Rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated plastic surgery procedures, requiring years of training and plenty of skill to get right. It may surprise you to learn that there’s a version of rhinoplasty, or nose reshaping, that is performed without the need for surgery. While a non-surgical rhinoplasty might seem like a quicker solution to your problem, it’s not for everyone. The procedure may have some benefits, but it also has a number of drawbacks when compared to surgical rhinoplasty.
What It Involves
Non-surgical rhinoplasty involves the use of fillers to adjust or correct certain issues with the nose. For example, a surgeon may use a filler to correct any depressed areas on the nose or to adjust the angle of an upturned nose. Fillers can also be used to adjust the shape or size of the nostrils by changing the outer appearance of the nose.
A number of different fillers might be used during a non-surgical rhinoplasty. One commonly used filler, Radiesse, is made from a heavy material called calcium hydroxylapatite. The substance is also found in human bone. When injected into the nose, calcium hydroxylapatite stimulates the production of collagen beneath the skin, providing support and structure to the newly reshaped nose.
Another option is to use a filler that contains hyaluronic acid, such as Restalyne or Juvederm. Hyaluronic acid isn’t actually an acid but a type of sugar produced by the body. It’s responsible for giving your skin a plump appearance and soft texture. When used for a non-surgical rhinoplasty, the substance can fill in depressions on the bridge of the nose or can make the nose look more even and symmetrical.
Recovering From It
One advantage non-surgical rhinoplasty has over the surgical procedure is that the recovery time is considerably shorter. After rhinoplasty, you’ll usually need about 10 days before you can get back to work or other daily activities. You’ll need even longer before you can exercise or participate in vigorous activity again.
The non-surgical version of rhinoplasty has almost no recovery or downtime. Many people are able to get back to their regular lives right away. You may have some swelling or bruising in the treated area, but that will fade after a few days.
The procedure itself is pretty quick. While rhinoplasty surgery can take a few hours and requires the use of anesthesia, a non-surgical procedure can take as little as 15 minutes, depending on what you want done to the nose. Most patients are completely awake and alert for the procedure. The surgeon may apply a numbing cream to the area so that you don’t feel any discomfort during the injection.
How Long Results Last
Besides being minimally invasive, the key thing that separates a non-surgical nose shaping procedure from rhinoplasty is how long the results will last. The changes made to the nose during surgical rhinoplasty are permanent. You can have them altered or adjusted with a revision surgery, if you are unhappy with the results. But, for the most part, the new nose is there to stay.
How long the results from a non-surgical rhinoplasty last depends on the substance used. Fillers made from hyaluronic acid typically wear off within eight or nine months. The results from Radiesse tend to last up to 18 months. You have the option of repeating the procedure to maintain the new shape of your nose, if you choose.
What It Can’t Do
While non-surgical rhinoplasty might be a good option for you if you don’t have the time to recover from surgery, are on a budget or are concerned about permanently changing the shape or size of your nose, it’s not ideal for every case. Rhinoplasty using fillers is focused on the outside of the nose. It can smooth bumps or fill in areas. But, it can’t correct a nasal issue such as a deviated septum. It also can’t make the bridge or tip of your nose slimmer nor can it remove or smooth out large humps on the nose.
If you are unhappy with your nose, non-surgical rhinoplasty can be a stop gap solution to your problem. The procedure can give you an idea of what your nose will look like if filled in or made to look larger. You may decide to have the procedure now, then move on to surgical rhinoplasty in the future if you like the results and want them to last.
With offices in New York City and Miami, Dr. Jeffrey Epstein performs several rhinoplasty procedures each week. He can examine your nose and recommend the right procedure for you. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Epstein, call (305) 666-5884 in Miami or (212) 759-3484 in New York. If you’re located outside the U.S., Dr. Epstein also provides informal consultations in the UK.
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