Rhinoplasty is still one of the most popular plastic surgeries in the US. Many people decide each year to undergo surgery to alter the shape or contours of their nose, correcting issues like asymmetries, bumps, or bulbous tips. Nose jobs can dramatically change facial appearance, and most people that suffer from these cosmetic issues don’t hesitate to receive plastic surgery. 

However, a new alternative to enhance nose aesthetics was introduced not so long ago. Dermal fillers have given those who want to correct minor issues but aren’t willing to go under the knife the possibility they were waiting for. This alternative, known as non-surgical or “liquid” rhinoplasty, is increasing in popularity among more conservative patients. And after multiple successful treatments, many patients started wondering whether they could achieve their cosmetic goals with this minimally invasive procedure.

To help those who cannot make up their minds, we summarized the main features of each procedure so that they can compare and contrast:

Surgical Rhinoplasty

• Indications: nose surgery can correct many cosmetic and functional defects. As long as you are overall healthy and have realistic expectations, you can achieve the results you desire when undergoing a surgical rhinoplasty.
• Procedure: A rhinoplasty is an invasive procedure that requires general anesthesia and can take up to 3 hours. However, it is still an outpatient procedure, meaning you can return home on the same day of the surgery.
• Post–Op: Although you can go back to work and gradually start exercising a few weeks after the intervention, you need to wait up to six to eight weeks to return to all your activities. During this time, you must be extra careful with your nose and avoid contact sports and other activities that could result in injury.
• Results: the results obtained with surgery are permanent, which is one of the most important differences between the two options. This surgery can also remove obstructions in the upper airway, improving patients’ ventilation. Although some cases need revision (rarely, a second surgery), most patients are happy with the results and can enjoy them for a lifetime.

Liquid Nose Job

• Indications: although it is quite a versatile treatment, a non-surgical nose job cannot address all cosmetic issues. It doesn’t drastically change the nose shape or size, as surgeons can only modify the nasal bone or cartilage through surgery. Reductions of any part of the nose can only be achieved with a rhinoplasty.
• Procedure: Unlike surgery, this procedure is quick and minimally invasive. Patients can receive the injections in only one clinical session of 15 to 30 minutes and obtain immediate results.
• Post-Op: a liquid nose job has no downtime at all. You may experience some swelling or bruising in the area after the injections, but it disappears after a few days. You can return to your routine immediately after the procedure without the risk of post-op complications.
• Results: Non-surgical rhinoplasty doesn’t remodel your nose permanently. The results obtained with the injections typically last between one to two years, depending on the lifespan of the filler chosen. After some time, the substance is reabsorbed, and you need follow-up treatment to maintain the new shape or contour.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty in Baton Rouge, LA

Do you still have some doubts? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Daugherty and ask all the questions you may have. Getting a rhinoplasty is an important decision, so it is vital you are sure about the different aspects of each alternative and the results you will obtain.