Non-Surgical Vs. Surgical Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?
Even just a few years ago, you needed to have invasive plastic surgery to improve the appearance of your nose. Nowadays, however, non-surgical methods can often completely replace the need for surgery. However, there are still some situations that call for a more traditional surgical rhinoplasty.
Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both non-surgical and surgical rhinoplasties to give you an idea of which type of treatment will work best for your situation.
About Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty
In most non-surgical rhinoplasties, injectable fillers such as Restylane and Juvéderm or Radiesse are used to change the shape of the nose. Restylane and Juvéderm contain hyaluronic acid, while Radiesse contains calcium hydroxyapatite. A plastic surgeon can use any of these products to fill in depressed areas of the nose.
A non-surgical rhinoplasty procedure can also:
- Lift the angle of the nasal tip
- Smooth out bumps on the bridge of the nose
- Fill in depressions
- Smooth out nose bumps
- Correct some congenital deformities
- Help the nose appear smaller by making it look straighter
A non-surgical procedure alters the shape of the nose without requiring an invasive surgical procedure. Using fillers in your nose can only enlarge the size of the nose and change its shape, however. It can’t reduce the size of any part of your nose.
Non-surgical rhinoplasty usually costs less than a surgical version of the procedure, and recovery time is nearly non-existent. Nasal swelling goes away much faster following a non-surgical procedure, as well.
However, the results are temporary, lasting 1-2 years on average. Complications from non-surgical nose injections remain very rare, especially with the use of today’s modern fillers.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Techniques
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a quick, minimally invasive procedure. A topical cream containing local anesthesia may be used to numb your nose and make the procedure more comfortable. In some cases, lidocaine injections are given.
Next, your doctor prepares a soft tissue filler and carefully injects it into the area in question on your nose. The process takes somewhere between 10 and 30 minutes, along with about 15 minutes before the procedure for the anesthesia to work. Once the procedure is complete, you can get back to your normal routine right away with virtually no downtime.
About Surgical Rhinoplasty
Surgical rhinoplasties are done to permanently change the shape, size, and/or function of the nose. The surgery might also be necessary to correct congenital deformities or damage from an injury.
Though non-surgical rhinoplasty can be a good option for some patients, there are some limitations as to what fillers can accomplish. Traditional rhinoplasty is very versatile and can correct structural issues and improve a patient’s breathing.
Surgical rhinoplasties are much more involved than non-surgical rhinoplasties but continue to be very safe procedures at our Houston practice.
Preparing for Surgical Rhinoplasty
You’ll need to have a pre-surgical consultation with your surgeon to discuss your goals for the procedure. You should bring your medical history and a record of any medications you currently take.
During the consultation, you’ll have a physical exam, get your candidacy assessed, and find out if any lab tests might be required before you’re cleared for surgery. You’ll get a list of medicines to avoid before your surgery, too. If you smoke, you’ll need to quit at least several weeks before the procedure.
You should have someone take you home after your rhinoplasty. Ideally, they will stay with you after the rhinoplasty as the anesthesia might affect your reaction time and judgment for a couple of days. You’ll also be given a list of things to avoid after your procedure.
After a Rhinoplasty
You’ll need to rest after surgery and keep your head higher than your chest for the first few days. This position allows you to prevent swelling in your face and nose. It also reduces bleeding.
You might have a splint on your nose after surgery. You’ll also have dressings and bandages around your nose that will be removed about seven days later.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Precautions
After rhinoplasty, you might be asked to:
- Avoid strenuous activity for a while
- Take baths instead of showers until the bandages are removed
- Avoid blowing your nose
- Consume high-fiber foods to prevent constipation
- Avoid extreme facial expressions
- Gently brush your teeth to keep your upper lip from moving
- Wear button-down shirts to avoid pulling clothing over your head
- Keep your glasses off your face and nose for about four weeks
- Avoid sun exposure to your nose
You may have swelling in your nasal area, including under your eyes, for a while. Don’t put ice on your nose unless directed by your surgeon. Avoid salt consumption to keep swelling on your face to a minimum.
Even a small change in your nose can make a huge difference in how you look. But you’ll most likely enjoy a significant change in the appearance of your nose soon after your surgery.
Contact Us Today
For a beautiful nose in the future, contact Dr. Paul Vitenas today to set up a consultation. Our Houston cosmetic surgery office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. You can also contact us on weekdays until 9 pm and on the weekends, too.
