Lots of people are embarrassed by their noses. Whether it’s a hump on the bridge of the nose, small depressions in the skin, a drooping tip, or crookedness, any “quirks” in your nose can affect the appearance of your face as a whole. Why? Because the nose is the most dominant facial feature, and it affects the overall balance of the face.
The good news is that you have options if you find that your nose is affecting your confidence. The gold standard is surgical rhinoplasty, which can permanently fix a huge range of cosmetic and functional issues. People with breathing problems often choose rhinoplasty surgery, as do people with significant nasal defects.
However, if you’re not sold on surgery, there might be another option: non-surgical rhinoplasty. Non-surgical rhinoplasty can provide subtle reshaping for people who don’t want to deal with the recovery time or price tag of surgery. Have questions? Here are some of the top frequently asked questions prospective patients have about non-surgical rhinoplasty.
What kind of outcomes can I anticipate from a non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure?
The results of non-surgical rhinoplasty will vary depending on the individual’s goals and expectations. Generally speaking, most people can expect subtle changes in their nose shape when they opt for non-surgical rhinoplasty instead of surgical rhinoplasty. In many cases, these changes may not be immediately noticeable but can result in an overall improvement in facial balance when combined with other treatments such as BOTOX® Cosmetic or dermal fillers.
Is Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Right for Me?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty may be right for you if you have minor nasal defects that you would like to correct but do not require major reconstruction surgery. It is important to speak with Dr. Vitenas about your goals so they can determine whether non-surgical rhinoplasty can safely meet your needs or if traditional surgery might be necessary.
How Much Does Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Cost?
The cost of non-surgical rhinoplasty varies depending on where you live and how much work needs to be done during the procedure. Generally speaking, most treatments cost between $500-$1000 USD per session, although this number could go up if additional work needs to be done due to more complex issues or extensive reshaping being required.
Benefits of Non-surgical Rhinoplasty
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a popular procedure for those looking to improve the look of their nose without surgery. The procedure allows patients to achieve their aesthetic goals with less downtime, cost, and risk than traditional surgical rhinoplasty. Non-surgical rhinoplasty utilizes dermal filler injections to create subtle changes in the nose while still providing an enhanced facial appearance. This type of procedure is ideal for anyone who has an aesthetic concern but doesn’t feel comfortable with, or needs, a full surgical procedure.
By working with a qualified medical professional, patients can be confident that they will receive safe and effective results from their non-surgical nose job. A non-surgical rhinoplasty is an excellent option for patients who are looking for subtle reshaping in order to enhance their facial appearance without undergoing surgery.
Benefits of non-surgical rhinoplasty include:
- Quicker recovery time
- Less expensive than surgical rhinoplasty
- No scarring
- Minimal discomfort associated with treatment
- Long-lasting results of up to 1 year
- Reduced risk of infection or other complications associated with surgery
- Ability to correct minor imperfections such as a crooked nose, bumps, or asymmetry.
What is Non-surgical Rhinoplasty?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure that uses injectable fillers to reshape the nose without the need for surgery. This innovative technique is ideal for people who want subtle changes to their nose, such as smoothing out minor bumps or reducing the size of a nasal hump. Non-surgical rhinoplasty can also help improve breathing issues by opening up the nasal passages. This procedure is performed by an experienced reconstructive surgeon who has specialized training in aesthetic procedures.
What is Involved in Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?
The procedure is typically done with injectables, such as dermal filler or fat transfer. The specific type of injectable used depends on what areas are being treated and how much change needs to be made. During this procedure, small amounts of filler are carefully injected into different points on the nose to provide subtle reshaping and enhancement of its shape and contours. The results of non-surgical rhinoplasty appear gradually over time and usually last between 6 months and 1 year before needing to be redone.
1. How does the procedure work?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty, or “liquid” rhinoplasty, is a quick procedure that involves the use of dermal fillers to subtly change the shape of the nose. An expert plastic surgeon uses a fine needle to inject the filler strategically into the nose, depending on the goals discussed during the patient’s consultation.
The injection process usually takes just 15 or so minutes, although the patient might need to come a little early if they wish to have topical numbing cream applied. Once the procedure is complete, patients can get back to their normal activities almost immediately. This makes the non-surgical rhinoplasty perfect for busy, on-the-go people.
Patients are usually advised to refrain from exercising, wearing makeup, and touching their faces for the first 48 hours. Glasses should not be worn for 1-2 weeks to reduce the chance of developing indentations. Other than that, most activities are fine to resume right away!
2. Why is it called a “liquid” rhinoplasty?
This nickname for a non-surgical rhinoplasty comes from the fact that dermal fillers are used to create changes in the nose. These fillers are typically made from hyaluronic acid, a substance that occurs naturally in the body. Although they are usually more gel-like than liquid, this nickname is used to describe the difference between surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty.
Dermal fillers are very safe and extremely popular. Because they are made from a biocompatible material, there is almost no risk of an allergic reaction. They are extremely versatile and are used for everything from filling in lines and wrinkles to lip augmentation.
3. What is the duration of the results?
One of the benefits of liquid rhinoplasty is that patients can see their results right away. They can give the surgeon feedback on what they think and don’t have to wait for the nose to heal. Shortly after the procedure, there may be some swelling, but this should resolve quickly.
Most people can expect to enjoy their results for about 6-18 months on average. This range is so wide because everyone metabolizes the filler differently. Although most people are thrilled with their results, it is possible to have the procedure reversed with a simple injection to dissolve the filler.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is perfect for someone who might want to “test out” a new look before committing to surgery. However, patients can also have the procedure repeated if they want to continue enjoying their results.
4. Can a non-surgical rhinoplasty fix breathing problems?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty can provide subtle changes to the shape and appearance of the nose, but it cannot be used to treat breathing difficulties. The procedure is primarily used for aesthetic purposes, such as reducing a dorsal hump or changing the shape of the nasal bridge. Injectable fillers are not strong enough to make any structural change that would improve breathing.
The most common fillers used in non-surgical rhinoplasty are hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Restylane and Juvederm. These products are effective at providing subtle changes that can help people reach their cosmetic goals without surgery. However, they do not have enough power to address a deviated septum or other issues that may be causing difficulty breathing or snoring.
For more severe problems with the nose structure, patients typically require a traditional double-board certified facial plastic surgeon for surgical intervention. During this surgery, tissue is removed or rearranged to improve function and airflow through the nose. This type of procedure can profoundly impact improving one’s ability to breathe properly but cannot be achieved with non-surgical rhinoplasty alone.
5. Is non-surgical rhinoplasty risky or painful?
During the procedure, a fine needle is used to inject the filler. In the hands of an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, risks are extremely low. Injecting into a blood vessel is a rare and serious complication that most often occurs due to the injector’s inexperience.
Most patients find that the procedure is slightly uncomfortable but not truly painful. Many patients opt to have a topical numbing agent applied before the procedure begins to reduce any discomfort. After the treatment, some swelling and redness may occur, but any minor side effects should disappear within a few days.
Talk to an Expert and Find Out if Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty is Right for You
If you’re interested in learning more about non-surgical rhinoplasty, your next step should be to contact a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in the procedure. It’s important to find out if the treatment is right for you and to learn if you’re even a candidate. You will need to schedule a consultation and talk to the surgeon about your goals and expectations. Dr. Paul Vitenas is known throughout the greater Houston area as one of the best of the best. He is board-certified, experienced, and offers each patient a customized treatment plan to suit their individual needs. He is an expert in non-surgical rhinoplasty and can help you decide if the treatment is right for you. To schedule a consultation at Vitenas Cosmetic Surgery, call 281-484-0088 today.