Rhinoplasty, commonly referred to as a nose job or, more recently, nose reshaping, is an introduction to cosmetic surgery for a lot of people. Nearly 67,000 procedures were performed on patients in their twenties in 2018, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, which ranks it behind only breast augmentation.
The goal of nose reshaping is pretty straightforward: to sculpt the shape of the nose on the outside for a more aesthetically-pleasing result and inside to improve breathing. And while noses are kind of like snowflakes, the procedure’s basically one-size-fits-all—until recently.
A rapid evolution has unfolded over the last few years. Today, plastic surgeons are able to employ a number of new techniques, dependent upon the patient’s needs and expectations, that help ensure the resulting nose is natural-looking and that it perfectly balances the patient’s face.
What you should know about liquid rhinoplasty
Among the newest of those techniques is a treatment called “liquid rhinoplasty.” You may also have heard it referred to as the “nonsurgical nose job.” Hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the nose to temporarily change its shape. If you’ve come across before-and-after photos online, you know the results can look as transformative as those of an actual rhinoplasty.
But as quick and easy as it may seem in someone’s Instagram Stories, it’s a procedure that should be taken seriously. As with any kind of plastic surgery, seek out a surgeon who’s very experienced with rhinoplasty—and liquid rhinoplasty, ideally. It’s not a procedure that any board-certified plastic surgeon would describe as high-risk, but it’s also not without potential complications.
Those complications are becoming more common as the procedure gains popularity and it’s performed by people who lack the appropriate credentials. By contrast, a reputable plastic surgeon who’s experienced in rhinoplasty will know and respect the anatomy. After all, a proper nose reshaping will improve the entire face.
What to look for in a plastic surgeon
For all the advances, the biggest risk of rhinoplasty remains a disappointing cosmetic outcome—which is why it has the highest revision rate of any plastic surgery procedure. To ensure a smooth procedure and happy result, find the most qualified plastic surgeon to do it.
Precisely restructuring and manipulating the nose while improving breathing issues requires a particular skillset and expertise that takes years to develop.
When you meet with a plastic surgeon for the first time, you’ll inevitably be shown before-and-after photos. But make sure to ask to be shown photos for noses that are similar to your own size and shape. They’ll not only speak to the surgeon’s ability, but they’ll also help guide your own discussion and set your expectations.
In the right hands, nose reshaping can give you the nose you’ve always wanted and enhance your whole face in so many other, unexpected ways.