What’s the Difference Between Nasal Reshaping and Nasal Surgery?

Nasal reshaping, nose job, rhinoplasty—oh my! Are they all the same? No. If you’re confused, you aren’t the only one. Many people can be mystified when it comes to facial cosmetic procedures involving the nose. It’s safe to say that no one knows the nose (say that five times fast) better than local facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Jon Chadwell. By the end of this read, you’ll know more about nose procedures and what differentiates them than most people do.

Be in the Know on Noses: Nasal Reshaping is a Nonsurgical Procedure  

It’s not uncommon to come across the phrase “nasal reshaping” and automatically assume it means the same thing as surgical rhinoplasty. Nasal reshaping, however, is different than rhinoplasty because it doesn’t require surgery. Unlike surgical rhinoplasty, nasal reshaping targets different issues than a surgical nose procedure addresses, including:

• Improvement of nasal depressions
• Smoothing of nasal bums and deviations
• Revision from a past rhinoplasty procedure

The value added in nasal reshaping is that it can significantly improve the appearance of the nose without requiring invasive measures. Dr. Chadwell utilizes Restylane® injections to achieve a more symmetrical appearance of the nose. This less invasive approach results in little to no swelling, bruising or pain, which is most likely why studies have demonstrated a rise in nasal reshaping as a nonsurgical preference to correcting slight imperfections of the nose.

When Nasal Reshaping is Not Enough: Enter Surgical Rhinoplasty

There’s that word again—rhinoplasty. This time, however, we’ve included the word “surgical.” Nasal reshaping– nonsurgical rhinoplasty– incorporates the use of injectables, while surgical rhinoplasty requires a surgical approach. Surgical rhinoplasty is often referred to in layman’s terms as a “nose job.”

In certain scenarios, a nonsurgical nose job simply can’t accomplish certain outcomes, whereas surgical rhinoplasty can, including: 

• Correcting an enlarged, drooping, upturned, hooked or bulbous nasal tip
• Fixing the size and/or position of the nostrils—enlarged, wide or upturned
• Improving the width of the nose bridge
• Altering the appearance of certain types of humps or depressions on the profile of the nose
• Helping to better proportion the nose to provide symmetry and continuity with the face
• Repair of a deviated septum

Whether any of the conditions above occurred as a result of an accident or injury, naturally from birth or passed on through genetics, surgical rhinoplasty can often be a successful remedy. To give you an idea of the popularity and frequency of nose jobs, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons reported that 218,924 individuals received a surgical rhinoplasty in 2017 alone!

It’s important to note that unlike nasal reshaping, recovery from a nose job will require more healing time. Dr. Chadwell will provide you a full list of post-operative instructions that will likely include: how to take care of the temporary splint that will support your nose, how to take great care in dressing and undressing and to take any prescribed medications as directed. It also surprises some people to learn that although many individuals note changes in a few weeks following nasal surgery, it can take up to a year to see full results.

Which Option is Best For You—Nasal Reshaping or Surgical Rhinoplasty

No matter which option you feel you are most qualified for, it’s important to understand that experts and studies related to facial plastic surgery, including nasal reshaping and surgical rhinoplasty, always suggest seeking the expertise of a surgeon who specializes in the procedure you’re considering. Dr. Chadwell, for example, exclusively focuses on the face and neck and has the extensive education, experience and portfolio to reflect his skill set.

To know for certain whether you qualify for nonsurgical nasal reshaping or surgical rhinoplasty, Dr. Chadwell will want to see you for a consultation. During your visit, you’ll discuss your goals and medical history. Dr. Chadwell will make sure to answer any questions you have, so as to keep your expectations realistic. 

If you’d like to know more about nasal reshaping or rhinoplasty, please contact us now at (574) 280-4818.