All You Need To Know About Liquid Rhinoplasty

Liquid rhinoplasty is an option for those who want to make changes to their nose without invasive surgery and significant downtime. While it cannot remove bumps or decrease nose size, there are several improvements that are possible. This type of rhinoplasty uses fillers to help enhance certain aspects of the nose.

All You Need To Know About Liquid Rhinoplasty

Why It is Done

This procedure is done to make changes to a person’s nose. It is able to fill in nose depressions, smooth bumps and lift the tip angle. The goal is to make the nose more aesthetically pleasing and proportionate to the patient’s other facial features. It is also an option to essentially test a look before committing to a surgical rhinoplasty. Patients can see if the changes they want will work for them before getting permanent changes to their nose. The following may be accomplished with this type of rhinoplasty:

• Changing a flat nasal bridge
• Retracted columella correction
• Diminishing a nasal hump
• Retracted maxilla enhancement
• Saddle nose deformity elevation
• Improved nasal tip projection
• Nostril size reduction
• Nasal sidewall depression filling
• Retracted anterior nasal spine enhancement
• Correcting issues associated with a traumatic injury to the nose

 

Fillers Used

Several fillers may be considered for this procedure, but the hyaluronic acid ones are the most common. This is because:

• Within 24 hours of having them done, injecting a second medication and remove them completely
• They make it easy to shape and mold
• Future rhinoplasty is not prevented or interfered with when these are used

The three most commonly used fillers for the nose include Perlane, Restylane and Juvederm. In some cases, Botox might also be used. The doctor may opt to use Botox and a filler, depending on the look the patient is going for.

Liquid Rhinoplasty Benefits

Liquid rhinoplasty becomes more popular every day with it being in the top 15 percent of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Other benefits include:

• The procedure is short
• Dorsal lines can be defined
• An upward point can be accomplished with Botox
• Most patients tolerate it well and report little to no pain
• Results may last as long as a year
• Nose enhancements and reshaping can be accomplished in several ways
• It can plump nose depressions so that they have a flat appearance
• Results can often be altered to best meet the patient’s goals
• Very limited downtime
• Cost is less compared to a traditional rhinoplasty

The Procedure

The process typically begins with a consultation. This is where the patient will tell the doctor about the changes they would like to see happen. The doctor can then take photos and make markings. They will also make sure that the patient’s goals are reasonable.

On the day of the procedure, patient’s might be asked to avoid makeup or other products on or around the nose. Any other preparation instructions are usually provided during the consultation and should be followed exactly.

On the day of the procedure, there are a few general steps that are usually followed. The nose is first examined so that the patient and doctor can make sure that the goals discussed during the consultation are still agreed upon. The area is then cleaned to reduce the risk of infection. The sites where injections will be made are typically numbed. This may be with an injected numbing medication or a topical one.

The next step is administering the injections. How many are used and where they are placed depends on the changes being made to the patient’s nose. The needles used are small and the nose is numb, so patients generally do not experience discomfort. Overall, this procedure may take about 30 minutes, including the numbing and cleaning steps.

Risks and Recovery

Patients are usually able to go home as soon as the procedure is over. The numbness generally subsides within approximately one hour. It is possible to have this done on a lunch break and then go back to work. However, spending the rest of the day resting can be helpful.

This is an injection procedure, so it is possible to experience some bruising, swelling and bleeding. These are usually minor and disappear within a few days following the procedure.

The following are general recovery instructions patients may be asked to follow to promote healing and comfort after a liquid rhinoplasty:

• For the initial 24 hours, use ice to reduce swelling and discomfort
• For two weeks, avoid putting any pressure on the nose
• Immediately after the injections, you can swim and shower without issue
• For the initial 24 hours, keep your head elevated when you are lying down or sleeping
• Immediately after the injections you can apply makeup or skincare items

Board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Stephen Weber owns and performs procedures at Weber Facial Plastic Surgery. Dr. Weber is a rhinoplasty specialist in Denver CO. He is recognized for using the latest technology and careful technique. Dr. Weber also participates in the Face to Face program where he provides humanitarian services to domestic violence victims.

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