Open rhinoplasty vs. closed rhinoplasty
There are many reasons for choosing nose surgery whether you’d like to make your nose smaller, get lumps and bumps removed or add definition to the tip. Rhinoplasty can change the appearance of your nose by working on the cartilage and tissues of the septum, dorsum, tip, and nostrils. If you’ve already attended a pre-op consultation, you will have heard the terms `open rhinoplasty` and `closed rhinoplasty`. These are basically medical words for the method your surgeon will use when operating on your nose. We explore the pros and cons of both below.
Open rhinoplasty
What does open rhinoplasty surgery involve?
During open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes an incision at the base of the columella (the soft fleshy bit in between your nostrils) before lifting the skin back away from the nose. Once the surgeon has good visibility of the structure of your nose, he/she will sculpt the cartilage and tissue according to your desired results.
What are the pros of open rhinoplasty?
· Your surgeon will have better exposure to your nose’s structure, so they can orchestrate the surgery down to the mm.
· More and more surgeons are practising open rhinoplasty, making it easier to find a surgeon near you
· Open rhinoplasty allows surgeons to better stabilise the nose after surgery
What are the cons of open rhinoplasty?
· Open rhinoplasty is a lengthier procedure, and as it involves lifting the skin away from the nose
· Because of this, open rhino is often associated with a slightly longer recovery time
· Small incisions are visible on the outer rim of your nose, but only when you tilt your head right back
What type of nose surgery is open rhinoplasty suitable for?
Open rhinoplasty is suitable for any type of nose surgery; whether you are having work done on your septum, dorsum, tip, nostrils, or even the removal of a lump or bump. If you are having surgery to change the size or shape of your tip, then your surgeon is likely to recommend open rhinoplasty in order to gain better visibility of the cartilage lying underneath. Open rhinoplasty is also an effective method when performing reconstructive surgery, or revisions. Book a consultation today.
Closed rhinoplasty
What does closed rhinoplasty surgery involve?
During closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes small incisions along the inside rim of the nostril. Your nose surgery is then carried out through your nostrils, without venturing near the outside skin or tissue. Closed rhinoplasty was the first method of nose surgery to be practised, and is still widely used by expert surgeons today.
What are the pros?
· Closed rhinoplasty does not touch the outside of the nose, so you will have no visible scarring and less swelling of the tip
· Your nose will take less time to heal, so recovery will be quicker
· Closed rhinoplasty is generally cheaper, but surgeons’ costs do vary
What are the cons?
· Your surgeon will have less visibility when performing the operation
· Closed rhino is less precise, but that’s not to say your surgeon isn’t skilled enough to achieve your results
· Many surgeons now practise open rhinoplasty, so you may not get the choice
What type of nose surgery is it suitable for?
Closed rhinoplasty is suitable for any type of nose surgery depending on the surgeon’s skill. If this is your first operation, closed rhinoplasty is likely to be recommended. Closed rhinoplasty is an effective method for patients who are opting for simple surgery to thin the nose or remove lumps or bumps, rather than having work done on the tip. To book a consultation, click here.
So which method is best?
Open and closed rhinoplasty are equally as effective. Which type of surgery you opt for all depends on your surgeon’s expertise, which method he/she is comfortable with, and it largely depends on what kind of results you want to achieve. Although you will have a preference as to whether you have open or closed rhinoplasty, your surgeon will decide which method is best to achieve the results that were discussed during consultation. To look at before and after photos of rhinoplasties performed by Transform's expert surgeons, visit us on Instagram @wearetransform.