So, you are unhappy with your nose and researching your options. One of the key decisions you need to make is whether to reshape your nose with surgery, or choose the non-surgical approach. But it can be a tough decision to make.
Here, we will break down the most important things you must consider before deciding between a surgical nose job and a non-surgical rhinoplasty.
What is a non-surgical rhinoplasty?
A non-surgical rhinoplasty is a non-invasive treatment that uses (primarily) dermal fillers to change the shape of your nose. It is a fast, effective, and convenient option that gives instant, fully reversible results that typically need maintaining every 12-24 months. It can improve many concerns you may have about your nose, but there are limitations.
What is a surgical rhinoplasty?
A surgical rhinoplasty (nose job) is an invasive treatment that changes the appearance of your nose by altering the underlying bone and cartilage structure.
It gives a permanent result, but with higher cost, risk and recovery than non-surgical options.
Importantly, a nose job does not stop your nose changing with age, and so the result you get is not the result you will have forever.
Things to consider when deciding between nose job surgery and a non-surgical rhinoplasty
Cost
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty will typically cost $1000-$1500 per treatment depending on the experience and skill of the provider. Beware cheaper clinics who either use inferior quality fillers, or have a significant lack of experience in the treatment which can substantially increase the risk of side effects.
- Surgical rhinoplasty typically costs $20,000-$30,000 depending on the surgeon you choose.
Risk
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty risks include infections, reactions to the injected filler, and vascular occlusions (that can cause permanent tissue damage if not treated quickly). Blindness is also a risk when the treatment is not performed correctly, which is why you must never compromise on safety by choosing cheap clinics. Side effects from fillers are generally straightforward to treat by dissolving the filler
- Surgical rhinoplasty has risks that include death, tissue damage, breathing difficulties, and aesthetic deformities. Side effects from surgery often need additional surgery to fix.
Downtime
- The non-surgical rhinoplasty has no downtime, although there are some slight limitations on activity (you need to take it easy for 24 hours, and avoid pressure on your nose for 7 days).
- Surgical rhinoplasty has downtime. Most people take 2 weeks off work, and swelling can persist for over 6 months.
Results
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty can improve many concerns people have about their nose. It can camouflage bumps, lift and refine a droopy nose tip, and straighten crookedness. It can partially improve very large bumps, but cannot reduce wide-set nostrils.
- Surgical rhinoplasty can improve almost all aesthetic concerns you may have about your nose.
Longevity
- Results from a non-surgical rhinoplasty wear off over time, and typically need maintenance every 12-24 months.
- Results from surgery are permanent, however your nose continues changing as you age. This means you may need additional treatments to improve the appearance of your nose in the future.
Reversibility
- Results from the non-surgical rhinoplasty can be immediately and fully reversed with injections of a dermal filler dissolver.
- Results from rhinoplasty surgery cannot be reversed.
How many people regret their surgical rhinoplasty?
Some studies quote dissatisfaction rates of over to 40% after surgical rhinoplasty.
Revision rates may be around 10%.
Is a non-surgical rhinoplasty better than a surgical rhinoplasty?
There are many variables to consider when deciding whether the non-surgical rhinoplasty is better than surgery. It is a personal decision that must be made after considering the cost, risk, downtime, longevity and reversibility of the procedure. A detailed consultation is also critical and always forms part of the decision making process.
Most people now opt for a non-surgical approach, due to the simplicity, reversibility, and the efficacy it offers in improving most common concerns people have about their nose. It also offers people a chance to try out a new nose before committing to permanent surgery.
