Difference Between Open and Closed Rhinoplasty

Every nose, patient, surgery, and result is unique, something every well-trained facial plastic surgeon understands. The specific concerns you may have about your nose, and the changes required to achieve your desired results, will play a role in what methods your facial plastic surgeon uses during your surgery. There are two surgical techniques used to perform rhinoplasty procedures—open and closed. Each has its benefits and its specific applications. Knowing more about these two methods can help you to better understand the procedure that your facial plastic surgeon will perform.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a type of nasal surgery that is concerned with the size, shape, and features of the nose. It can be performed for either cosmetic or medical reasons, though some patients seek surgery for both purposes. Rhinoplasty was designed to change the appearance of the nose while preserving or improving the functionality of the nose. A nose that is too small or big, too narrow or wide, too pointy or round, too crooked, or too bumpy can be address through rhinoplasty surgery. For many patients, rhinoplasty can address issues with breathing, sinus drainage, and snoring, among others.

To determine if rhinoplasty surgery would be appropriate for you, it’s essential to choose an experienced, board certified facial plastic surgeon who will meet with you for a consultation. During this initial meeting, you will be able to discuss your specific concerns, plan a surgical approach, and be evaluated as a potential candidate for rhinoplasty. If you qualify, your facial plastic surgeon will plan surgical changes to balance your facial features and enhance your profile.

What Is Closed Rhinoplasty?

During a closed or endonasal rhinoplasty procedure, all of the incisions will be placed on the inside of the nostrils. This approach will not leave behind any visible scars, since they will all be contained within the nose itself. Once the incisions have been placed, your facial plastic surgeon will lift the skin to reveal the underlying cartilage and bone. He will then reconstruct the nose according to the changes you requested and the results you discussed during your consultation.

What Is Open Rhinoplasty?

For an open or external rhinoplasty procedure, your facial plastic surgeon will add one very small incision on the underside of the nose, on the skin between the nostrils. This extra incision will allow greater access to the nasal tip, as well as the lower and middle-third of the nose. Although this incision will be external, it is placed in an area that is very hard to see. Any post-surgical scarring that forms after the incision has healed is well hidden and will most likely go unnoticed.

Which Rhinoplasty Technique is Best for You?

Closed and open rhinoplasty methods have their benefits and their drawbacks. Many facial plastic surgeons feel that all first-time nasal surgery patients should have a closed procedure, but not all surgeons agree. Open rhinoplasty is often reserved for patients who want extensive changes to the nasal tip or who are having a revision rhinoplasty procedure. There are many different reasons to choose one over the other, but no hard and fast rules about which patients get what approach.

The only way to know for sure which technique will serve you best is to talk with a facial plastic surgeon. Every surgeon has his or her own preferences, techniques, and approaches to rhinoplasty surgery. Ultimately, the choice will be made through your discussion about your nose and the changes you want to see. Working with an expert is the best way to see real results, no matter what approach is used.

Plan the Right Rhinoplasty Procedure for You

To learn more about rhinoplasty techniques, plan your initial consultation now with the facial plastic surgeon who can help you to achieve your best results. Dr. Andrew Frankel is board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Ear Nose and Throat). He is exceptionally well trained in the field of nasal surgery and has been recognized for his original research regarding vasculature to the nose and rhinoplasty’s effect on it. Schedule your appointment today with a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon to guarantee your best rhinoplasty results. Contact Dr. Frankel’s office, located at 201 Lasky Drive in Beverly Hills, California, by calling (310) 552-2173.