Houston facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sanaz Harirchian believes that everyone deserves to feel confident in their appearance. If you are unhappy with the way your nose looks, you have options. Rhinoplasty surgery or non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty can deliver beautiful aesthetic results. Each method offers distinct advantages and each is suitable for different goals and patient needs. Here’s a breakdown of each approach to help you determine which treatment option might be the right choice for you.
What is Liquid Rhinoplasty?
Liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that uses injectable fillers to alter the shape and appearance of the nose. By strategically injecting dermal fillers into specific areas of the nose, Dr. Sanaz can address issues such as nasal humps or asymmetry and create a smoother, more balanced profile.
Benefits of liquid rhinoplasty include little to no downtime after treatment, immediate results (that may be reversible if hyaluronic acid fillers are used), and a more economic price point when compared to surgical rhinoplasty.
Liquid rhinoplasty treatment is an additive procedure, meaning that results are achieved using dermal fillers to add volume as needed to address a patient’s aesthetic concerns. Since the dermal fillers used to achieve liquid rhinoplasty results dissolve over time, you can expect your nose to revert back to its normal appearance as fillers gradually lose their effects.
What You Need to Know About Surgical Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery to reshape the nose. While this procedure is very popular, it is also complex due to the underlying nasal structures. Patients should seek out an experienced facial plastic surgeon who is skilled in both aesthetic and functional rhinoplasty to ensure natural-looking results that enhance both looks and breathing function.
Benefits of surgical rhinoplasty include permanent results, the ability to customize more significant changes in the appearance of the nose, and the potential to improve breathing function.
Surgical rhinoplasty can be reductive — meaning that underlying tissue and bone are removed during surgery to achieve aesthetic or functional goals — or additive (i.e., augmenting or adding shape), depending on your treatment plan.
How Does Liquid Rhinoplasty Compare to Rhinoplasty Surgery?
| Liquid Rhinoplasty | Surgical Rhinoplasty | |
| What kind of concerns can it address? | Most often used to improve symmetry and contours and subtly reshape the nose | Can change size, shape, projection, and underlying nasal structures |
| How quick are the results? | Immediate results | Results take time, up to a year for swelling to fully subside |
| How long do results last? | Results last up to 18 months. | Results are permanent |
| What is the effect on breathing? | none | Can improve breathing issues |
| What is the investment? | lower | higher |
| What safety factors should be considered? | Minimally invasive, no anesthesia | More invasive and performed with general anesthesia |
| How long is recovery? | No downtime needed | Typically one week off work |
If I get Liquid Rhinoplasty Now, Can I Get Surgical Rhinoplasty Later?
Yes, liquid rhinoplasty can be a great option for people considering surgical rhinoplasty. This temporary, minimally invasive procedure can be a kind of “trial run” for permanent surgical rhinoplasty. Many patients who want nose surgery, but are still in the decision-making phase, will have liquid rhinoplasty to “try on” potential results.
How do I know which procedure is right for me?
We know that getting any kind of procedure is a big decision. There are many factors to consider when deciding which option may be right for you—your goals, your lifestyle, and your budget will all factor in.
The best way to determine whether liquid rhinoplasty or surgical rhinoplasty is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Sanaz. She will examine your nose, answer any questions, and discuss your desired outcome. Once you decide, she’ll create a customized treatment plan to help you achieve natural-looking results that enhance your appearance. Contact us to schedule your appointment.