Careaga Plastic Surgery is a state-of-the-art facility that has gained a reputation for being a phenomenal plastic surgery and medspa practice that utilizes the latest and most innovative technology in the industry. This modern facility specializes in a variety of procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, body contouring, tummy tuck, and non-surgical procedures, making Careaga Plastic Surgery the best place to start your beauty journey. Dr. Paul D. Durand, MD. of Careaga Plastic Surgery, is a Cleveland Clinic-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in procedures of the face and body. He has gained extensive recognition in both plastic and reconstructive surgery and has presented and published on numerous topics, including invitations to lecture and perform live surgical demonstrations in Latin America and Asia. Haute beauty chats with Dr. Durand about the differences between liquid rhinoplasty and a surgical nose job. 

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Are you unhappy with the appearance of your nose? Do you have breathing problems? Did you get into an accident, and your nose needs to be repaired? If so, these are all prevalent reasons why you’d consider getting nose reconstructive surgery. Today, many options can be considered when “fixing” or “reconstructing” your nose. Liquid rhinoplasty, a non-permanent option, and a surgical nose job, permanent, are two popular solutions that Careaga Plastic Surgery offers to their patients. To understand the pros and cons of both procedures, Dr. Durand dives into the details:

What is liquid rhinoplasty?

Liquid rhinoplasty is a nonsurgical procedure in which injectable fillers are used to camouflage or accentuate different areas of one’s nose. The most common injection type used in this case is hyaluronic acid. While the results are immediate and with almost no downtime, they are only temporary (9-12 months). Liquid rhinoplasty should only be done in certain types of noses that could benefit from this. The ideal patient is that with a normal or small nose that has a small bump.

What is a surgical nose job?

A surgical nose job or rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that can change your nose’s shape, size, or angle. Results are usually permanent and can improve the appearance of one’s nose and how well one breathes. An excellent surgical rhinoplasty should address both aesthetics and function.

What would be the deciding factor as to choosing which nose job a patient should undergo?

It is imperative for patients interested in either of these procedures to be examined by a surgeon who does a high number of each of these. Some patients could benefit from a liquid rhinoplasty, but in others, this procedure could make things worse. Sometimes a liquid rhinoplasty is an adequate alternative to revision surgery or for those not ready for surgery.

What is better, surgical or nonsurgical (liquid rhinoplasty)?

Surgical and nonsurgical rhinoplasties are very different procedures. One is not necessarily better than the other. For this reason, patient selection with a well-trained rhinoplasty surgeon is key when deciding which approach to opt for.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Careaga Plastic Surgery

Is there a difference in the results?

To start, a liquid rhinoplasty result is temporary. Once the body reabsorbed the filler material, the resulting nasal shape reverts to what the patient had before. A surgical rhinoplasty, if correctly done, offers permanent and long-lasting results. In addition, a surgical rhinoplasty allows for more significant and precise changes in one’s nose.

Pros of liquid rhinoplasty:

• No downtime
• Done in an office setting
• Not permanent
• Cost is usually less

Cons of liquid rhinoplasty:

• Temporary results
• Only be used in particular noses
• Can only correct specific defects
• It can worsen the appearance of the nose if not performed on the correct patient

Pros of a surgical nose job:

• Permanent results
• Allows for correction of a much wider array of issues than with liquid rhinoplasty
• Can address both how the nose looks and functions (breathing)

Cons of a surgical nose job:

• Downtime is more than with liquid rhinoplasty
• Initial recovery time is about 7 days
• Residual swelling needs to subside to see the final results