For those unhappy with the appearance of their noses, rhinoplasty has been the trusted solution for decades. It is a permanent fix to a persistent problem, allowing surgeons to adjust the size, shape, and slope of the nose. I specialize in rhinoplasty at my San Francisco plastic surgery practice, and I know how transformative the procedure can be. However, some patients feel uneasy about undergoing surgery. With the rise of nonsurgical procedures, “liquid rhinoplasty” has become a recent trend.
Liquid rhinoplasty is a form of nonsurgical rhinoplasty. I offer it at my San Francisco practice to patients who prefer a noninvasive option to adjust the appearance and symmetry of their noses. As with most new procedures, there are many questions about the risks and rewards of liquid rhinoplasty. In this blog post, I will address some common concerns about the procedure and review the benefits most patients can expect.
Liquid Rhinoplasty 101
Traditionally, rhinoplasty is a procedure that changes the shape of the nose. It is a full surgery that requires anesthesia and dedicated recovery time, due to common side effects such as swelling or bruising.
Thanks to modern medicine, nonsurgical rhinoplasty is a new, less invasive option. By using small injections of dermal fillers at precise locations, skilled plastic surgeons can adjust the shape of the nose or camouflage unflattering issues. There is no downtime required with non-surgical rhinoplasty, and patients can return to daily life immediately after the procedure. The fillers used in the treatment are also dissolvable, so the procedure is reversible if necessary.
Results and Risks
While nonsurgical rhinoplasty can’t change the size of the nose, it can raise the bridge, hide a bump, or even out other irregularities. These techniques help the nose appear more balanced. Patients can expect their results to last between 6 and 12 months.
There are certain risks to liquid rhinoplasty if an inexperienced injector performs the procedure. The nose is a small, delicate structure with a complicated network of veins and arteries. If filler is injected directly into one of these arteries, a blockage can form, stopping the flow of blood. This can cause necrosis (tissue death) if both the patient and the injector ignore the warning signs. These complications are very uncommon.
Trusted Experience
Most of the risks around nonsurgical rhinoplasty boil down to one issue: injector experience. While liquid rhinoplasty is a nonsurgical procedure, that doesn’t mean you should trust just anyone to inject your fillers.
You should look for a provider with professional expertise and advanced knowledge of nose anatomy. The injector should have a medical license, and they should stock hyaluronidase (the enzyme that dissolves dermal fillers). Liquid rhinoplasty is safest when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon with a background like mine in otolaryngology and nose-related treatments. With proper precautions and personal skill, the risk of complications is very small.
While traditional rhinoplasty is a popular choice, the procedure isn’t for everyone. For patients with slight nose imperfections who wish to avoid surgery, liquid rhinoplasty from a board-certified surgeon is an excellent treatment alternative.
If you have any questions about rhinoplasty or other procedures performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon, our San Francisco team is always happy to provide more information. Request a consultation online today, or call us at (415) 441-1888.
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