Non-surgical rhinoplasty or liquid rhinoplasty, as it is also known, has been available for about 15 years but it has been drawing a great deal of attention recently due to the increasing number of “liquid nose job” before-and-after photos on social media which promote it as an “easy and inexpensive” way to get the nose of your dreams. This procedure, however, should not be confused with any form of surgical rhinoplasty. In fact, the word “rhinoplasty” should not be used to describe it since it is misleading. A rhinoplasty procedure according to experts like the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or WebMD is a surgical procedure that aims to change the shape or size of the nose and/or improve its function.
What is Liquid Rhinoplasty?
Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a procedure that involves injecting dermal fillers such as Hyaluronic acid into the nose to change its shape. It is possible, for example, to alter the nostrils or bridge height, refine the tip of the nose and make the nose appear straighter but the results are temporary. It’s important to note that liquid nose jobs cannot make the nose smaller – this can only occur with surgical rhinoplasty. Those choosing this form of nose reshaping must also remember that the effects can only last from six to twelve months depending on the filler used.
Normally, the procedure lasts for 20 minutes, but if numbing cream is applied before the procedure, it can be about half an hour. Patients usually experience some discomfort during the procedure and afterward, there might be bruising and swelling. The cost of this half-hour procedure in Vancouver, B.C. can start from $750 and go up.
The Potential Risks or Complications of Liquid Nose Jobs
Many of those offering non-surgical nose jobs will inform potential clients about what it can do for them and who it will benefit the most but few of them actually educate their clients about the potential risks of this procedure. Additionally, as more paraprofessionals are beginning to offer this procedure, the possibility of complications is increasing. As we have mentioned, many times, a rhinoplasty may be one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery but it is also one of the most complex ones as well.
Inflammation
The fillers used in liquid nose jobs have the consistency of a gel, consequently, they have the tendency to spread. After repeated liquid nose jobs the trauma from injections can cause inflammation, and the filler itself can also cause an inflammatory reaction. The inflammation and, in the case of repeated treatments, the accumulation of filler that spreads can result in the thickening of the soft tissue of the nose and the appearance of a wider and bulkier nose.
Skin Necrosis or Skin Death
Another common risk of liquid rhinoplasty is a vascular complication called skin necrosis or skin death. If the individual who injects the filler is not extremely familiar with the vascular anatomy of the nose, the tiny blood vessels on the sides or tip of the nose can become blocked with gel and prevent blood circulation. The indication of vascular complications is intense pain immediately after the treatment and skin discoloration or a blotchy, mottled appearance.
Blindness
Due to the large number of blood vessels in the facial area, the potential complications associated with injecting filler into the nose can be quite serious. Unfortunately, blindness, although rare, can result if filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel that leads to the eyes. Those opting for this form of nose augmentation must be confident that the individual performing the procedure is qualified and experienced with the facial vascular anatomy.
Conclusion
Non-surgical rhinoplasty may seem more affordable than surgical rhinoplasty in the short run. However, this procedure is temporary, and if it is repeated enough times it could end up costing more than surgical rhinoplasty. What’s more, this procedure cannot reduce the size of the nose – it can only make it seem straighter. Also, adding filler at the tip of the nose to correct a droopy appearance, will only result in creating a puffy nose tip.
What we must keep in mind though are the potential complications accompanied with liquid nose jobs. These are much more significant than the cost. We often hear people exclaim that “You Get What You Pay For,” which in most cases is true. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, the safest and most effective way to get the nose you will be happier with is by having a surgical rhinoplasty performed by a highly-experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Denton.
Surgical rhinoplasty procedures can result in expected and more accurate results than at any other procedure. Dr. Denton uses computer imaging to carefully modify a digital image of the patient to reflect the changes that are anticipated following surgery. His system employs the most advanced imaging software available (United Imaging™) which is particularly useful for the individual considering rhinoplasty and other surgical procedures. The outcome of your rhinoplasty procedure can produce an aesthetically pleasing natural-looking nose that is in harmony with your face and one that you will be happy to have for the rest of your life.
Schedule your rhinoplasty consultation today to find out how Dr. Denton can help you achieve the result that will make you feel more confident about your appearance.