Liquid Rhinoplasty vs. Surgical Rhinoplasty

Are you looking to reshape your nose through professional rhinoplasty? You are not alone.

In fact, it is the most common form of facial plastic surgery experienced by Americans, with over 240,000 people getting their noses reshaped each year. When looking at rhinoplasty options in Mexico, you will encounter two main types: liquid rhinoplasty and surgical rhinoplasty.

Vida Wellness and Beauty can improve your appearance and confidence levels with either treatment, but what are they, and which is best for you? Here’s everything you need to know.

Am I a Candidate For Rhinoplasty?

Before considering the two types of rhinoplasty, you must first decipher whether it’s right for you. Rhinoplasty has the potential to alter the size, shape, and general look of your nose to remove self-conscious feelings and create the desired appearance. It is a treatment that can be used to;

  • Correct congenital disabilities including lumps, clefts, and underdevelopment.
  • Realign the nose after having it broken or injured.
  • Reduce the nasal tip or bridge to suit the rest of your face.
  • Reshape the nostrils for a more attractive and photogenic look (wide noses as an example)
  • Create better facial symmetry.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, rhinoplasty may improve your breathing, reduce your snoring, and correct sinus issues. The esthetic and health benefits will inevitably improve your quality of life. When those benefits sound right for you, Vida Wellness and Beauty’s team of experienced and passionate surgeons can make it happen.

Rhinoplasty 

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Surgical Rhinoplasty Explained

Surgical rhinoplasty is the traditional method that most people naturally imagine when thinking about the term “nose jobs”.

It is a surgical procedure that can be completed via open rhinoplasty (making a cut across the septum) or closed rhinoplasty (a cut made inside the nostrils). It is a procedure that usually takes between 90 minutes and three hours.

Surgical rhinoplasty should be completed by a registered plastic surgeon. When needed to correct severe functional issues, it may be considered a medical procedure. In most cases, though, it will be classified as a form of cosmetic surgery, even when it delivers health benefits.

Dr. Fuentes | Plastic Surgeon

Why Choose Surgical Rhinoplasty?

There are several reasons why patients may choose the traditional route of surgical rhinoplasty in Mexico, including but not limited to;

  • The results are permanent, enabling you to avoid repeat purchases.
  • It is possible to combine the nose job with another service, such as chin augmentation.
  • There are functional benefits that may change your daily life.
  • You will probably know someone that has had surgical rhinoplasty and can ask them for info.
  • You already have a fair idea of what to expect.

What Are The Drawbacks?

Surgical rhinoplasty does have some drawbacks, though. The most telling aspects are;

  • It is more expensive, even if rhinoplasty in Mexico is far cheaper than the $5,000+ in the USA.
  • Swelling may take up to a year to fully subside, meaning you won’t see the full benefits until then.
  • It requires going under the knife, which brings risks – although the treatments are far safer than before.
  • You cannot change the results until the swelling of the initial treatment has completely gone.
  • Open rhinoplasty will leave light scarring, although a good surgeon will minimize this.

What Is The Recovery Like?

In addition to the potential drawbacks of the surgical rhinoplasty itself, including the fact it can take several months to see the full transformation, patients will need to wear a splint over the nose for one week. Many patients return to work after two weeks but cannot complete strenuous workouts for six weeks.

Further precautions to prevent putting pressure on the nose, such as sneezing through the mouth, may be required for the first week.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty 

Liquid (Non-Surgical) Rhinoplasty Explained

Liquid rhinoplasty is an alternative type of nose job that focuses on a non-invasive procedure. While it isn’t as commonly understood by new patients as surgical rhinoplasty, it has existed for a long time. In fact, the concept dates back to the early 19th century, thanks to Robert Gersuny, although his liquid paraffin solution was harmful to the body.

Modern liquid rhinoplasty is very safe and focuses on the use of injectables to correct drooping nasal tips, dorsal humps, and cosmetic imperfections through the process of contouring. It uses hyaluronic acids like those used in lip filler injections, such as Juvederm, to provide an instant but temporary solution.

Why Choose Liquid Rhinoplasty?

The popularity of liquid rhinoplasty continues to increase as patients become aware of its many benefits. They include;

  • It’s a significantly more affordable solution than surgical rhinoplasty.
  • The procedure can take as little as 15 minutes.
  • It avoids the need to go under the knife.
  • The results can be seen almost immediately and last up to 18 months.
  • There is no need for anesthesia.
  • Any results are reversible thanks to the use of hyaluronidase injections.

Liquid rhinoplasty allows you to enjoy the benefits of a new nose far sooner and can be seen as far less risky due to the temporary results and non-invasive procedure.

How Is Liquid Rhinoplasty Completed?

Following a full consultation prior to the treatment, the liquid rhinoplasty procedure itself is a straightforward process that can be completed in just five simple steps;

  • You will be seated or lying down while the area is cleaned with a solution.
  • The skin is numbed with ice or numbing cream.
  • The hyaluronic acid is carefully injected into the treatment site, using small amounts.
  • It is then smoothed out without using pressure to create the desired aesthetic.
  • The final results are checked by both you and the practitioner.

The process only requires a single session, and you can stay awake throughout the process and will not feel pain. The only changes from one client to the next are how the hyaluronic acid is smoothed out, as this naturally needs to reflect the results you crave.

Dr. Castañeda | Plastic Surgeon

What Are The Drawbacks?

While liquid rhinoplasty is a very attractive prospect to men and women of varying backgrounds, there are several potential drawbacks that should be known;

  • You will be required to repeat the process every 18 months or so, unless you are happy to return to your old nose.
  • Vascular complications, such as blood vessel blockages, are possible.
  • Harmful injections can also cause sight problems in very rare situations.

In truth, the risks are minimal. Nonetheless, it is important to choose an experienced and board-certified physician that uses the best injectables and safest practices to ensure that you see the full benefits.

What Is The Recovery Like?

The downtime following a liquid rhinoplasty procedure is minimal. You can see the results instantly as any swelling will be minimal. You may be required to avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks and may need to gently massage the area over this time on a semi-regular basis.

Any side effects are likely to be minimal and restricted to general tenderness, irritation, and bleeding. As such, you may want to rest for 1-2 days, although it isn’t compulsory. Nonetheless, the fact that you can (relatively speaking) return to normal daily activities within 48 hours is highly beneficial

Am I A Candidate?

Liquid rhinoplasty stands out as the best alternative to surgical rhinoplasty, especially for patients who are not suited to the traditional approach of surgery, but it isn’t right for everyone. A prime candidate will;

  • Appreciate the pros and cons compared to surgical rhinoplasty and other treatments. This means creating a clear understanding of the expectations.
  • Not have the funds for surgical treatments or prefer the value of paying a few hundred dollars rather than a few grand.
  • Have purely cosmetic issues. Patients requiring the functional benefits of clearing blockages, for example, should look elsewhere.
  • Only need minor work like correcting asymmetries or removing small visible bumps from the nasal area.
  • Be prepared to implement the minor recovery steps that are needed to unlock the full benefits of the treatment.

Conversely, anyone with a majorly crooked nose or who needs to correct breathing issues won’t be suited to this non-surgical solution. On a side note, anyone that wears eyeglasses may wish to avoid treatments where the injections are needed at the bridge of the nose as the pressure of the spectacles can cause issues.

Conclusion

If you are unhappy with the shape, size, or look of your nose and feel that it has impacted your life, rhinoplasty is a great way to fix that. It can restore the appearance of your nose before an accident or enhance the natural esthetic.

For permanent results on more complex issues, it’s likely that surgical rhinoplasty will be the best route to take. However, liquid rhinoplasty is an affordable alternative that delivers quick results that can be altered at a later date if you change your mind.

Whichever route you take, it’s imperative that you seek the help of a board-certified expert who understands the two procedures. Crucially, they should understand you too, which is why Vida Wellness & Beauty is the perfect solution.

We offer a professional, affordable, and personalized rhinoplasty service in comfortable surroundings found in the heart of Tijuana. Take the first step towards creating your dream nose, get in touch for a full consultation today.

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Dr. Juan Carlos Fuentes

Dr. Juan Carlos Fuentes, MD Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon practicing at VIDA clinic Tijuana. Dr. Fuentes served as Chief of Residents in Plastic Surgery in Guadalajara. His postgraduate fellowship training was also completed at the University of California at Irvine and at Texas University. Specializes in Facial Rejuvenation, Rhinoplasty, Botox & Facial Fillers, Brow Lift, Blepharoplasty, Facial Enhancement and more. He is a member of the Mexican Association of Plastic, Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery (A.M.C.P.E.R.), American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (A.S.A.P.S.), San Diego International Plastic Surgery Society, Tijuana Medical Association, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (I.S.A.P.S.) and The Rhinoplasty Society.