Liquid Rhinoplasty
In a perfect world, everyone would have a naturally balanced and well-shaped nose. In reality, many of us have small imperfections we’d love to refine—whether it’s a slight bump, a flat tip, or asymmetry. While surgical rhinoplasty remains a popular option, not everyone wants the downtime that comes with it. For those seeking a non-surgical alternative, liquid rhinoplasty offers a quick and effective way to enhance nasal contours with minimal recovery time. At Azul® Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa, we offer the liquid rhinoplasty procedure for women and men who want to smooth out the shape of their noses.
Candidates for Liquid Rhinoplasty
You should look at your goals to determine if liquid rhinoplasty is right for you. For the most part, this procedure is recommended for those who want to improve minor nose imperfections without resorting to surgery. For example, if you have slight asymmetry or a dorsal hump, then this procedure can help smooth the contour.
Liquid rhinoplasty is also a good option for those seeking enhancement but with temporary results. For instance, if you want to take the surgery route in the future, liquid rhinoplasty can offer a “test” first. This way, you can see how it looks without committing to the costs, risks, and recovery time of a surgical nose job.
It is important to keep in mind that while this procedure is meant for contouring, it can’t make your nose look smaller. In fact, it might add a bit to the size. For this reason, the procedure is often not recommended for those with a nose on the larger side. Moreover, it cannot correct structural issues that affect your breathing, which are usually fixed through surgery. It’s best to consult with our providers first to determine whether or not liquid rhinoplasty is the right choice for your needs.
How Liquid Rhinoplasty Works
Liquid rhinoplasties work by strategically injecting dermal fillers in different areas of the nose; this smooths out your features until you reach the desired contour. Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers are the most common solution used, with the effects lasting up to six months or even longer.
Common treatment areas include the bridge of the nose to make it look straighter, the sides to correct asymmetry, or the tip to offer more definition. A precise technique is used to deliver the filler into the tissue so that it blends naturally with your facial anatomy. The procedure lasts an average of 30 minutes, depending on how much filler is needed to correct your imperfections.
Recovering from Liquid Rhinoplasty
The recovery time from liquid rhinoplasty is limited, so many people prefer it to the surgical nose job. For the most part, you shouldn’t experience discomfort for more than a few days, and even that is mild. Most patients can return to work immediately as long as intensive labor is not involved.
You should expect to have some redness, mild swelling, and bruising at the injection site, which is a common reaction to the needle piercing the skin. The first two often subside within two to three days, with the bruising being the longest-lasting symptom. However, this should be gone within a week.
You should refrain from touching or massaging the treated area for the next day or two after your treatment, as this can cause the filler to migrate. Wearing glasses should also be avoided, especially if you treat the upper area of the nose, as this can affect your overall results.
Staying away from direct sunlight is also very important in the first two days after the treatment, as sunlight can irritate your already sensitive nose. Even when you go out, you should make sure that you wear sunblock or a wide-brimmed hat to protect the area.
Liquid Rhinoplasty Results
The initial results of liquid rhinoplasty are often immediate, as the gel-like formula should smooth out the area. That said, the swelling might conceal the effects, which means you’ll have to wait a few days for them to settle. The HA particles also need more time to bond with water molecules and expand, which can take a few days.
Depending on the filler used (specifically, its thickness), the results can last anywhere between six and 18 months. Your body will naturally break down the filler and eliminate it through your immune system, at which point you might need a touch-up. To keep the results as long as possible, you should wear sunblock when going out, as exposure to UV rays can break down hyaluronic acid.