If you fixate on imperfections in your nose, you have probably considered undergoing a “nose job.” Even minimal adjustments in shape or alignment of your nose can have a significant impact on your overall appearance – and give you newfound confidence. Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States. You may be a candidate for either surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty, but we need to meet with you to find out which process is right for you. Dr. Montilla is well-versed in both methods and will assist you in making this critical decision.
Surgical rhinoplasty: Results that last a lifetime.
Traditional surgical rhinoplasty is a surgery that involves reshaping the inner cartilage or bone in the nose beneath the skin and is an outpatient procedure. It requires either local or general anesthetic, so the surgery is pain-free. Dr. Montilla makes small incisions within the nostrils or at the base of the strip of tissue that divides your nostrils. The operation can take between one to three hours to complete, with results that will last a lifetime.
Time off work and play for recovery.
The day after surgical rhinoplasty, you’ll feel some mild discomfort, which will significantly improve in the days that follow. It’s normal to experience tenderness, swelling, discoloration, and possibly a mild headache, congestion, or slight bleeding. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for at least two weeks after your surgery.
We encourage plenty of rest and taking time off of work or school. A week after your surgery, you’ll visit our office so that we can remove temporary nasal splints and check on your progress. Two to three weeks after your surgery, most of the swelling will have receded; it’s highly unlikely that anyone else will know you’ve had surgery by this point. Longer-term, very minor swelling will subside over the months ahead, noticeable only to you, if at all.
A second option: non-surgical rhinoplasty
Twenty years ago, if you were unhappy with your nose, your only option was surgical rhinoplasty. Today, depending upon your unique features and the adjustments desired, non-surgical rhinoplasty may be an option. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a quick procedure that involves the careful placement of cosmetic injectables.
Dr. Montilla uses hyaluronic acid-based fillers such as Juvéderm and Radiesse. If you have a slight bump on your nose that you want less noticeable, a non-surgical rhinoplasty would involve filling the area around the bump to create a smoother, flatter nose bridge – and even though we have added volume with the dermal filler, your nose can appear less prominent. This same technique can be used to smooth a pinched-looking nose tip, fill in dips, or subtly lift the tip of the nose.
Recovery from non-surgical rhinoplasty
Non-surgical rhinoplasty has been called a “lunchtime nose job” for a good reason – there is no recovery time, and your results are immediate. An hour after your procedure, you can head back to work or go about your day as usual. Besides a little redness, there will be no sign that you had treatment. Your results will last between one to two years. The dermal filler is gradually and evenly absorbed by your body.
Factors to consider when choosing surgical or non-surgical rhinoplasty
Both surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty has a similar goal: to change the shape of the nose, creating greater facial harmony or symmetry. The procedures are drastically different, as are the recovery, costs, and results.
- The recovery time for a surgical rhinoplasty is a minimum of two weeks. There is no recovery time for non-surgical rhinoplasty.
- The results of surgical rhinoplasty are permanent — the results of non-surgical rhinoplasty last one to two years.
- The cost of non-surgical rhinoplasty is far less than surgical rhinoplasty, but if you intend to keep up the results of non-surgical rhinoplasty with a procedure when the effects fade, the lifelong costs are similar.
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty can’t address medical or health concerns associated with the nose or septum. In these cases, surgical rhinoplasty is the only option.
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty cannot decrease the overall size of your nose.
- Non-surgical rhinoplasty is best suited to minor, aesthetic adjustments and is not appropriate for more pronounced asymmetry, a crooked nose, a large, hanging or bulbous nose tip, or a more prominent hump on the bridge.
The team at Montilla Plastic Surgery is standing by to answer your questions about both surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty. Dr. Montilla’s individualized approach means that you’ll get the results you want, with a team of professionals supporting you every step of the way.
