Thinking about reshaping your nose? Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or to fix breathing issues, it’s completely normal to wonder about the best route to take. One of the most common questions Dr. Julian De Silva gets asked this question, “Surgical vs. non-surgical rhinoplasty: which is better?” Both options can improve the look of your nose, but they work very differently and offer different kinds of results. Let’s break it down so you can make a confident, well-informed decision. What Is Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty? Also known as a liquid nose job, non-surgical rhinoplasty involves using dermal fillers (usually made of hyaluronic acid) to change the shape of your nose. There’s no cutting, no general anaesthetic, and you can be in and out of the clinic in under 30 minutes. This treatment is ideal for people who want to: Smooth out small bumps on the bridge of their nose Lift a droopy tip slightly create more balance or symmetry from a side profile However, it’s important to understand that non-surgical rhinoplasty works by adding volume. So, it can only enhance certain features—it can't make your nose smaller or remove tissue. If your nose already feels too large, adding filler may actually make it look even bigger. What Is Surgical Rhinoplasty? Surgical rhinoplasty, on the other hand, involves reshaping the bone and cartilage of the nose under general anaesthesia. This can include removing bumps, refining the tip, straightening the bridge, and reducing overall size. It also allows for internal corrections to improve breathing, such as fixing a deviated septum. This option is better suited for people who: Want permanent results Need structural changes or reduction Struggle with breathing due to nasal obstruction Have thick skin, asymmetry, or previous injuries Unlike fillers, surgery can subtract tissue, which means it offers far more flexibility in terms of reshaping and reducing the nose. Non-Surgical vs. Surgical Nose Jobs: Key Differences If you’re trying to decide between rhinoplasty vs. non-surgical rhinoplasty, the main difference comes down to what each method can actually achieve. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is great for subtle surface changes. It’s less invasive, requires no recovery time, and results are visible immediately. However, these results are temporary and need to be repeated every six to 12 months. Surgical rhinoplasty offers long-term results and can dramatically change the structure of your nose. But it comes with a longer recovery period, typically one to two weeks of downtime and several months for full healing. So, if you’re hoping to slim your nose, fix a crooked bridge, or breathe better, surgery is usually the only option that can deliver those results. Who’s a Good Candidate for Each? Dr. De Silva suggests that non-surgical rhinoplasty works best for people who already have a reasonably shaped nose and want a small touch-up, like smoothing a minor bump or slightly lifting the nasal tip. It’s also a good way to “trial” how your nose might look after surgical rhinoplasty, without committing to surgery straight away. Surgical rhinoplasty is better for people looking for long-term or functional results. It’s the best choice if you want to make your nose smaller, narrow the nostrils, or correct deformities caused by injury or genetics. Also, if you have thick skin or certain ethnic nose shapes, surgical ethnic rhinoplasty gives more control and precision than fillers can offer. Dr. De Silva is careful to preserve each patient’s ethnic features while enhancing their natural beauty, so the outcome still feels like you. Risks and Safety Considerations As with any procedure, both types of rhinoplasty come with risks. With non-surgical rhinoplasty, the main risk is accidentally injecting filler into a blood vessel. This can reduce blood flow and, in rare cases, lead to skin damage or even blindness. While the chance of this happening is less than 1%, it’s serious, which is why it’s so important to go to an experienced medical professional. Dr. De Silva uses techniques that reduce risk, like injecting slowly, using small amounts of filler, and sometimes choosing a blunt-tipped cannula instead of a needle. He also keeps an enzyme called hyaluronidase on hand, which can dissolve the filler immediately in case of emergency. Not every clinic offers this. Surgical rhinoplasty carries its own risks, like infection, scarring, or not being happy with the final result. But when performed by a skilled facial specialist, complications are rare. What About Functionality? If your concerns are more than cosmetic—say, you’ve had an injury, struggle to breathe, or have a deviated septum—non-surgical rhinoplasty won’t help. It simply can't fix internal nasal structures. In these cases, surgery is necessary. A proper exam, which includes looking inside your nose with a small camera, will help identify if your breathing issues are due to a blocked airway or structural defect. Dr. De Silva often combines cosmetic and functional surgery to improve both the appearance and performance of your nose. Recovery Time and Results One of the biggest benefits of non-surgical rhinoplasty is that there’s basically no downtime. You might have a bit of swelling or bruising, but most people return to work or normal activities the same day. Results are visible instantly, although they’ll fade after about a year. Surgical rhinoplasty requires a bit more patience. You’ll likely need a week off work, and while most swelling subsides within the first month, the final shape of your nose may take up to a year to fully settle. That said, the result is long-lasting, often permanent, and you don’t need to keep coming back for top-ups. Cost Considerations Non-surgical rhinoplasty is more affordable in the short term, but keep in mind that it’s not permanent. If you continue getting fillers every year, the costs can quickly add up. Surgical rhinoplasty involves a bigger upfront investment, but the results last for many years or for life. It may be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you want a significant change. Which Should You Choose? If you’re still debating between rhinoplasty vs. liquid rhinoplasty, it helps to think about your priorities. Want a quick fix for a minor concern, with no downtime and reversible results? Non-surgical might be your best bet. Need a permanent change, want to reduce size, or fix functional issues? Surgical rhinoplasty is the way to go. Dr. De Silva advises everyone to book a consultation before making a decision. During that time, your nose shape, skin thickness, facial balance, and even your breathing will be carefully assessed. From there, you’ll get personalised advice on which treatment is right for you. Conclusion Choosing between surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty is a personal decision, and the best option depends on your goals, anatomy, and expectations. Dr. Julian De Silva is a world-renowned facial cosmetic surgeon with years of experience helping patients achieve natural-looking results they love. Book a rhinoplasty consultation today and find out which approach suits you best, because your nose should look and feel just right for you.

Small noses are considered attractive, especially if it fits the other facial features of a person. In this article, I will talk about small noses, why many people consider them to be attractive, and what treatment you can get. What Does a Small Nose Mean? People’s noses work the same, but their sizes can be different. Usually, men’s noses are about 2.2 inches. Meanwhile, women’s noses are around two inches long. The difference is thought to be related to muscle mass, although nose size is also hugely affected by evolution and the environment. It is critical to grasp the structure of the exterior nose. To begin, the “root” of the nose is located between the brows, while the “bridge” links the root to the entirety of the nasal anatomy. The distance from the bridge to the nasal tip or apex, known technically as the dorsum nasi, is an important determinant of nose size. The nasal septum separates the cartilaginous alae (also known as nostrils) on either side of the tip. Finally, the philtrum attaches the nasal tip to the upper lip. Variations from these dimensions result in a nose smaller compared to the rest of the face. Why Are Small Noses Beautiful? Society often thinks small noses look better, especially on women. This is because small noses seem delicate and feminine, fitting an old-fashioned idea of how women should look. Another study in 2014 by Mikalsen and company pointed out that men’s and women’s noses naturally look different. As a general rule, we associate slender and delicate noses with a feminine appearance. More prominent and angular noses, as well as larger bridges, are often associated with masculinity. Are Small Noses Genetic? According to studies, nasal shape and size can be genetically transferred from your parents’ genes. However, noses also evolve. In addition, the nose serves an important function in regulating the air we breathe. It also serves as a crucial distinguishing part of the face. Appealing Nose Shapes According to studies, the ideal female nasal shape looks like a button nose. This form of nose is raised at the tip and has a narrower nasal bridge. A button nose is a small, round nose that resembles the shape of a button. The noses’ concave features include a drop in the middle and a protruding tip. Another attractive nose shape is the snub nose. The snub nose is found in roughly 4.7% of the examined population. The nose is tiny and slopes upward at the tip, exposing the nostrils. They are also typically smaller and turn up. The nose tip is neither spherical nor flat. The Most Popular Cause of Nasal Obstruction An anatomical malformation can induce a nasal obstruction, which restricts airflow into and out of the nose. If the flow of air into and out is impeded, this is referred to as nasal obstruction. They are frequently temporary and are caused by the typical cold or allergies. For others, it may be a chronic symptom that has a substantial impact on their quality of life and necessitates medical care. Acute nasal blockage is frequently caused by enlarged nasal tissues caused by a virus or allergies. A chronic obstruction, on the other hand, is caused by a restricted nasal cavity, which can be caused by a deviated septum, nasal polyps, enlarged adenoids, nasal tumours, or a congenital abnormality. How to Make Your Nose Smaller Surgical procedures like rhinoplasty can alter nasal size. There’s a reason rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries.In most situations, a relatively simple surgery lasting approximately an hour can permanently alter the nose’s form and size. People want to change numerous aspects of their noses. Some people think it’s too huge overall, others aren’t thrilled with the form of the tip, and others are concerned about how broad it is. There are also non-surgical options to make the nose smaller. Your nose’s shape and size is mostly dictated by your bone and cartilage. Hence, it can’t be totally altered without surgery. Home treatments such as putting ginger powder, garlic extract, or apple cider vinegar won’t do either. If you’re dissatisfied with the size of your nose, consider getting a nose job. You can opt for a non-surgical nose job as well. However, this procedure includes a temporary filler, so you have to get treated again. Dermal fillers usually last for up to six months. In some cases, they can last for 12 to 18 months. How to Decrease the Size of Your Nose Reducing nasal size involves surgical and non-surgical procedures depending on your aesthetic goals. Rhinoplasty, or a nose job, has grown in popularity in recent years. At my clinic, we choose the best nose job depending on your face and nose shape. Depending on the level of correction required and your aesthetic goals, this surgery can be performed in the clinic under sedation anaesthesia or under general anaesthesia. The treatment usually takes 45 minutes, but more intricate rhinoplasty procedures may take up to two hours. Rhinoplasty can correct a sagging nose, a boxer’s bridge (a rounder appearance), rough nasal tip, an overall nose size reduction, and other asymmetries. The surgery can also be used to remove any unattractive bumps and marrow down your nose. Rhinoplasty Before & After Gallery This woman wanted to alter the appearance of her nose while maintaining a natural finish. Patient 1 This woman wanted to alter the appearance of her nose while maintaining a natural finish. She had a nose that was fairly long and had a prominent hump on the bridge. In order to improve her look, I performed chin augmentation and rhinoplasty. Despite being only six weeks old, the photos demonstrate an improved nose with a lifted tip, shaped bridge and tip, and improved straightness. The patient was pleased with the results. The big hump and broad nasal tip of this Asian man’s nose bothered him. Patient 2 The big hump and broad nasal tip of this Asian man’s nose bothered him. His thick ethnic skin made his nasal tip difficult to define. To enhance his look, I performed open rhinoplasty. I also used anti-swelling medication after surgery. A smaller, more refined nose that is more in line with his ethnicity is visible in the post-surgery photo. This woman didn’t like the way her nose looked overall since it had a nasal hump and an undelineated nasal tip. Patient 3 This woman didn’t like the way her nose looked overall since it had a nasal hump and an undelineated nasal tip. She went in search of a facial plastic surgeon who could assist her with this. She wanted a conservative refinement rhinoplasty. Under twilight anaesthesia, I performed rhinoplasty and septoplasty. I refined and reshaped the cartilage in her nose, narrowed the bridge, and subtly lifted the tip with the help of specialized micro-burr and cartilage techniques. The patient was delighted with the surgery’s natural-looking results. What Is Surgical Nose Contouring? Nose contouring reshapes and refines the nose’s profile. Cosmetic surgeons also use this method to reconstruct the nose and restore its function after physical trauma. The upper portion of the nose’s structure is made of bone, while the lower portion is made of cartilage. Rhinoplasty surgery can affect and change bone, skin, cartilage, or all three. Consult your surgeon to find out if rhinoplasty is right for you and what it can accomplish. When to See a Cosmetic Surgeon If you’re thinking about cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance or fix an irregularity, you might be wondering when you should go to a surgeon. Your surgeon will evaluate your facial proportions, physiology, the skin and tissues on your nose, and your overall aesthetic goals. If you are a good candidate for the procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will create a treatment plan tailored just for relevant results. Please take note that the surgery involves risk, including dry mouth and swelling. You may also have painful experiences that can be treated with medicine. Other anti inflammatory ingredients might also help. How to Make Your Nose Smaller This section explains how to get a smaller nose through rhinoplasty. While a non-surgical nose job helps you achieve the results you want, its results are temporary. Rhinoplasty (aka make nose smaller surgery) offers permanent results. My patients enjoy the results of their nose jobs for many years. Some of them enjoy it for a lifetime. Hence, the best way to make your nose smaller is through rhinoplasty. But how does rhinoplasty make your nose smaller? Here’s how to make your nose smaller: 1. Rhinoplasty adjusts your nasal bridge. Your nasal bridge is the bony area of your nose. Some patients have nasal bridges that are too big for their faces. If you have a big nasal bridge, your nose becomes disproportionate to the rest of your face. This also makes your nose look bigger than it actually is. Rhinoplasty can adjust the nasal bridge. To do this, I first remove the bone and cartilage causing the irregularity. Then, I move the bone and cartilage closer to the nasal bridge. By doing this, the nose’s size decreases. 2. A nose job decreases the ala of the nose. The ala of the nose (plural: alae), is the wing of the nose. Wide alae make the nose bigger. Many patients come to me with concerns involving the wings of their noses. It gets worse when you have a narrow nasal bridge and extremely wide alae. A nose job decreases the size of the nose’s wings. To do this, I first remove a portion of the nose’s wings. Then, I will adjust it to give you smaller nostrils. By doing this, the nose ends up looking smaller. 3. Rhinoplasty changes your nasal tip. As its name implies, the nasal tip is the tip of your nose. Some patients’ noses look huge because the nasal tip is longer than average. The drooping of the nasal tip also makes the nose bigger than it actually is. Rhinoplasty can change your nasal tip. To do this, make a small cut on the columella. Then, I reshape the cartilage that supports the nasal tip. By doing this, the nasal tip becomes shorter. This results in the nose looking smaller. Visit Julian De Silva – Rhinoplasty, London Are you looking for a cosmetic doctor who will deliver natural results? Do you want great value for your money? I, Dr. Julian De Silva, specialise in nose surgery. I take into account your preferences to deliver results that will match your bridge, tip, and nostril with the rest of your face. Contact us to book a consultation now! As an alternative, you may visit us at 23 Harley St, London W1G 9QN, UK.