Today, you no longer need surgery if you are unhappy with your nose, which is one of the most prominent facial features. Liquid rhinoplasties are becoming increasingly popular, as this minimally invasive procedure allows people to easily change their nose characteristics.
Being well-informed can help you decide whether liquid rhinoplasty is right for you. Here's everything you need to know about the treatment, from how to choose the right practitioner to what you can expect from the results.
What Is Liquid Rhinoplasty?
Liquid rhinoplasty is a nonsurgical alternative to traditional rhinoplasty. With this procedure, your facial plastic surgeon will inject fillers into your nose to remove bumps, sculpt a new shape, or make other small changes. Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used filler.
The most significant benefit of liquid rhinoplasty is that many people can achieve their dream nose without surgery, meaning no incisions or scarring. There is also minimal downtime, and the results are almost instant.
On the other hand, surgical rhinoplasty requires an operation — you will likely need to take time off work while you recover. As your face will likely be bruised and swollen, it will take some time before the final results are visible.
Who Should Consider Liquid Rhinoplasty?
This procedure is suitable for those with small nasal bumps and slightly drooped tips. You may also be a good candidate if you want your nose to look less angular or balance any asymmetry.
Surgical rhinoplasty might be a better option if you desire more drastic results, such as correcting breathing issues or making your nose smaller.
Before selecting the liquid rhinoplasty option, you must understand that the results are temporary. You will likely have to maintain your new look with touch-up treatments. The non-permanent results also allow you to determine whether you want to commit to the longer-lasting effects of traditional rhinoplasty.
How Does Liquid Rhinoplasty Work?
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty involves injecting dermal fillers into the bridge, tip, and sides of your nose to change its appearance. With this treatment, you can:
- Lift the tip of your nose or make it more pronounced.
- Add more volume to a specific area of your nose.
- Camouflage any small bumps.
These fillers, which contain a gel-like ingredient, are strategically placed underneath your skin to create either smoothness or volume, depending on your desired aesthetic outcome. Neurotoxins, such as BOTOX® Cosmetic, may also be used in some cases.
Once injected, the filler settles into the deeper layers of your skin and keeps its shape, creating beautiful results that usually last between six months and two years. Unlike surgical rhinoplasty, you can reverse some of the results by dissolving the fillers.
What Is the Liquid Rhinoplasty Process?
The first step is to schedule a consultation with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, like Dr. Carlos Wolf, who has studied facial structures, contours, and dimensions throughout his decades-long career.
During the consultation, your practitioner will ask you questions about your expectations, goals, and medical history. Based on their expert knowledge and trained eye, they will also offer their input and may make recommendations. As Dr. Wolf explains, "My patients know that I only do the surgery when I think it's advisable for them."
Next, your provider will usually apply a topical anesthetic to your nose and the surrounding skin to minimize discomfort from the needle. Once the area has been sufficiently numbed, they'll inject the filler into the necessary areas to achieve your desired look — you might feel some pressure or a slight pinching sensation.
This entire process can take 15 to 45 minutes, earning liquid rhinoplasty the moniker "the 15-minute nose job." There is also little to no downtime, and you should be able to return to work and other daily activities after this noninvasive procedure. Your provider will also recommend post-treatment care to help expedite healing and results.
How Much Does Liquid Rhinoplasty Cost?
While liquid rhinoplasty is often much more affordable than its surgical counterpart, the cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- How much product your practitioner needs to inject.
- The brand of fillers or neurotoxins used.
- Your practitioner's experience.
A qualified facial plastic surgeon can give you an estimate during your consultation. Experienced practitioners like Dr. Wolf also implement innovative techniques that allow them to use less filler while still achieving the desired results.
What Are the Results of Liquid Rhinoplasty?
You can expect a smoother, more symmetrical nose. Though you will see a change in your appearance immediately after your treatment, the final results may only be visible in one or two weeks — side effects such as bruising or swelling should have gone down by then.
As mentioned earlier, touch-up treatments might be necessary, as the effects of the filler will generally only last a maximum of two years. However, some patients have reported not needing a follow-up treatment. It is important to note that every patient is unique, as the speed at which your body metabolizes the filler will significantly impact how long your results last.
The longevity of your results will also depend on the type of filler used. For example, the effects of Juvéderm™ Voluma can be visible for 24 months, whereas you may notice the effects of Restylane® Lyft start to become less prominent after only 12 months.
Are Liquid Rhinoplasties Safe?
Though this treatment carries minimal risk when performed by a qualified practitioner, you may still experience some minor side effects, such as:
- Sensitivity
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Redness
These are typical of most cosmetic procedures and should subside after a few days. Your provider will discuss any additional side effects during the consultation. Choose an experienced, licensed professional with the required skills to minimize risk.
How to Choose the Best Doctor for Liquid Rhinoplasty
Finding a board-certified facial plastic surgeon or other specialist is paramount to ensure safe injection and natural-looking results. Choose a doctor for your procedure based on their qualifications and experience, and read the testimonials on their website or social media pages if available.
After you have found a professional, ask the following questions:
- How many of these procedures do you perform a year?
- How many years of experience do you have with this procedure?
- Which products do you use, and what are their side effects?
- Can I look at the before and after photos of your previous patients?
- How much does this procedure cost?
A reliable, experienced doctor will also ask you questions to thoroughly understand your medical history. You should feel comfortable and at ease with your chosen practitioner. As Dr. Wolf says, "I think people choose Miami Plastic Surgery® because not only do they get results, but they get a really caring environment."
Schedule Your Liquid Rhinoplasty Consultation
When you schedule a consultation at Miami Plastic Surgery®, you can trust Dr. Wolf — a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with experience in both surgical and liquid rhinoplasty — to help you get the results you want. Along with other specialists, such as surgeons and skin care experts, our entire team comprises professionals who are the best at what they do, offering a wealth of experience and medical knowledge.
We've been helping our patients turn their aesthetic visions into realities for over 25 years and would love to do the same for you. Are you ready for a confidence boost with the nose you've always wanted? To schedule your liquid rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Wolf, book an appointment online today.
