The nose is the centerpiece of the face. Its size, shape, and balance with other features can change how you feel when you look in the mirror. Some patients want a smaller nasal tip, others would like to smooth a dorsal hump along the bridge, and many are hoping to improve breathing. At PURE Cosmetic Center, Dr. Dave Lee offers both surgical rhinoplasty and non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty, giving patients options that are customized to their goals.
Every nose surgery, whether surgical or non-surgical, should be personal. There is no single “perfect nose.” Instead, the right choice is the one that improves both the form and function of your nose while keeping your look natural and harmonious.
Rhinoplasty, sometimes called a “nose job,” is one of the most common facial plastic surgeries performed today. It’s a procedure that can change the shape of the nose, refine the nasal tip, straighten nasal bones, or correct issues inside the nose that cause breathing problems.
When people think about rhinoplasty, they often imagine the cosmetic effects. But rhinoplasty may also improve breathing by correcting a deviated septum or adjusting the nasal passages. At PURE, Dr. Lee treats both aspects: how the nose looks and how it works. This is what surgeons mean when they talk about cosmetic rhinoplasty versus functional rhinoplasty.
Every patient brings a different medical history, anatomy, and set of goals. Dr. Lee takes time to understand what bothers you, what you’d like to change, and how surgery or non-surgical treatments might help. His approach is rooted in artistry, but it’s also highly technical, focusing on bone, cartilage, and tissue inside the nose to create results that last.
Surgical rhinoplasty is a procedure performed in the operating room, usually under general anesthesia. It involves reshaping bone and cartilage to change the size, shape, or overall appearance of the nose. Patients who want permanent results, correction of breathing problems, or improvement in nasal function are often best suited for this approach.
This is the first nose surgery for a patient. It may involve smoothing a dorsal hump, reshaping the nasal tip, narrowing wide nasal bones, or refining the overall appearance of the nose. Primary rhinoplasty can be cosmetic or functional, depending on whether the goal is improving breathing, changing the look, or both.
Revision surgery is performed when a patient has had a prior rhinoplasty but is not satisfied with the results or has developed new issues. Because bone and cartilage may have been removed or repositioned in the first surgery, revision rhinoplasty is often more complex. Dr. Lee has advanced fellowship training in aesthetic surgery and head and neck surgery, giving him the precision required for this type of work.
Not all noses are the same, and ethnic rhinoplasty respects and preserves cultural identity while refining balance. For example, the surgeon may adjust the tip of the nose without erasing the natural character of the nasal structure. The goal is never to create a “one-size-fits-all” look but to elevate your natural beauty.
A deviated septum or collapsed nasal passages can cause difficulty breathing. Septoplasty, sometimes combined with cosmetic changes, corrects the septum inside the nose. This type of procedure can improve airflow, help patients sleep better, and relieve chronic congestion.
Surgical rhinoplasty is a real operation, and patients should know what’s involved. The surgeon may place incisions inside the nose or in discreet locations on the outside, depending on whether an open or closed approach is best. The procedure may take several hours, depending on the complexity.
After surgery, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home. Swelling and bruising around the nose, eyes, and upper lip are normal. Most patients return to work about a week after surgery, though full results may take several months to see as swelling gradually subsides.
For patients who are not ready for surgery or only want subtle refinements, liquid rhinoplasty may be the answer. Instead of changing bone and cartilage, this procedure uses dermal fillers like Restylane or Juvederm to smooth or reshape the appearance of the nose.
Fillers cannot reduce the size of the nose or fix breathing problems. They do not address tissue or structural issues inside the nose. Patients with a deviated septum, difficulty breathing, or large dorsal humps are usually better candidates for surgical rhinoplasty.
When patients ask about rhinoplasty options, Dr. Lee explains that both surgical and non-surgical rhinoplasty have their place.
| Surgical Rhinoplasty | Liquid Rhinoplasty | |
| Longevity | Permanent | Temporary (12–18 months) |
| Downtime | About 1–2 weeks off work or school | Minimal to none |
| Scope | Can reshape nasal bones, cartilage, and tissue | Adjusts appearance only |
| Function | Can improve breathing and correct a deviated septum | Cosmetic refinements only |
| Setting | Surgical procedure in operating room under general anesthesia | Office procedure with filler injections |
| Best For | Patients seeking lasting changes in size, shape, or function | Patients seeking subtle refinements or a “test run” |
Not every patient is ready for surgery, and not everyone is a candidate for fillers. Dr. Lee reviews each patient’s medical history, examines the skin, nasal bones, septum, and nasal tip, and helps decide the safest and most effective option.
Patients considering surgery should be in good overall health and understand that healing may take time. Liquid rhinoplasty may be used for patients who want quick results with no downtime, but these results are temporary and will require touch-ups.
Healing is part of the process, whether you choose surgery or fillers.
Choosing the right rhinoplasty approach can feel overwhelming, but Dr. Lee makes the process clear with his thorough consultation process. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon with advanced training in both aesthetic surgery and head and neck surgery, he brings deep expertise to every consultation and procedure.
Dr. Lee listens closely to each patient’s concerns, whether it’s the nasal tip, dorsal hump, or difficulty breathing. He carefully examines the bone, cartilage, and skin of the nose, reviews medical history, and explains the safest, most effective options. Patients value his calm, thoughtful style and the way he explains every step in plain language.
His goal is always to achieve results that look natural, improve both form and function, and leave patients feeling confident in their overall appearance.
Rhinoplasty is about more than changing a single feature. It’s about restoring balance, improving function, and creating confidence in your overall appearance. Some patients benefit from a surgical procedure that permanently reshapes bone and cartilage, while others prefer the simplicity of fillers for quick refinements.
Whichever option you choose, PURE Cosmetic Center delivers results that are natural, elegant, and personalized. Dr. Lee welcomes patients in Boston and Chelmsford to explore both surgical rhinoplasty and liquid rhinoplasty options.
If you’ve been thinking about changing the appearance of your nose, schedule a consultation today. The right approach may be simpler and more rewarding than you expect.
Your beauty is a symphony. Don’t trust it to anyone less than a true performer and a master at his craft. Chelmsford and Boston plastic surgeon, Dr. Dave Lee brings the virtuosity of a concert pianist and the artistry of a renowned plastic surgeon to each procedure. Schedule a consultation today to discover why patients across New England are singing the praises of Dr. Lee and his staff at PURE Cosmetic Center.
Boston Office
400 Commonwealth Ave, 2nd Floor
Boston, MA 02215
Chelmsford Office
15 Village Square
Chelmsford, MA 01824
