When it comes to facial cosmetics, rhinoplasty is one of the most popular among patients presenting complaint. As such a prominent feature, it’s no surprise that nose procedures are in such high demand, given how they can enhance the overall profile and symmetry of the face.

If you are interested in aesthetic medicine, you’ve likely heard terms such as ‘liquid nose job’. But what exactly is this non-surgical treatment, and how does it compare to the surgical alternative? Let’s explore the differences between the two, as well as the pros and cons of each and whether liquid rhinoplasty training is a good option for practising aestheticians.

Liquid rhinoplasty

Liquid rhinoplasty is a non-surgical procedure that involves injecting dermal fillers into the nose to alter its shape. An aesthetician treats the targeted injection site to add volume to certain areas, smooth out bumps or unevenness or lift the tip of the nose. The procedure is administered by a trained medical professional specialising in aesthetic medicine, and the entire appointment typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

Unlike traditional rhinoplasty, which involves surgically reshaping the nose through incisions, liquid rhinoplasty does not require any incisions or downtime. The procedure results are temporary and can typically be enjoyed for six months to a year before the body absorbs the fillers, and further treatment is required.

Surgical rhinoplasty

A surgical nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, is an invasive procedure that involves reshaping the nose to improve its appearance or function. The surgery is performed by a plastic surgeon or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) and typically takes around two hours to complete.

During a surgical nose job, the surgeon makes incisions inside the nostrils or on the skin between the nostrils, depending on the changes to be made to the nose. The bone and cartilage of the nose are then reshaped by removing or rearranging tissue or by adding synthetic materials such as grafts. In some cases, the surgeon may also need to adjust the position of the nostrils or change the shape of the nasal tip.

After surgery, the patient typically has bandages or a splint on their nose to help protect the new shape and support it as it heals. There may also be some swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose, which usually subside within a week or two. It can take several weeks or longer for the nose to heal fully and for the final results to appear. Still, most people can return to work or their normal activities around a fortnight after surgery, but this varies from patient to patient.

The pros and cons of a non-surgical vs. surgical procedure

The most profound difference between surgical and liquid rhinoplasty is that a traditional nose job is a major operation with certain risks, such as bleeding, infection and scarring. Still, several benefits come with opting for surgical rhinoplasty, including:

1. Long-lasting results: The effects are permanent and the results will not gradually dissipate over time like with a liquid nose job.
2. More significant change: Surgery allows for more transformative changes to be made to the nose, such as altering the size or shape of the nostrils or changing the angle between the nose and the upper lip. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is generally not able to achieve these types of changes.
3. Correction of functional issues: Surgical rhinoplasty can correct issues such as a deviated septum or problems with breathing. 
4. High patient satisfaction: Because of the precise results that surgery can achieve, patients may be more satisfied with the outcome than those who have undergone non-surgical rhinoplasty.

Although liquid rhinoplasty is generally considered a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional rhinoplasty, it is not suitable for all patients. Dermal fillers cannot achieve the same level of correction as surgical rhinoplasty and are not a good option for people with significant structural abnormalities. While the results of dermal fillers wear off after some months, nose surgery is a permanent image-altering procedure. Despite its temporary effects, patients can still enjoy many significant benefits from liquid rhinoplasty, including: 

1. Quicker recovery time: Non-surgical rhinoplasty requires minimal downtime and the recovery process is generally much faster than surgical rhinoplasty.
2. Less discomfort: Non-surgical rhinoplasty is less painful and patients generally experience less discomfort post-procedure
3. No scarring: Dermal fillers do not involve incisions, so there is no scarring.
4. Temporary results: The effects of non-surgical rhinoplasty are not permanent and will gradually dissipate over time. This allows patients to decide if they are happy with the results before committing to a permanent change.
5. Lower cost: Non-surgical rhinoplasty is significantly less expensive than surgery.
6. Convenience: Since a liquid nose job does not require anaesthesia or a hospital stay, it is a far more convenient option for those seeking subtle enhancements.

What does liquid rhinoplasty training involve?

Liquid rhinoplasty training involves a combination of theoretical learning, hands-on training, and supervised practice. Hands-on training may involve practising injecting fillers on live models under the supervision of an experienced injectables instructor. You will also have the opportunity to observe the procedure performed by a qualified practitioner before attempting it yourself.

To become proficient in non-surgical rhinoplasty, it is essential to have a medical background and a solid understanding of anatomy, facial aesthetics and the properties of the fillers used in the procedure. You should also be confident in assessing each patient’s needs and goals and communicating effectively to ensure that treatments are administered safely and accurately. If you are a current or aspiring aesthetician, liquid rhinoplasty training can absolutely provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully perform this in-demand treatment on your own patients.