Enhancing the appearance of the nose can have a significant effect on one’s facial appearance. Since the nose is so prominently centered on the face, even slight cosmetic alterations can improve aesthetic balance among other facial features and resolve what may have been lifelong self-consciousness with the nasal appearance. Fortunately, advances in cosmetic enhancement procedures have made it possible to provide many individuals with a choice among treatment options for nose reshaping: surgical rhinoplasty and non-surgical “liquid” rhinoplasty. While each of these options can provide positive benefits, it’s important to understand the distinctions between the two that can make one more desirable than the other, depending on individual needs and goals.
A surgical rhinoplasty involves the careful and precise resculpting of nasal bone, soft tissues, and/or cartilage to modify the appearance of the nose based on the patient’s wishes. This treatment can adjust the size and shape of numerous aesthetic features of the nose, including the bridge, nostrils, and nasal tip. While nose surgery requires the use of small incisions, scarring from the procedure is often virtually unnoticeable due to the precise placement of those incisions. This type of rhinoplasty is a major surgical procedure and will require a recovery period; however, surgical rhinoplasty creates permanent results and can address a very wide range of concerns. In addition, this procedure can be utilized for functional nasal conditions as well as aesthetic concerns.
By contrast, a liquid rhinoplasty does not require surgical incisions or an extensive recovery period. This treatment involves the delicate injection of cosmetic dermal fillers to augment nasal aesthetics. Liquid rhinoplasty may be an option for patients who would like to enhance volume and definition to a low nasal bridge or nasal tip, or to generally improve the proportions of the nose. Liquid rhinoplasty produces immediate results; however, the effects are not permanent. In fact, depending on the types of injectable fillers used in the procedure, the results of liquid rhinoplasty can last up to about a year (or longer for some patients) before fading. Follow-up injections can maintain the effects of a liquid rhinoplasty for extended periods. In addition to its limitations in terms of the longevity of results, some aesthetic concerns can simply not be improved as effectively when compared to surgical rhinoplasty.
The best nose enhancement option for you will ultimately depend on your unique nasal characteristics and your ultimate goals for treatment. During your initial consultation with Dr. Eric Okamoto, our board-certified plastic surgeon will perform an examination and help you determine whether surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty is more ideal for your needs.
For additional information, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Okamoto, please contact us today.