What is the Difference Between a Nonsurgical vs. Surgical Nose Job?

Jennifer Aniston had one; so did Dianna Agron, Kaley Cuoco, Tyra Banks, and Jillian Michaels. Nose jobs are nothing new. Some people get them for health reasons like fixing a deviated septum or to repair the damage from a broken nose. It is also popular to get a nose job in order to reduce the size of the nose, remove unwanted bumps, or to change the shape of the nose to better match the rest of the face. 

Did you know that there is more than one type of nose job? When it comes to changing your nose, you have 2 options: a nonsurgical vs. surgical nose job. Qazi Cosmetic Clinic offers both types of nose jobs to meet the needs of all patients. If you are having difficulty breathing or just don’t like your nose, Dr. Nadir Qazi can help!

Nonsurgical vs. Surgical Nose Job – What is the Difference? 

Most cosmetic procedures can be performed surgically or nonsurgically, and a nose job is no different. A surgical nose job is performed under general anesthesia so the surgeon can change the shape of the underlying tissues to change the size and shape of your nose. A nonsurgical nose job, on the other hand, is not performed under anesthesia. 

When you get a nonsurgical nose job – also called a liquid nose job – the procedure takes about 30 minutes as Dr. Qazi injects dermal filler into your nose. While a liquid nose job can’t reduce the size of your nose, it can smooth out lumps and bumps, as well as give your nose more volume. A nonsurgical nose job is best for treating small cosmetic issues like a dorsal hump, asymmetry, and a drooping nasal tip. 

Because a surgical nose job is more involved, it can treat a greater range of conditions, including: a deviated septum, crookedness, unwanted lumps, overly large nostrils, asymmetry, and an unusually large nose. 

The key differences between a nonsurgical vs. surgical nose job are: 

1. How involved each procedure is. 

A liquid nose job is fast and painless with minimal recovery. A surgical nose job requires general anesthesia and a greater recovery time for the nose to heal after surgery. 

2. What health and cosmetic concerns each procedure can treat. 

A nonsurgical nose job can only treat minor cosmetic concerns, like small lumps and a downturned nose tip. A surgical nose job can correct health concerns such as breathing problems, as well as completely transform the nose to better complement your face. 

3. The length of the recovery. 

When you get a liquid nose job, the recovery is 1 to 2 weeks maximum. During this time, you can safely go about your normal routine, but you may experience soreness, light bruising, and swelling near your nose. Patients are advised to gently massage the area and to avoid sleeping face down until the treated area completely heals. A surgical nose job, on the other hand, comes with a recovery time of about 6 weeks because it takes much longer for the incisions and the underlying bones and tissues to heal. 

4. Safety, risks, and side effects. 

Surgical rhinoplasty is a very straightforward procedure that is very safe when performed by an experienced surgical team. However, when it comes to a nonsurgical vs. surgical nose job, the surgical procedure will always have more risks and side effects than nonsurgical procedures. For example, if you get a surgical nose job, some potential risks include: adverse reaction to anesthesia, excessive bleeding, inflection, changes to sensation, asymmetry, excessive bruising, and visible scarring. 

5. How long the results last. 

When you get a surgical rhinoplasty, you can expect the results to be near permanent. Of course, life changes like damage to the nose and natural aging can affect how your nose looks, but the results of your rhinoplasty will never wear off. Liquid rhinoplasties are only temporary because the body naturally dissolves dermal fillers over time. Depending on what type of filler is used, your liquid nose job will only last 6 to 12 months. After that time, you will need a follow up appointment to maintain your results.

Nonsurgical Nose Job – What To Expect 

If you have ever gotten dermal fillers before, then the process for a nonsurgical nose job will be very similar. The first step is always to schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic. Consultations are your opportunity to ask questions, discuss your goals, and decide if the procedure is right for you. 

How do I know if I am a good candidate for a liquid nose job?

During the consultation, Dr. Qazi will also determine if you are a suitable candidate for a nonsurgical nose job. Candidates for a liquid nose job should be over 18 years old, have realistic expectations for the procedure, not wear glasses full-time, and have no history of adverse reactions to dermal fillers. If you want fillers in the bridge of your nose, it is especially important that you do not wear glasses because glasses can deform fillers and harm your results.

You may not be a good candidate for a nonsurgical nose job if: 

• You have breathing issues that need to be corrected; when it comes to nonsurgical vs. surgical nose job, only a surgical solution can fix breathing problems. 
• You wear glasses regularly and are unable to switch to contacts or to avoid wearing them for the 1 to 2 week recovery. 
• Your nose is crooked or too large for your face. A nonsurgical nose job is designed to make small adjustments to the shape of your nose; the procedure is not able to make your nose smaller or less crooked. 

What can I expect when I get a liquid nose job?

When you arrive at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic in Newport Beach, California, you will be taken to a clean, comfortable treatment room. The first step of the procedure is to clean the treatment area with an alcohol solution to prevent infection. 

Dr. Qazi will then apply numbing cream or ice to the injection site to minimize discomfort. In some cases, Dr. Qazi may mark the injection location with a skin-safe marker to ensure proper placement. 

When you are ready, Dr. Qazi will inject the filler into the targeted area and massage it to smooth out the filler. The massaging process is actually very important because it helps distribute the filler to make the results look as natural as possible. 

Once the procedure is over, you are safe to return to work or school immediately after the procedure. Some light swelling, bruising, and soreness is completely normal. You can expect to be healed in 1 to 2 weeks – this is why some patients prefer the nonsurgical  route when they decide between a nonsurgical vs. surgical nose job. The increased volume and the changes to the shape of your nose will be instant noticeable. Your fillers will also boost your body’s natural collagen production, which will improve your skin’s overall appearance over time. 

What You Need To Know About a Surgical Nose Job

If you are interested in getting a surgical nose job, the first step is to schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic. Dr. Qazi will determine if you are a suitable candidate; if so, the procedure will be performed by Dr. Qazi’s team of in-house cosmetic surgeons.

The biggest difference between a nonsurgical vs. surgical nose job is that surgery, even cosmetic surgery, is no small matter. The results will be more permanent, but you will have more thorough preparation and you will need to take more time off to recover. For patients who have a deviated septum or another breathing problem, a surgical nose job may be the only solution to safely restore your breathing. 

Am I a good candidate for a surgical nose job? 

For nonsurgical vs. surgical nose jobs, one key difference is that patients younger than 18 can safely get a surgical nose job. If a patient has difficulty breathing, then a nose job should be performed as soon as possible, no matter the patient’s age. For patients who want a nose job for cosmetic reasons or to fix damage from a broken nose, the surgery can only be performed once the nose is fully developed. For girls, the nose is fully developed at age 15 or 16. For boys, it is a little bit older, like age 17 or 18. 

For patients who are over 18, the ideal candidate is anyone who has severe enough cosmetic concerns to justify surgery, has realistic expectations for the procedure, is prepared for the rigors of surgery and the recovery, and who is healthy enough for the procedure. 

Patients with a history of adverse reactions to anesthesia, a bleeding condition, or a diagnosis of body dysmorphia are normally advised against getting a surgical nose job for cosmetic reasons. 

How do I prepare for a surgical nose job? 

During the consultation and in your pre-op phone call, you will receive personalized preparation instructions. These instructions may include: 

• Get lab tests to ensure that you are in good health. 
• Stop taking certain medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements. 
• Have your face and nose photographed from various angles for surgical planning purposes. 
• How to wash your face the night or morning before the surgery. 
• When to stop consuming alcohol and tobacco products before the surgery.
• How to prepare for the recovery. This includes arranging for a ride home and for someone to stay with you for the first 24 hours after the procedure. 

What to expect for the recovery after a surgical nose job

After the surgery, there will be a plastic or metal splint on your nose to maintain the shape while it heals. You will be monitored in the recovery room until you are safe to be discharged. A friend or family member will need to drive you home and care for you for the first few days. 

Patients are instructed to keep the head elevated, do as little activity as possible, and to keep the dressings on for the first week. Your surgical team will give you instructions regarding how to care for your bandages and when to remove them. You will also be prescribed pain medication to ease discomfort during recovery. 

For 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, you should avoid: 

• Strenuous activity, including excessive housework, walking too fast, and yoga. 
• Swimming, sitting in saunas, and hot tubs. 
• Excessive facial expressions, exuberant tooth brushing, blowing your nose, and over enthusiastic chewing. 
• Pulling clothing over your head. 
• Sleeping on your face and touching the treated area. 
• Wearing glasses. 
• Sun exposure. 
• Washing your face with harsh chemicals and scrubbing near the nose. 

After 1 to 2 weeks, you will be safe to return to your normal activities. Some lingering bruising, swelling, changes in color and changes to sensation are normal. It will go away over time. 

Nonsurgical vs. Surgical Nose Job – Which is Right For Me?

The best way to learn if a nonsurgical vs. surgical nose job is right for you is to schedule a consultation at Qazi Cosmetic Clinic. Dr. Qazi can help determine which procedure will help you achieve your goals, and which procedure you are a good fit for. 

If you are torn between a surgical and a nonsurgical nose job, here are some pros and cons to consider: 

Liquid Nose Job Pros 

• More affordable than a surgical nose job. 
• The procedure is fast, comfortable, and comes with relatively few risks. 
• Liquid nose jobs are ideal for people who only want to fix minor cosmetic flaws in their nose. 
• If a filler made from hyaluronic acid is used, it is easy to reverse the results if you don’t like your new nose shape. 
• Zero downtime. You can go right back to work or school. 

Cons of a Liquid Nose Job

• The results are not permanent. You will need a follow-up appointment every 6 to 12 months to maintain the results. 
• There are many cosmetic concerns that it can’t treat. 
• Not suitable for patients who need glasses and can’t temporarily switch to contacts. 

Pros of Getting a Surgical Nose Job

• The results are permanent. 
• It can fix almost any cosmetic concern, as well as address health problems.
• The results are easier to customize. 

Surgical Nose Job: Cons

• Requires greater preparation and recovery. 
• Involves more risks and side effects. 
• Patients will have to take time off work or school to heal. 
• Patients can expect to experience more discomfort during the recovery.