Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty: The Differences You Should Know

For years, people undergo surgery if they want to change the appearance of their noses. However, aside from requiring the expertise of a professional, this procedure also has a longer downtime.

Fortunately, a viable alternative to traditional rhinoplasty can now be obtainable. ‌Non-surgical rhinoplasty offers you the same desirable outcome without the need to go under the knife. As a result, it’s cheaper and has fewer side effects.

Curious to know how these 2 procedures compare in improving the appearance of your nose? SkinMD, a skin care clinic dedicated to bringing out the best version of you, presents the important differences you should know between surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty in order to help you in your cosmetic decision.

Differences Between Surgical and Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Definition

Traditional Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a plastic surgery procedure that can change the appearance of your nose.

It is one of the most desired cosmetic procedures for both men and women alike. According to a study conducted by ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery), there are about 950,000 people who have undergone nose surgery in 2013 alone. 72.1% of this number are female while 27.9% is comprised of males. Despite this large figure, most people are still afraid of the risk of potential complications and unfavorable cosmetic results.

Did you know? Rhinoplasty has been used by people to reshape their nose since Ancient Egypt.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

One popular form of non-surgical rhinoplasty involves the injection of polydioxanone (PDO) threads. These fine threads are inserted along the nasal bridge just under the skin to elevate both your nose bridge and tip. It can also stimulate collagen production around the nose area to give that desirable lift. 

Ultimately, this procedure can successfully hide unwanted bumps and crooks in only a matter of minutes.

Cost

Traditional Rhinoplasty

In the Philippines, the price for a surgical rhinoplasty can skyrocket as high as ₱300,000 with the starting price costing at around ₱40,000. 

Ultimately, the actual cost of the procedure depends on how much work and adjustments need to be done.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Non-surgical nose jobs are relatively cheaper as it only requires the injection of PDO threads to reshape your nose. For as low as ₱25,000, you can instantly achieve desirable results.

Risks

Traditional Rhinoplasty

Surgical rhinoplasty can often result in scarring, infections, and breathing complications. 

Other risks can also be experienced such as the collapse of the cartilage which results in a crooked appearance years after the surgery. There’s also the issue of recurrent nose bleeds, persistent swelling, and numbness.

Most importantly, surgery offers permanent results so you may get unexpected and unwanted cosmetic results such as a “ski-jump” nose or a pinched appearance to the nostrils.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Since a non-surgical nose lift only involves the injection of threads to reshape the nose, the procedure carries minimal complications and fewer side effects. There’s no need to undergo the knife so you also eliminate the risk of long-term scarring and persistent swelling.

You are in complete control of the end results as you’re awake to see what the specialist is doing. Furthermore, you can achieve a more detailed adjustment to your nasal contour as this cosmetic enhancement requires great precision.

Recovery Time

Traditional Rhinoplasty

A nose job typically requires two to four weeks of recovery but the procedure’s final outcome can take up to a year to be visible. 

During the first week, you need to wear a splint on the outside of the nose for extra support. You can also expect severe nasal breathing complications that can last for several days. You can suffer from swelling and bruises around the eyes for about two weeks. That’s why it’s vital that you take pain medications and apply a cold compress to aid the recovery process.

Tip: For the first two weeks after the procedure, avoid wearing any type of glasses as these heavy items can cause deformation on your nose bridge.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

A non-surgical nose lift can be done in only 15 to 30 minutes which means you can immediately return to your own errands for the day. You also see the results of the cosmetic procedure right away.

However, like surgical rhinoplasty, you should not wear eyeglasses because it can lead to the faster integration of the PDO threads to the skin.

Cosmetic Results

Traditional Rhinoplasty

You can often achieve desirable results with a surgical nose job and this can last permanently. However, you cannot predict the outcome as it only shows up a year after the surgery. This can lead to potentially bad cosmetic enhancements.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

With non-surgical rhinoplasty, you are expected to provide feedback during the procedure since it does not require general anesthesia. This ultimately leads to attractive results which you are in total control of. Furthermore, you are allowed to make adjustments over time as the outcome is temporary and can last anywhere between eight months to two years.

Why You Should Consider Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty

Despite being a relatively new procedure, many people are now switching to non-surgical rhinoplasty because of the advantages it provides. Here’s a list of the benefits you can enjoy: 

  • Less expensive than surgery

  • Takes less than an hour

  • No downtime

  • Results are immediate

  • Bruising and swelling are minimal

  • Changes are reversible

  • Results can last from 8 months to 24 months

Ultimately, you should consider non-surgical rhinoplasty over a traditional nose job because it offers far more natural-looking cosmetic enhancements which can be adjusted according to your preferences without the risk of disfigurement. 

As opposed to altering your natural beauty with surgery, you can restore and enhance the appearance of your nose through this procedure by injecting PDO threads. You also have total control over the final outcome because general anesthesia is not necessary.

It’s important to weigh the differences between surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty in order to make a wise cosmetic decision. 

Find yourself leaning towards non-surgical rhinoplasty? You’ll be pleased to know that the board-certified dermatologists at SkinMD offer this exact procedure. Drop a visit to our clinic in Pasig City to enjoy our personalized and specialized approach to beauty and skin care. Contact us today to know more!

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