Surgical rhinoplasty vs liquid rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

Is it possible to achieve an effect like the one on the right side of the photo without rhinoplasty

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You would definitely need a surgical approach to achieve these results.  Your tip cartilages need to be reduced and sutured, and your nasal bones brought in for the thin look.

Anna Petropoulos, MD, FRCS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Choosing between surgical and nonsurgical rhinoplasty depends on individual goals, anatomy, and preference. Surgical rhinoplasty provides permanent results and can make comprehensive changes to nose shape and structure, such as reducing size or correcting a deviated septum. However, it requires longer recovery time, has higher costs, and carries greater risks associated with surgery.

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty, using injectable fillers, offers a quick and less expensive option with minimal downtime. This option is best suited for minor adjustments, like smoothing a bump or lifting the nose tip, but the results are temporary, usually lasting 6-18 months. While generally safe, nonsurgical rhinoplasty has limitations and cannot fix structural issues or reduce nose size.

Ultimately, surgical rhinoplasty is more suitable for those wanting significant, permanent changes, while nonsurgical rhinoplasty works well for individuals seeking subtle, reversible adjustments. Consulting a qualified aesthetic provider can help determine the best option. Best of luck! Genie Alexander, RN BSN for Anna Petropoulos, MD FRCS at Center for Classic Beauty, Danvers & Boston, MA

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Based on your computer Imaging, you appear to have a narrower appearance to the upper middle and lower thirds of your nose. Adding filler to your nose would only result in a larger nasal appearance. In that regard, I suspect you may be a better candidate for rhinoplasty surgery in order to meet or exceed your expectations. Thank you for this question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

filler injections in the now cannot make those kind of changes. Please find a great plastic surgeon in your area and do not listen to non-surgeon injectionists.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You need less volume.  A liquid rhinoplasty would not work, you would need a surgical rhinoplasty.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will based on the limited information and images provided , for a more bespoke and detailed plan please consult with your plastic surgeon.
The pictures you provided are limited since it does not include a profile etc , but from what i am seeing you are looking to refine your tip and to narrow your nose. A liquid rhinoplasty is essentially an illusion , it places filler in places were it gives the illusion of a refined tip and narrower nose it will not fix the underlying issue and might on the long run create other issues , and is temporary. If those issues are bothering you enough that you want them addressed I would go for a surgical rhinoplasty , it might be more expensive upfront and have a longer recovery but it is more permanent ,long term costs make more sense and in the right hands it will give you the results you are looking for. I hope this helps, best of luck !

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

In the after photo, the nose is smaller. The tip is narrower and higher, the bridge is narrower. In a "liquid" rhinoplasty, filler material is injected into the nose. When you take a nose, and put something *in*, the nose can only look *bigger*, never smaller.
It would take a surgical rhinoplasty to get you those changes.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. This type of maneuver can only be accomplished with surgical rhinoplasty. Nonsurgical injections add volume which make the nose look larger for this type of nose. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Selcuk Yazan, MD · Answer

While fillers might offer a short-term improvement, they cannot provide the structural, functional, or long-lasting results of surgical rhinoplasty. If your goal is a significant and natural change that aligns with both aesthetics and function, consulting with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon is the best approach. Shortcuts in nasal reshaping often come with risks that outweigh any temporary benefits, and a properly planned surgery is the safest and most effective way to achieve the desired result.
The short answer is no- I wouldn’t recommend attempting to achieve surgical results with fillers for several reasons.
Let’s discuss what the area is composed of: bone, cartilage, and skin. The upper third of the nose is supported by bone, which is rigid and capable of providing structural stability. The lower two-thirds are made of cartilage, a softer, flexible tissue designed to allow movement and function (like breathing). Unlike bone, cartilage lacks the rigidity to permanently support changes made by filler injections.
While fillers can temporarily change the external appearance of the nose by adding volume or smoothing small irregularities, they cannot alter the structural framework of the nose. Surgical rhinoplasty reshapes and reinforces the bone and cartilage for a long-term, functional, and aesthetic result, which fillers cannot achieve.
When fillers are injected into the softer areas of the nose (such as between the skin and cartilage), they lack the foundational support provided by bone. Over time, this can lead to deformation of the cartilage, as the pressure from the filler alters its natural shape and integrity.
Initial results from filler may appear satisfying, but over time, fillers migrate, lead to asymmetry, and even cause breathing issues or cartilage deviations. Because cartilage throughout the nose is interconnected, minor disruptions in one area can impact the overall structure and function of the nose.
Patients who undergo fillers before rhinoplasty often present with complications that make surgery more challenging. The cartilage may already be deformed due to prolonged pressure from filler, reducing the surgeon’s ability to work with intact, healthy tissue. Surgical correction becomes more complex, increasing the likelihood of additional procedures to correct the damage caused by fillers.
Opting for fillers because they seem “less invasive” is a common misconception. In reality, fillers introduce foreign substances into delicate areas of the nose. This can lead to complications such as vascular compromise, infection, tissue damage, or necrosis which is especially common. True natural results require reshaping the structural framework of the nose, which can only be achieved through surgery. A well-executed surgical rhinoplasty provides not only aesthetic improvement but also long-term functionality and stability.
While fillers may provide an immediate, temporary effect, they can compromise both the structural integrity of the nose and your ability to achieve optimal surgical outcomes in the future. All the while, they cannot compare to a surgical result.

Mauricio Castano, MD · Answer

Unfortunately Hyaluronic Acid doesn't work to get a more defined nose. Filler won’t make a nose smaller or narrower, it will “camouflage” a dorsal hump, and maybe turn up a little bit the tip, but it will never have the result of a rhinoplasty.

Surgical rhinoplasty vs liquid rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (11)

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