If you’ve spent years, or even decades, looking in the mirror and being unhappy with your nose, it may be time to consider rhinoplasty.
Rhinoplasty — or, as it is more colloquially known, a "nose job" — is a cosmetic procedure that alters the size and/or shape of your nose. There are different types of rhinoplasty, as well as different reasons to get rhinoplasty.
Up ahead, we’ll take a look at what you need to know about this procedure and how to decide whether or not it may be for you.
Understanding Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty used to only mean one thing: a surgical procedure that altered the size, shape, and/or function of the nose. Along these lines, it is still common today for most people to think of a splint and nose bandages when they think of rhinoplasty.
To a certain extent, this notion isn’t far off. Indeed, surgical rhinoplasty does involve a procedure in which the patient is put under with anesthesia, and their surgeon goes in and alters the bone and/or cartilage to achieve a more pleasing appearance. Recovery, likewise, involves splints and bandages.
However, today there is another way to have rhinoplasty performed as well. It's called liquid rhinoplasty or nonsurgical rhinoplasty. Basically, liquid rhinoplasty is a procedure that involves your cosmetic surgeon injecting dermal fillers into and around your nose in order to achieve the unique aesthetic goals you have.
Of course, if you are considering rhinoplasty, there are many considerations that you’ll want to make before deciding between surgical and nonsurgical (liquid) rhinoplasty. Let's go over these.
Pros and Cons of Surgical Rhinoplasty Vs. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
When deciding between surgical and nonsurgical rhinoplasty, some of your considerations will simply be based on your preference while others will not be in your control.
For example, in some cases, patients want to get rhinoplasty for a functional reason. Having a deviated septum is the most common example of this. A deviated septum, as well as other functional breathing problems, can be fixed with surgical rhinoplasty. However, these issues cannot be fixed with nonsurgical rhinoplasty. Therefore, if you're having a breathing issue and you think rhinoplasty may help, you'll have to get surgical rhinoplasty.
Next, you’ll want to consider how long you want your results to last. If you’re just looking to slightly alter the shape of your nose — maybe get rid of a bump or even out an asymmetry, for example — liquid rhinoplasty might be okay with you. Just remember that this isn't a permanent solution. If you like your results, you’ll have to come back every so often to get more dermal fillers.
On the other hand, if the changes you want to make are more significant, or if you don't want to have to come back and get more procedures, you may be right for surgical rhinoplasty.
Cost and medical risks are other considerations you'll have to make. It should go without saying that a surgical procedure like rhinoplasty will be more expensive than dermal fillers. The procedure is more intense and carries more risks as well. Some patients are averse to the idea of being put under to alter the shape and/or size of their nose, so dermal fillers are a better option.
Dermal fillers are certainly less expensive, and one session usually takes just 15 to 30 minutes. Because of the impermanence of dermal fillers, however, you'll need to come back often, and in some cases, you may not get the exact same results every time.
With surgical rhinoplasty, the results are permanent, which is great if you're happy with them. On the other hand, it can occur that patients are unhappy with the results of their rhinoplasty. In this case, the only option is to have secondary rhinoplasty to fix the problems that occurred with the initial procedure. When this happens, some patients like to go with the same surgeon while others may choose to move on to another medical professional.
What Happens During Rhinoplasty Surgery?
As stated, an appointment for liquid rhinoplasty won't take more than 30 minutes most of the time. Surgical rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is a far more involved procedure. The surgery requires you to take time off work and have a trusted friend or relative drive you home after you recover from the anesthesia.
During the procedure, your doctor will make several incisions at key points inside and/or outside your nose. When incisions are only made inside the nose, this is known as a closed procedure. When a small incision is also made outside the nose (generally on the narrow strip that divides the nostrils), this is called an open procedure. Once the incisions are made, your surgeon can manipulate the bone and cartilage to achieve the desired effect. Then, the incisions are closed up, and you are taken to a recovery room.
Which Type of Rhinoplasty Is Right for You?
Always look for a plastic surgeon who is board-certified and who has specific experience with rhinoplasties — both surgical and nonsurgical. Once you have one or more candidates, book a consultation. At your appointment, you can discuss your medical history, and your surgeon will also give you a short physical examination. This will help them decide which option will be best for you. Of course, if you have pictures of noses you like, be sure to bring these with you and any other information that you find pertinent to your surgery or procedure.
As Dr. Raja Mohan, a plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty in the Dallas, TX area states, “It can be difficult to choose between surgical and nonsurgical rhinoplasty without going to a medical professional to discuss your options. For this reason, avoid getting bogged down doing your own personal research, and book a consultation appointment with an experienced surgeon. It's the best way to get the quality information you need about this procedure.”
