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Does it sometimes feel that your nose is not complimentary to your face? Lack of confidence due to aesthetic nose concerns can be an issue for men and women alike. In fact, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reports that as many as 220,000 surgical rhinoplasties – or nose jobs – are performed every year. But another non-surgical procedure – called a non-surgical rhinoplasty or liquid rhinoplasty – may also be an option. When deciding which one is right for you, it’s best to have as much information on your side as possible, so keep reading to learn more about surgical vs. non-surgical rhinoplasty.
What is a nose job?
As one of the most common plastic surgery treatments performed, a “nose job” is a procedure conducted to alter the shape, size, or structure of the nose. There are two main reasons a patient might decide a nose job is right for them: aesthetic concerns or functional issues with breathing.
The general aesthetic concerns may be a result of previous trauma or surgery to the nose, although genetics may also play a role. Aesthetic concerns can also be related to the natural aging changes of the nose, which can cause the skin to thin or the tip to droop. Some people may have a concern from one particular angle – for example, from the front or from the side profile – whereas others may generally dislike their nose from multiple perspectives.
Functional issues can also be a result of previous trauma or surgery and can lead to breathing issues that can be disruptive to quality of life. Breathing issues may only be noticeable on one side, but can also be on both sides
It is very common to have both functional and aesthetic concerns, which can both be corrected at once in well-performed rhinoplasty surgery.
No matter what your personal motivation is for seeking a nose job, Jonathan Cabin, MD, is here to help you find the right shape to complement your facial features and provide you with the self-confidence you deserve.
Surgical Rhinoplasty
As one of two approaches to changing the aesthetics of the nose, surgical treatment offers a more permanent solution for patients looking to adjust the size or shape of their noses. By making tiny incisions that are hidden inside the nostrils and in the shadows of the nose, Dr. Cabin can access the underlying bone and cartilage that make up the structure of your nose. These structures can then be reshaped to fit your desired look.
Because this is a surgical procedure, it is typically conducted under general anesthesia. Most surgical rhinoplasty procedures last around three hours, depending on the changes the patient is looking for.
Pros & Cons
A surgical nose job provides many benefits. Although it is a more invasive procedure than its non-surgical alternative, a surgical rhinoplasty offers a more permanent result than a non-surgical procedure can. This treatment option is also the only way to address deeper structural issues that cause functional difficulties with breathing.
For most patients, recovery typically takes a few weeks, but your final, full results may not be apparent until up to a year after treatment, as microscopic amounts of skin swelling may take that long to subside. Any more significant swelling or bruising usually dissipates within the first few weeks.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
For patients who aren’t ready for the permanent effects or recovery period of a surgical nose job, non-surgical rhinoplasty may be the best option. Also known as a “liquid nose job,” this treatment uses injectable fillers to change the shape of the nose and balance the overall aesthetic. Dr. Cabin can use non-surgical rhinoplasties to correct issues like dorsal humps (raised areas on the bridge of the nose), a drooping nasal tip (when the tip of the nose points downward rather than slightly upward), or even minor asymmetry.
Liquid nose jobs are minimally-invasive procedures that take just a few minutes, and Dr. Cabin performs them in the clinic.
Pros & Cons
The primary benefits of non-surgical rhinoplasty include immediate results and a short recovery period. For the right candidate, it is a fantastic way to obtain superficial changes to the aesthetics of the nose without a surgical procedure. However, because a liquid nose job is more of a superficial fix, its changes are temporary and must be repeated within six months to two years to maintain the results. A non-surgical rhinoplasty also has no ability to help with functional issues related to breathing. Finally, because a non-surgical rhinoplasty leverages the camouflaging effects of filler, it is only an option for patients with certain cosmetic concerns. In many patients, the only way to achieve the effects they desire is through a surgical approach.
Deciding Which Option Is Right for You
Not every procedure is right for every individual, and when it comes to choosing between a surgical and non-surgical nose job, it’s essential to understand your why. Listing your desired goals and vision for your recovery can help you communicate with Dr. Cabin so we can determine the right course of action as a team.
By starting with a consultation, we’ll be able to give you a better understanding of the potential benefits and limitations of both procedures. Dr. Cabin will also be able to provide you with his recommendations that will help you both develop a customized treatment plan to meet your unique goals.
Ask Dr. Cabin
Dr. Cabin believes that everyone deserves the enhanced confidence that aesthetic treatments can provide. Whether you’re interested in changing the size or shape of your nose to correct your facial symmetry, unblock breathing, or correct an old injury, rediscovering your best self in the mirror is just a consultation away. Schedule yours in our Arlington office today.