America’s love affair with plastic surgery (when performed properly to yield desirable results) is not going anywhere anytime soon. With statistics on the rise and the invention of new procedures happening daily, plastic surgery is becoming more and more mainstream. Long gone are the days when going under the knife for nips, tucks and self-improvement come with the taboo stigmas once attached. In 2016, 1.8 million cosmetic procedures were performed in the United States. A monumental 223,018 of the procedures were rhinoplasties. While we’ve all heard the horror stories about rhinoplasties and recovery, from removing too much cartilage in the tip, black eyes and rare, but possible necrosis; is there any other way to achieve the desired results without going under the knife? Yes! There is! Not every nose job has to be surgical. Enter: The Liquid Rhinoplasty. This is a non-surgical treatment to modify the shape of the nose using injectable fillers. The procedure is designed to change the size and position of the nasal tip. Straighten the appearance of the nose overall and to smooth and disguise bridge irregularities. Although size reduction is not a possibility, there are so many pros to the liquid Rhino vs the traditional rhinoplasty. For once, the recovery time for the surgical rhino is typically 6 months – one year. The liquid procedure is convenient and virtually pain free. Results can be seen immediately, and if you don’t absolutely adore your new nose, injectables can be dissolved within 24 hours returning your nose to its original shape. The treatment should be performed by a board certified facial plastic surgeon or board certified general plastic surgeon. Knowing the ins and outs of facial anatomy is absolutely crucial. Like with any plastic surgery, it’s important to remember there is always a risk. One of the most serious (although rare) potential risks with the liquid rhino is vascular compromise ultimately leading to skin necrosis (death of the skin due to decreased blood flow). This can occur if improperly injected fillers get into the blood vessels. However small the risk (approximately 1 in 2,000) it is important to know the facts.
As we become more and more accepting of being poked and prodded with needles as part of our normal beauty routines and upkeep, finding a plastic surgeon that you can trust is imperative. Do your research, take the time. As incredible as industry changing as the liquid rhinoplasty sounds, everyone is not a suitable candidate. The process does not decrease the size of the nose and will not improve nasal obstructions and breathing issues.
To recap:
- Fillers and injectables (usually hyaluronic acids like Restalane and Juvederm) are being used to fill minor depressions around the nose.
- Ideal for nasal tip adjustments, bridge bumps and overall straightness.
- Although fillers technically add volume, the end result is often a nose that appears smaller and more refined. Essentially making the nose more balanced.
- Skin scarring and obstruction is possible of injected improperly.
- Can be used to even out and tweak traditional rhinoplasties.
- Lasts 12-14 months depending on your body’s absorption rate.
- Research your plastic surgeon of choice.
