Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of the nose. The motivation for rhinoplasty may be to change the appearance of the nose, improve breathing, or both. Rhinoplasty may be used to change bone, cartilage, skin structure, or all three. Patients may need different types of rhinoplasty such as nose job due to injury or birth defects.
What is the difference?
Rhinoplasty (nose job) is a procedure that alters the shape of the nose. There are two main types: surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty.
Surgical rhinoplasty is a traditional method that involves an invasive procedure. It’s performed by a plastic surgeon under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions inside the nose or across the columella (the thin bridge of tissue separating the nostrils) to access the bone and cartilage. They can then reshape, augment, or reduce the structures of the nose to achieve the desired appearance. This method allows for significant changes and permanent results. However, it comes with risks associated with surgery and anesthesia, such as infection, bleeding, or adverse reactions. The recovery period can be lengthy, often involving swelling and bruising that may last for several weeks.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty (Liquid nose job) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses injectable fillers to alter the nose’s shape. Common fillers include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, or poly-L-lactic acid. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes about 15-30 minutes. The practitioner injects the filler into precise areas of the nose to smooth out bumps, alter the angle of the tip, or make the nose appear more symmetrical. The results are temporary, typically lasting 6-18 months, depending on the type of filler used.
Those seeking dramatic, permanent changes may opt for surgical rhinoplasty, while those looking for subtle, temporary alterations may prefer the non-surgical route.
Pros and cons of surgical rhinoplasty
Pros of Surgical Rhinoplasty
Permanent Results: Unlike non-surgical alternatives, the results of surgical rhinoplasty are permanent. Once the nose has healed, the changes are typically lifelong.
Significant Changes: Surgical rhinoplasty can make significant changes to the size, shape, and structure of the nose, something that non-surgical methods cannot achieve.
Improved Breathing: For individuals with structural issues that impede breathing, such as a deviated septum, surgical rhinoplasty can provide a functional improvement in addition to cosmetic changes.
Increased Self-Confidence: Many patients report increased self-confidence and satisfaction with their appearance after undergoing surgical rhinoplasty.
Cons of Surgical Rhinoplasty
Recovery Time: As a surgical procedure, rhinoplasty requires a significant recovery period. Swelling and bruising may last for several weeks, and it may take up to a year for the nose to fully heal and the final results to be visible.
Risk of Complications: As with any surgery, there’s a risk of complications, including infection, bleeding, or an adverse reaction to anesthesia. There’s also the risk that the patient may be unhappy with the results, requiring revision surgery.
Cost: Surgical rhinoplasty can be quite expensive, and unless it’s being done for medical reasons, it’s often not covered by insurance.
Invasiveness: Surgical rhinoplasty is an invasive procedure that involves incisions and alteration of bone and cartilage. Some people may find this aspect off-putting.
Pros and cons of non-surgical nose job
Pros of Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
No Downtime: One of the biggest advantages of non-surgical rhinoplasty is that it requires no downtime. Patients can typically return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.
Quick Procedure: The procedure itself is quick, often taking less than an hour.
No General Anesthesia: Non-surgical rhinoplasty is performed under local anesthesia, avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia.
Immediate Results: Results are typically visible immediately after the procedure.
Reversible: If a patient is unhappy with the results of a non-surgical rhinoplasty, certain types of fillers can be dissolved, effectively reversing the procedure.
Cons of Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
Temporary Results: The results of non-surgical rhinoplasty are not permanent. Depending on the type of filler used, results typically last between six months to two years.
Limited Changes: Non-surgical rhinoplasty can only add volume to the nose. It cannot make the nose smaller or correct functional issues like a deviated septum.
Risk of Complications: While generally considered safe, there are risks associated with non-surgical rhinoplasty, including infection, bruising, and in rare cases, skin necrosis.
Cost Over Time: While the upfront cost of non-surgical rhinoplasty may be less than surgical rhinoplasty, the need for ongoing treatments can make it more expensive over time.
Who is suitable for a liquid nose job?
A liquid nose job, or non-surgical rhinoplasty, is a procedure that uses injectable fillers to alter the shape of the nose. It’s a less invasive alternative to surgical rhinoplasty and can be suitable for a variety of individuals.
Those looking for minor adjustments to the shape of their nose. This could include smoothing out a dorsal hump, lifting the tip of the nose, or adding symmetry. It’s important to note that a liquid nose job can only add volume to the nose, it cannot make the nose smaller or narrower.
Those not ready for the permanence of a surgical procedure may find a liquid nose job appealing. The results of a liquid nose job are temporary, typically lasting between six months to two years depending on the type of filler used.
Those who cannot undergo surgery due to health reasons. As it’s a non-surgical procedure, it avoids the risks associated with general anesthesia and has a much shorter recovery time.
However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for a liquid-nose job. Individuals with significant nasal deformities, those who need functional improvements such as correction of a deviated septum, or those who desire a smaller or narrower nose may not achieve their desired results with a liquid nose job. In these cases, surgical rhinoplasty may be a better option.
Who is suitable for surgical rhinoplasty?
Surgical rhinoplasty (Nose job) is a procedure that can significantly alter the shape and function of the nose. It’s a more invasive option compared to non-surgical alternatives, and it’s suitable for a variety of individuals.
Those who are seeking significant changes to the size, shape, or structure of their nose. This could include reducing the size of the nose, reshaping the nasal tip or bridge, narrowing the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and the upper lip.
Those who have breathing issues due to structural abnormalities within the nose may be suitable candidates for surgical rhinoplasty. Conditions such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinate, or nasal valve collapse can often be corrected through surgery.
Those who have had previous nasal surgery are unhappy with the results. This is known as revision or secondary rhinoplasty, and it can be more complex due to the presence of scar tissue and changes to the normal anatomy of the nose.
However, not everyone is a suitable candidate for surgical rhinoplasty. The procedure requires a certain level of physical health to safely undergo anesthesia and surgery. Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease, or uncontrolled diabetes, may not be suitable candidates.
In addition, suitable candidates for surgical rhinoplasty should have realistic expectations about the results. While rhinoplasty can improve the appearance and function of the nose, it will not result in perfection, and it’s important to understand that each person’s result will be unique to their existing nasal structure and facial features.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Surgical rhinoplasty, while more invasive and requiring a longer recovery time, offers permanent and significant changes to the nose’s structure and can also address functional issues. On the other hand, non-surgical rhinoplasty offers a quick, less invasive alternative with immediate results, but the changes are temporary and limited in scope. The choice between the two depends on an individual’s specific needs, health conditions, and aesthetic goals. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified professional to make an informed decision about which procedure is most suitable. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance one’s confidence and comfort with their appearance, whether that’s achieved through a surgical or non-surgical approach.
Read more: