Nonsurgical cosmetic procedures are more popular than ever, and nonsurgical rhinoplasties are no exception. As a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, I often answer questions about the benefits of a surgical rhinoplasty compared to a nonsurgical nose job.
Here’s what you need to know to decide which option is right for you.
Quick Comparison: Surgical vs. Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty
| Feature | Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty | Surgical Rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Downtime | 1–2 days, mild swelling/bruising | 1–2 weeks, full healing takes months |
| Longevity | 6–12 months | Permanent |
| Cost | ~ $1,302 (U.S. average) | $10,710–$12,765 (Primera Plastic Surgery) |
| Corrects Breathing Issues | No | Yes |
| Addresses Major Structural Changes | No | Yes |
What Can Each Option Do?
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty, often called a liquid nose job, uses dermal fillers such as JUVÉDERM® or Restylane® Lyft to add volume and subtly reshape the nose. It can temporarily:
- Smooth out small bumps
- Camouflage a hump
- Improve nasal symmetry
- Refine the appearance of a flat nasal bridge
- Create the illusion of a straighter nose
Surgical rhinoplasty is much more versatile and customizable than nonsurgical options. It can:
- Reduce the overall size of the nose
- Straighten a crooked bridge
- Narrow the nasal bridge or nostrils
- Upturn a drooping tip
- Refine a bulbous tip
- Correct functional issues such as a deviated septum
Dr. Gross will discuss your goals with you, assess your facial anatomy, and review your options. Because of the safety concerns involved in nonsurgical nose jobs, we do not offer them at Primera Plastic Surgery.
What About Recovery Time?
When weighing your options, consider how much recovery time you can commit to.
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty requires minimal downtime:
- Return to normal daily activities the same day or the day after
- Expect mild swelling or bruising for a few days
Because nonsurgical rhinoplasty is temporary and carries risk, anyone considering it would need to repeat this recovery period every few months to a year to maintain results. Read our blog post Liquid Rhinoplasty Recovery: What To Expect After Nose Filler to learn more.
Surgical rhinoplasty requires a longer recovery:
- Plan for a week or more of downtime
- Expect swelling for several months (with subtle changes up to a year).
Recovery is usually a one-time concern since changes to the nose with surgical rhinoplasty are permanent. Learn more on our Rhinoplasty Recovery page.
How Long Do Results Last?
Nonsurgical nose jobs are temporary: Results typically last 6 to 12 months, depending on the filler and individual metabolism. Some people choose it to “test-drive” changes before surgery, but it’s not ideal for someone seeking long-term improvement.
Surgical rhinoplasty results last a lifetime: Once the bone and cartilage in your nose are surgically altered, they stay that way for good, unless you opt for a revision rhinoplasty procedure.
Which Option Can Correct Breathing Issues?
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty approaches are superficial and do not correct breathing issues. This route will provide only minimal cosmetic benefits.
Surgical functional rhinoplasty addresses the structures of the nose to correct a deviated septum and other blockages, in addition to providing cosmetic improvements.
How Do the Costs Compare?
Nonsurgical nose job costs average $1,302 in the U.S. ($1,514 in Florida), according to RealSelf.
Surgical rhinoplasty costs between $10,710 and $12,765 at Primera Plastic Surgery (not including anesthesia and facility fees).
While surgery requires a bigger initial investment, repeated nonsurgical treatments can easily surpass this cost over time. Review our blog post Nonsurgical vs. Surgical Rhinoplasty Costs for more information about how they compare.
Safety Should Be Your Priority
Keep in mind that both nonsurgical and surgical rhinoplasty carry risks.
Nonsurgical rhinoplasty may seem simple, but the nose is highly vascular, and incorrect filler placement can lead to serious complications such as vascular occlusion, skin necrosis, and, in rare cases, vision loss.
Surgical rhinoplasty is generally safe in qualified hands but involves some risks like infection, scarring, or breathing changes. Choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon with a track record for safety will minimize surgical risks.
Other Important Considerations
As with any cosmetic procedure, cost should not be the defining factor in your decision. You should choose a credentialed provider you can trust to give you safe, long-lasting results.
Ready To Decide Which Option Is Right for You?
To see examples of what’s possible with surgical rhinoplasty, visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you’re ready to explore rhinoplasty with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, request a consultation using our online form or call us at (407) 333-3040.
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