Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: What’s the Difference?

Surgical Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery that changes the shape of your nose. Rhinoplasty is done for functional as well as aesthetic purposes. Many people are unhappy with how their noses look and go to the plastic surgeon. Some people want a prominent nose, while others want to resolve their minor issues. Fortunately, there are two different types of rhinoplasties that are suitable for your problem. One is surgical, which offers a lasting result but requires a long recovery. Another is the non-surgical procedure that gives quick results with less discomfort. So, if you are deciding on rhinoplasty surgery, you should know the difference between Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty. Understanding the difference between these two surgical options can help you to choose the most suitable approach.

This blog aims to help you to navigate the difference between these two procedures. With more information, you can decide which one aligns best with your aesthetic goals.

How Does a Surgical Rhinoplasty Work?

In this type of rhinoplasty procedure, you are given anesthesia to put you into a sleep state for the surgery. The type of anesthesia you get depends on how complex the procedure is. Anesthesia may be general (it causes you to sleep during the surgery) or local (limited to a specific area of the body).

Surgeon starts the procedure with an incision at the base of the nose between the nostrils. With this incision, Once cuts are made, your surgeon can reshape the nasal bones and also cartilage to enhance the nose’s appearance. This might involve removing or adding the tissues, moving bone or cartilage, or refining the nasal tip. The surgeon might also fix any structural issues that make breathing difficult and close the incisions with stitches. The shape of your bone and cartilage can be changed by surgical Rhinoplasty.

After the surgery, you’ll stay in a recovery room and under observation for a day or until you wake up. You might leave that day, and if you have any other health condition, you might stay overnight. However, recovery takes time, and full recovery may last for 6-12 months.

Benefits of Surgical Rhinoplasty

  • Rhinoplasty surgery offers accurate changes to the nose shape and structure permanently.
  • Rhinoplasty surgery helps you with your functional issues.
  • As surgical Rhinoplasty is the most complex cosmetic surgery, it has a high success rate of 80%.
  • One can live with confidence by eliminating lifelong insecurities.

Candidates

People with functional problems are suitable for this surgery to enjoy long term benefits. One who needs long-lasting results for a more balanced and proportionate nasal appearance for aesthetic concerns should go for surgical Rhinoplasty.

How Does a Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Work?

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty is also known as liquid Rhinoplasty. If is a cosmetic procedure that temporarily changes the shape of your nose using derma fillers. Derma fillers contain a gel-like ingredient usually hyaluronic acid that adds volume when injected beneath your skin.

In non-surgical Rhinoplasty, your surgeon may apply a topical anesthetic to numb your skin. Next, they’ll inject the derma fillers into the specific area on your nose. The derma filler will settle underneath your skin, where it is injected into deeper skin layers and holds the shape of your nose. The surgeon monitors the injection process to ensure accuracy. Afterward, clients can usually go back to their normal activities right away. This non-invasive process does not require general anesthesia. This treatment can change the shape of your nose for 6 months to two years.

Benefits of Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

  • This treatment takes less time, only one hour, making it convenient for busy people.
  • Results are immediate, improving the shape of your nose.
  • There are not any incisions or scarring.
  • Changes of non-surgical rhinoplasty are reversible.
  • Clients can go to their usual activities right after the procedure.

Candidates

If you want a subtle change in your appearance and you don’t need to improve the functioning of your nose, then this procedure is best for you. So, if your goal is to address aesthetic issues in your nose and achieve a straighter profile without nose surgery, choose the non-surgical Rhinoplasty.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: The Difference 

There are two terms that refer to the same procedure: surgical and non-surgical Rhinoplasty. We see above how these two procedures work and their benefits. Understanding the difference between surgical and non-surgical Rhinoplasty and considering which surgery is better than the other is subjective. So, it depends upon your specific needs.

Here are some points of comparison between surgical and non-surgical Rhinoplasty.

Quick and Convenient

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty is a quick process as it needs one hour for the whole procedure. It is a convenient procedure for busy people that can continue their daily activities right after the procedure. On the other hand, surgical Rhinoplasty is a time-consuming procedure, as it requires an incision and the patient needs to rest.

Enhanced Functionality

Surgical Rhinoplasty is best option for aesthetic reasons as well as to improve the functioning of the nose. Some people have breathing difficulties, injuries, or nose fractures after an accident, so surgical Rhinoplasty is best. On the other hand, non-surgical Rhinoplasty is best for aesthetic reason. 

Scarring

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty does not leave any scars because there are no cuts as it only involves injections. Surgical Rhinoplasty may leave scars as it involves making incisions in the skin to change the shape of your nose.

Reversibility

Non- surgical rhinoplasty results can be reversed any time by dissolving the fillers. Meanwhile, the surgical rhinoplasty results are permanent and can’t be changed.

Cost Efficacy

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty is less expensive as compared to surgical Rhinoplasty. Surgical Rhinoplasty involves changing the shape of the nose by changing bone and cartilage shape, so it is more expensive than non-surgical Rhinoplasty. The cost of surgical Rhinoplasty varies greatly by location and surgeon experience. Non-surgical Rhinoplasty uses temporary fillers to change the shape of the nose, so it is a less expensive procedure. 

Longevity and Results

When you are considering a surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty option, it’s important to know about the longevity and results of both procedures.

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty usually lasts from six months to two years, depending on the type of fillers used. It yields natural looking results that are adjustable if desired.

Surgical Rhinoplasty provides a permanent solution to reshape your nose. It results in a lifelong change in a single procedure so it is prefect for people who are seeking a lasting solution without the need for repeat the treatments.

Final Thoughts

The decision to choose and undergo a Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty depends on the patient and you should carefully consider it. Each method of Rhinoplasty addresses different needs, so careful consideration is crucial in determining the best approach for you. Its importance to seek guidance from a board-certified plastic surgeon near you so you can understand the journey and the limitations that comes with it.