhinoplasty
- Want a lower price that is more easily accessible
While dermal fillers generally cost less than surgery, remember that you’ll need to repeat treatment to maintain your results. In the long run, this repeated treatment may cost more than the surgery.
Choosing a Provider
While liquid rhinoplasty is a non surgical procedure, that doesn’t mean you should trust just anyone to inject your fillers. Because the nose is so vascular, non surgical rhinoplasty requires delicate, conservative, and precise injection. You should look for a provider with professional expertise and advanced knowledge of nose anatomy. The injector should have a medical license, and they should stock hyaluronidase (the enzyme that dissolves dermal fillers).
Liquid rhinoplasty is safest when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with a background like mine in otolaryngology and nose-related treatments. With proper precautions and personal skill, the risk of complications is very small.
Achieve Facial Harmony Today
While traditional rhinoplasty is a popular choice, the procedure isn’t for everyone. For patients with slight nose imperfections who wish to avoid surgery, liquid rhinoplasty is an excellent treatment alternative.
Our San Francisco team specializes in rhinoplasty and would be happy to answer any questions. Request a consultation online or call our office at (415) 441-1888 to explore the best treatment option for you.
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