Liquid rhinoplasty can be a suitable alternative to a traditional, surgical rhinoplasty–for the right patient. How do you know if that patient is you? It boils down to what you want to change about your nose, how ready you are to commit to the changes created by a nose job and what your schedule is like. If you can check off all three boxes, a liquid rhinoplasty might be the best option for you. If not, you might be better off exploring a surgical nose job.
Traditional vs. Liquid Rhinoplasty
There are a few major differences between a liquid nose job, or non-surgical rhinoplasty, and a surgical nose job. Let’s start by explaining what happens during each procedure.
During a liquid rhinoplasty, your surgeon will use injectable fillers to change the shape and size of your nose. Typically, surgeons use fillers that contain hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by your body. It’s soft and malleable and comes in a range of thicknesses. The filler is also reversible, which can be good if you end up changing your mind or decide that you don’t like your results.
Often, the surgeon will apply a topical anesthetic before a liquid nose job to numb the area and minimize any pain. You’ll most likely be fully awake during the treatment, though.
During a traditional rhinoplasty, it’s common for a surgeon to administer general anesthesia. That means you’ll be completely unconscious during the procedure. General anesthesia makes it easier for the surgeon to perform the rhinoplasty and helps make the procedure safer and more comfortable for you.
Depending on what you want changed about your nose, a surgical rhinoplasty can be an open or closed procedure. During a closed procedure, all of the incisions are made inside the nose. During an open procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision on the underside of the nose. The incision will be visible after the surgery, but will be small and in an out-of-the-way spot.
What’s Your Nose Like?
The exact changes you would like made to your nose play a big role in determining whether a liquid or traditional rhinoplasty is the right option for you. A non-surgical rhinoplasty is the more limited of the two procedures, as it can only correct a small number of issues with the nose.
Generally speaking, it can only help augment the nose. If you have a divot or depression in the nose, or if you want to add to the tip, a liquid nose job can be a great option for you. The treatment can also help to straighten a crooked nose or to minimize the appearance of a hump or bump on the nose.
If you think your nose is too large, a non-surgical rhinoplasty won’t be able to help you. A traditional procedure might be your best option, as it will be able to reduce the size of your nose. It’s also worth noting that liquid rhinoplasty won’t be able to remove any bumps or humps from the nose. While the surgeon can use the filler to hide any bumps, they’ll still be there once the injections wear off.
Along with reducing the size of the nose and removing any bumps, a surgical rhinoplasty can correct the same issues as a non-surgical nose job. A surgeon can augment the nose, change the position and size of the nasal tip, correct crookedness and adjust the size and flare of the nostrils during a surgical rhinoplasty.
Additionally, a surgical rhinoplasty can also improve the function of your nose. If you’re having problems breathing due to the shape your nose, a surgical nose job can be the better option.
What’s Your Schedule?
If either a liquid or surgical rhinoplasty would be a good option for you, based on what you want changed about your nose, your schedule can help you decide which route to take. Usually, a non-surgical procedure requires a lot less of your time than surgery. If your schedule is jam-packed, a liquid nose job can be the way to go.
The treatment itself usually takes less than half an hour. You also don’t have to take much, if any, time off from work. Many people can go back to the office the day after their injections. You will want to treat the nose with care during the first few weeks after the injections, though. Ice can help minimize swelling and bruising, for example. You’ll want to avoid putting any pressure on the nose for a couple of weeks.
In contrast, a surgical rhinoplasty requires a much bigger chunk of your time. You can expect the surgery to take a couple of hours. After that, you’ll need to take about a week off from work. Any sort of vigorous physical activity should be postponed for several more weeks afterwards.
Although a liquid nose job doesn’t require much time off, the trade-off is that it also doesn’t last as long as a surgical procedure. The results from a liquid rhinoplasty are temporary and usually wear off after a couple of years or sooner. Meanwhile, the results from a traditional nose job are meant to be permanent.
Liquid and Traditional Rhinoplasty with Dr. Ran Rubinstein
Dr. Rubinstein, a board certified facial plastic surgeon in Hudson Valley, New York, is an expert in facial plastics and sinus disorders. He offers patients both traditional and liquid rhinoplasty options. Dr. Rubinstein is double board certified through the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. He is also a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery and an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital. To learn more about your nose job options, call 845-863-1772 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rubinstein at his practice in Newburgh, NY today.
