What’s the best choice for me, traditional vs liquid rhinoplasty? As with most plastic surgery treatments, there is no single, across-the-board answer. The best rhinoplasty option is the one that is right for your specific goals and facial structure.
This piece helps you explore the differences between an injectable nose job or traditional rhinoplasty and better understand what might be right for you.
Liquid Nose Job
A liquid nose job, or injectable rhinoplasty, is the non-surgical alternative to traditional rhinoplasty. Being a non-invasive procedure makes this approach appealing to many patients. The plastic surgeon is not achieving results through surgery, so this limits a patient’s final results. However, it can still be an excellent option for the right person and goals.
Pros
No anesthesia. If you cannot use anesthesia for medical or personal reasons, a liquid nose job may be your only option. As well, not having to “go under” for our treatment allows you more control over the procedure. Often, surgeons will provide a mirror, allowing you to see what’s going on if you so choose.
Lunch break treatment. A “lunch break” treatment is a treatment that is performed relatively quickly and allows you to resume normal activities almost immediately afterwards. It gets its name because you can get the treatment during your lunch break and return to work right after. A liquid nose job can take as little as 15 minutes and show minimal redness or impact on the injection sites.
Results. With injectable rhinoplasty, you get new-immediate results. There is virtually no downtime, so you get to show off your new nose with hardly any recovery period. Also, unlike surgery, it’s easier to be considered a good candidate for this procedure. With filler, you can enhance the bridge of the nose, nasal tip and the overall shape of the nose.
Reversible. If you’re not satisfied with the results, a liquid nose job is much easier to fix. Depending on the injectables used, the surgeon can dissolve the filler. This way, you’re not stuck with something you don’t like, and you can try again much sooner.
Cons
Temporary. Fillers and relaxers fade with time. While they look great for a few months, maintaining the look takes ongoing upkeep. After the effects dissipate, you will need to get another liquid nose job. Even though each procedure is more affordable than a surgical nose job, multiple treatments can become more expensive and inconvenient than surgical rhinoplasty.
Strictly cosmetic. Injectable rhinoplasty with dermal fillers is a purely cosmetic procedure. If you require functional rhinoplasty to resolve obstructions or blockages, you need to undergo surgery.
Complications. Under the steady hand of an experienced facial plastic surgeon, the risks of complication are low when injecting fillers. But, you must still pay careful attention when receiving a liquid nose job. If complications occur, the filler and relaxers can compress arteries in the nose, reducing blood supply or affecting vision. The best way to avoid this is to use a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Traditional Rhinoplasty
Traditional rhinoplasty involves a surgical approach that allows the surgeon to adjust the nose’s cartilage, tissue, or structure. The results are much more dramatic and permanent than nonsurgical alternatives. Surgery provides everything you need when a liquid nose job is not enough to get the results you deserve.
Pros
Permanent results. There is no upkeep with a surgical nose job. The changes are permanent and lasting. The best rhinoplasty surgeons also attempt to account for how your nose will age with you. As a result, most patients receive a nose job that they love for life.
Dramatic results. The surgeon has more options available through surgery and has a greater scope to make corrections. Any significant change requires surgery. If you want to make a genuinely striking difference, this is the approach for you.
Functional and cosmetic. Not only can surgical nose jobs be more dramatic, but they can also be practical. A top facial plastic surgeon can resolve narrow nasal passageways or breathing issues through traditional rhinoplasty.
Combination surgeries. Combination surgeries are becoming increasingly common in plastic surgery. A surgeon may recommend you get all your work and recovery over with at once. Common combinations include nose and chin and nose and facelift surgeries.
Cons
Inherent risks. Any surgery has more risk than non-surgical procedures. Infections and complications are possible. You can significantly reduce these risks by choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and carefully following their aftercare recommendations.
Higher initial cost. Traditional rhinoplasty costs more than a liquid nose job. It requires more time, expertise, and equipment to perform. However, since rhinoplasty is permanent, it may be more cost-effective over time. Unlike injectable rhinoplasty, surgery does not require returning for multiple treatments.
Recovery. Rhinoplasty recovery takes longer and has more side effects. Some bruising and swelling can cause discomfort, and you’ll be eager to see the new you. But once it’s all ready, the results are much more impressive.
The average recovery time is about one to two weeks after rhinoplasty, with complete healing requiring about six weeks before seeing your final results.
Get the Right Rhinoplasty Procedure for You
If you’re deciding between liquid or nonsurgical rhinoplasty and a surgical rhinoplasty, the smart approach is to consult a highly-qualified and experienced facial plastic surgeon.
Dr. Rival is an Otolaryngologist Head and Neck Surgeon practicing in Facial Plastic Surgery exclusively. To request a rhinoplasty consultation at one of Dr. Rival’s three Toronto-area offices, reach out to us today.