Facial beauty is often the focus of attention, especially the nose which is often considered one of the most striking features. Various cosmetic methods such as rhinoplasty, thread lifts, and fillers are now widely sought after by people who want to improve their appearance.
But with so many options, which one is better? This article will discuss the three methods to help you make a more informed decision.
Nose Surgery ( Rhinoplasty )
Nose surgery, often called rhinoplasty , is a cosmetic surgical procedure that aims to change the shape of the nose, either for aesthetic or medical reasons. For some people, nose surgery is the primary choice because it can provide permanent and dramatic results. This procedure involves cutting and reshaping the bone and cartilage structure of the nose.
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
- Permanent Results
After the operation is complete and the recovery process is complete, the shape of the nose will last a long time. Using implants (eg: silicone) usually lasts around 10 years, while using cartilage grafts can last a lifetime.
- Drastic Change
For those who are bothered by their shape, rhinoplasty surgery can be the answer for significant shape changes that are tailored to the overall face.
- Function Enhancement
In addition to improving appearance, rhinoplasty can also be performed to correct breathing problems due to abnormalities in the anatomical structure of the nose, which often cause breathing difficulties.
- Structure
Rhinoplasty surgery provides a stronger foundation structure than fillers/threadlifts . In addition, the nose also feels more natural than a nose that has been filled/threadlifted .
Disadvantages of Rhinoplasty
- Recovery Process
In the recovery process, swelling/bruising usually decreases in the first 1-2 weeks. Although the results are visible in the first week, there will still be changes and the final results can be seen after 3 months. The treatment itself is not difficult and the stitches can be removed around the first week.
- Risk of Complications
As with any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty has risks of complications, including infection, bleeding, malposition, implant exposure, or changes in the shape of the nose that are not in accordance with the patient's wishes.
- High Cost
The cost of nose surgery is usually quite expensive, depending on the materials, doctor, and hospital chosen.
Thread Lift
A thread lift is a non-surgical procedure that uses special threads to lift and tighten the skin of the face, including the area around the nose. The threads are inserted under the skin and pull the tissue to create a lifting effect without the need for large incisions as with surgery. This procedure does not add any solid structure to the nose, but only pulls the soft tissue under the skin.
Thread Lift Benefits
- Non-Surgical
A thread lift only uses a special needle to insert threads into the skin, making it a minimally invasive procedure with fewer risks.
- Quick Recovery
Recovery from a thread lift is quicker than from a rhinoplasty. However, bruising or swelling can sometimes persist for up to 2 weeks.
- The results are not as drastic when compared to rhinoplasty.
The thread lift results do not lift too much so the changes in results are not drastic. Some consider this a procedure with more natural results.
- Tightening Effect
In addition to providing a sharp nose silhouette, thread lifts also provide a tightening effect when performed on other areas of the face, providing a fresher and plumper appearance after the procedure.
Thread Lift Disadvantages
- Interim Results
The effects of thread lifts only last about 1 to 2 years, so patients need to undergo repeat procedures to maintain the results. There will be changes in the composition of the skin so that it feels denser and less elastic than normal, if repeated thread lifts are carried out frequently.
- Cannot Provide Drastic Changes
For those who want a significant change in the shape of their nose to be high and pointed, a thread lift may not be the right answer. Especially for noses that are too flat.
- Risk of Infection or Inflammation
Although rare, infection / thread exposure / tissue damage are possible risks. Care should be taken when selecting the site and procedure.
Nose Filler
Nose fillers are a non-surgical procedure that uses filler injections to add volume or shape to the nose. Fillers are often used to smooth out imperfections in the nose, without the need for surgery.
Benefits of Nose Fillers:
- Fast Procedure and Minimum Downtime
Nose fillers can be performed in a short time, usually taking only 15 to 30 minutes, with minimal recovery.
- Live Results
The results of nose fillers can be seen immediately after the procedure, providing an instant and rapid change in shape.
- Reversible
The results of the filler can still be reversed with the help of medication, by injecting enzymes that will dissolve the filler in order to restore the shape of the nose to its original state. However, this depends on the filler material and the condition of the skin area when the reversal injection is performed.
- Non-Invasive
Fillers do not require incisions, making them a convenient option for those who want a quick, incision-free change.
Disadvantages of Nose Fillers:
- Interim Results
The results of fillers only last between 6 to 12 months, depending on the type of filler used. This means that the procedure must be repeated to maintain the desired nose shape.
- Limited to Certain Changes
Fillers can improve the shape of the nose by adding volume to the nose, but cannot provide major changes like rhinoplasty surgery which can provide greater changes in shape.
- Potential Allergic Reactions
Although rare, some people may experience allergic reactions to the filler materials used, although this can be minimized with proper medical consultation.
- Risk
Although rare, the risk of infection / tissue damage / filler position disturbance may occur. Skin that is often filled usually experiences changes in skin composition texture so that it feels denser / more elastic than nose skin that has not been filled .
Choose the Method that Suits Your Needs
Choosing between rhinoplasty , thread lift , and fillers depends on your goals, budget, and personal preferences. If you want a permanent and significant change, rhinoplasty with silicone implants or cartilage grafts may be the best option. However, if you are looking for more temporary results with a quick recovery time, a thread lift or fillers may be the right alternative. Careful consideration before taking action is recommended.
Whatever your choice, it is important to consult with an experienced specialist. Understanding the procedure, risks, and expected results will ensure that the procedure is safe and meets your expectations. Get the right information to make the best decision for your appearance and confidence.
Article written by dr. Caroline Dewi, Sp. BPRE (Plastic Surgery Specialist - Reconstructive and Aesthetic EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).