Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty

Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty

Open or Closed Rhinoplasty? Which one to choose? The purpose of Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) is to ultimately improve the nose both aesthetically and functionally. Surgeons will usually adopt one or the other surgical method as their preferred approach to Rhinoplasty. Understanding the differences between these two surgical approaches gives patients the opportunity to make an informed decision about which procedure to choose.

Put simply, the Open Rhinoplasty option leaves a small visible scar that, in time, should fade and become virtually invisible and with the closed option there are no visible scars.

The Open Rhinoplasty method involves a small (4-5mm) bridging incision, which is called a trans-columellar incision and this incision connects the left and right nostril incisions. The nasal skin is then folded up and the surgeon has an unobstructed view of the lower nasal skeleton. Many surgeons believe that with this direct visibility and surgical access, there can be improved diagnostic accuracy; the individual components of the nose can be evaluated more effectively and it can also minimise possible distortion to the nasal cartilage. The Open Rhinoplasty technique is often the preferred technique for extremely complex nasal deformities such as cleft-lip Rhinoplasty or when structural grafts are required to bring the nostrils down following a previous Rhinoplasty where the nose has been pulled too high.

The technical demands of the Closed Rhinoplasty method are extremely demanding and rigorous and therefore this method generally requires a more skilled nasal surgeon.

Closed Rhinoplasty approach is considered by many surgeons as far less invasive than Open Rhinoplasty, as the required surgical incisions are made inside the nostrils. The surgery is generally performed faster than Open Rhinoplasty and the healing and recovery time is often shorter. After Rhinoplasty, most patients experience some numbness to the tip of the nose but with Closed Rhinoplasty, many patients report that the numbness is hardly noticeable. But for most patients the most appealing reason to choose the Closed Rhinoplasty method is the idea that there is no risk of visible external scarring. It is definitely the more difficult approach to Rhinoplasty but in the hands of an experienced surgeon with comprehensive training and expertise, for patients who undergo the Closed Rhinoplasty method, there are substantial benefits.

With knowledge, comes understanding so whether you choose to have Open or Closed Rhinoplasty, if you’re happy with the results, this is what is most important and what every surgeon strives for!