Rhinoplasty

Edmonton’s rhinoplasty (nose job) is one of the most desired cosmetic procedures today. The reasons for rhinoplasty are many, but most involve correction of the nasal profile, the shape of the tip, or lack of nasal bridge definition. Traditional surgical rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated cosmetic surgeries today as there are many delicate structures of the nose that need to be treated with the utmost respect in order to achieve optimal results. Fortunately, non-surgical rhinoplasty is available for those who would rather not have their nose broken and repositioned. In this article, I will discuss non-surgical rhinoplasty – its benefits and risks.

Why is the nose so important to overall facial esthetics? The nose, with its prominent facial location, is at the center of first impressions that people have about each other. Each nose needs to match the rest of the face. As such, there is no such thing as a perfect nose as this will depend on the rest of the facial features. There are, however, certain nasal features that are more desirable than others. In particular, in some cultures, a well-defined straight nasal ridge (the part of the nose extending from the nasal root at the top down to the nasal tip) is very desirable. Furthermore, a delicate, slightly upturned, and somewhat pointed nasal tip is thought to project youth. It is no wonder that a muted, or sometimes absent, nasal ridge, as well as a less defined nasal tip, can be viewed as less desirable. Any nasal ridge projections (nasal hump) or depressions (saddle deformity) are also viewed as undesirable.

First, let’s review the traditional surgical rhinoplasty. The nose structure is composed of many tissues including the bones, cartilage, small muscles, some fat, skin, and, of course, all of the nerves and blood vessels necessary to support its function. One of the more important functions of the nose is breathing and smelling. These functions have a lot to do with the bone and nerve structures.

In most surgical rhinoplasties, an incision needs to be made through the skin or the internal lining of the nose. This is to allow access to the bones and cartilage. In most cases, the bones that are critical to the nasal shape have to be mechanically broken and repositioned to create a new desired shape, Furthermore, the nasal cartilage may need to be resected or modified to adjust the shape of the nasal tip. In addition, some skin and tissues may be removed, particularly from the nostril regions, to adjust the size and shape of the nasal openings. Due to all these possible interventions, there is a significant potential for complications ranging from mild and transient to severe and persistent. In particular, the resulting nasal shape may not be what the patient desired, the results may not be symmetrical or there could be difficulty with breathing as well as smell. It is no wonder that many patients are frightened by these potential complications and the possibility of permanent unfavorable cosmetic results.

Now that we reviewed the traditional surgical rhinoplasty, let’s discuss non-surgical rhinoplasty, sometimes also known as the “15-minute nose job”. The great news is that in most cases, non-surgical nose jobs are safe, non-invasive (apart from a few needle injections) alternatives to traditional surgical invasive rhinoplasty.

This is one of the best parts of non-surgical rhinoplasty – it comes with little or no pain. Generally speaking, no anesthesia is required. In some cases, patients may prefer some topical numbing cream such as EMLA or even gentle cooling with ice compresses in the office just prior to the treatment. In addition, there is little pain or swelling after the procedure is completed. These features make non-surgical rhinoplasty one of the safest cosmetic procedures available today.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a much more affordable option for people who wish to change the shape of their nose without the pain and possible complications of surgery. Generally speaking, the cost would depend on the type and the amount of filler substance used as well as the technical skills of the injecting doctor. In most cases it would cost less than $1000.

Compared to surgical procedures, the side effects of non-surgical nose reshaping are, in general, very minor. These include minimal to minor discomfort during the actual procedures as well as some swelling and redness. In addition, there could be some contour irregularities that may be very mild or, in some cases, in need of correction. As with any filler esthetic procedure, there is a possibility of infection, bleeding (hematoma), or a foreign body reaction (called granuloma). In rare instances, the filler can be injected into or close to the blood vessel resulting in the death of some tissue. This is an emergency and the doctor must be notified. This troubling side effect is much more common in people who have had prior surgical nasal procedures or when large volumes of filler are used. Fortunately, that side effect is rare and, when detected early, can be successfully treated. The fact is that our noses are very unique, are a critical feature of our faces and in many cases are somewhat different from what we think they should be – it is perfectly natural to consider having them adjusted in subtle yet important ways. Non-surgical rhinoplasty offers a safe alternative to the traditional surgical modality and can be considered by those who wish to see their nose improved with little or no downtime.

This is a somewhat controversial topic as the right or wrong candidate selection depends, at least in part, on the patient as well as the skill, experience, and confidence of the doctor. Plainly stated, not all problems with the shape of the nose can be corrected. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is an augmentation/filler procedure and cannot be used to reduce the size of the nasal structures. Furthermore, it cannot correct functional nasal concerns such as breathing problems or deviated septa. Patients with unrealistic expectations, those with serious medical problems or medications, as well as those who had prior surgical procedures involving their nose need to be informed that there would be a greater chance of complications.

Non-surgical nose-job is not for everyone but it may be very helpful for most people looking to adjust their nose shape or projection. For a confidential consultation, please call us at (780) 424-4440 or email us. Dr. Sapijaszko and his team will be glad to see you.

Edmonton’s Youthful Image Clinic has been helping clients for over 25 years and it is one of Edmonton’s longest, same owners operated, clinics in Alberta!

If you are interested in Edmonton Rhinoplasty, please contact us to see if you are a candidate for this popular therapy!

The information provided on this website is for Canadian patients only and is meant for information and education that is based on experience and research.