Your nose is often the first thing people notice upon meeting you. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your nose ­– whether you have an unsightly bump or the size of your nose simply does not fit the rest of your face — you could be a candidate for Rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty (nose job or nose reshaping) is a procedure to reshape the nose and improve its appearance. Rhinoplasty is also performed to correct breathing problems. Generally, this is a surgical procedure that involves making incisions inside, and sometimes outside, of the nose to fix various problems.

However, with the increase in popularity of FDA approved injectable tissue fillers to temporarily correct facial wrinkles, plastic surgeons in Denver, Colorado have started injecting these same fillers in the nose to alter the shape. This is referred to as “Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty”. Hyaluronic acid fillers such as Restylane®, Juvederm®, and Perlane® can be used to camouflage aspects of the nose. The longer acting filler Radiesse® is also a popular filler for this purpose. Some people even elect to take excess fat from their bodies and inject it into the nose to correct certain defects.

So, which is better—Surgical or Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty?

The answer depends on what type of results you hope to achieve.

An advantage to Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty is that it can be performed in the office, with minimal recovery time. Injecting filler helps hide a small bump on the bridge of the nose or improve the definition of the tip. The results of Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty are not permanent and will require touch up in 6-12 months. This is typically the time it takes most hyaluronic acid fillers to dissolve. Radiesse may last several months longer and may leave behind some persistent volume. Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty is ideal for candidates who want an instant result from a minimally invasive procedure. This could also be a smart option for those who are afraid to make a permanent change to their nose.

Some other patients who are good candidates for non-surgical rhinoplasty are those who have already had a rhinoplasty and need a small tweak or revision such as adding height to the bridge, defining the tip a little more, or filling in a soft tissue depression that came about after surgery.

Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty cannot alter the length or width of your nose, so if this is your main concern, or you are looking for a permanent result, the surgical option may be right for you. Another disadvantage to Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty is that choosing this option can make a later surgical rhinoplasty more difficult because of scar tissue development as a reaction to the injectable filler.

Surgical Rhinoplasty candidates are those who want significant changes to the appearance of the nose, as surgery can change the entire shape of your nose and correct nasal asymmetry. Also, any breathing problems would need to be corrected using the surgical option. Surgical Rhinoplasty is permanent and, like any surgery, carries with it greater risks, but it is still a very safe surgery in the hands of an experienced surgical team in Denver, Colorado.

Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver, Colorado plastic surgeon is well-versed in both types of Rhinoplasty. Dr. Shah pays careful attention to individual facial features and does not use a “one size fits all approach”. During your consultation, he will help you determine which Rhinoplasty option is best for you. Call TODAY at (303) 708-8234 and schedule your free consultation with Dr. Shah, and you’ll be on your way to a beautiful and shapely new nose. Or, visit us on the web at www.drmanishshah.com.

For patients in Denver, Colorado breast augmentation or enlargement is a very personal decision.  With our athletic population making the decision on the type of breast implant to choose can be difficult.  Here are some thoughts about the two available implant types and their pros and cons so that you can make an intelligent choice.

Saline breast implants have a silicone rubber shell that is quite sturdy.  Most patients can expect between ten and fifteen years of duration before implant rupture or breakage becomes more likely.  Saline implants are filled with salt water that has the same makeup as the salt water in our bodies.  Saline implants are adjustable and can be used in situations where a woman’s breasts are slightly different sizes. Because of the implant shell design rippling at the edge of the implant is possible.  It can sometimes be felt and even seen. Saline implants have to be overfilled by 10-20% to decrease this rippling and decrease the risk of capsular contracture (scar formation around the implant.)  These implants are great in women who already have thicker breast tissue or are afraid of silicone implants.  I recommend placement under the muscle for these implants.  When a saline implant ruptures it looks like a deflated ball on your chest.

Silicone breast implants tend to look and feel more realistic.  They have the same durable silicone rubber shell. Duration is similar to saline implants.  They come in set sizes so it is harder to compensate for slight differences in breast size.  The inside of the implant is filled with a gel material that is thick and more cohesive like a gummy bear or gel toothpaste.  Rippling is not a common problem with silicone implants because of the way they are manufactured.  The FDA is requiring that all women who have silicone gel implants placed after December 2006 have an MRI of the breast at 3,5,7, and 9 years after implantation to check for leaks.  When a silicone implant leaks it is frankly more difficult to tell.  I typically recommend that silicone gel implants be placed under the pectoralis muscle.  This implant however is my implant of choice in women who need the implant placed above the muscle (eg. body builders, fitness competitors, martial artists, gym rats, etc.)

I hope this helps those seeking answers to the question “saline vs. silicone?”

If you have any questions or would like to obtain a free consultation for breast enlargement in Denver, Colorado give us a call at (303) 708-8234.  Or, visit us on the web at www.drmanishshah.com.