Closed Rhinoplasty versus Open Rhinoplasty

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Rhinoplasty is often a complex and challenging operation to perform. There are two techniques which may be used for surgery, depending on the type of work which needs to be carried and sometimes the patient’s personal preference. Open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty both have their advantages and disadvantages.

In closed rhinoplasty the main advantage is that it leaves no visible scarring as all incisions are made on the inside of the nose. It also causes less trauma to the face which will leave the patient with less bruising and swelling after the operation. This will cut the post-operative healing and recovery time.

The best candidate for closed rhinoplasty is someone who requires only minor alteration to their nose, such as the removal of a dorsal hump, but the over all appearance and structure is good. This technique is less practical for complicated operations where more work is needed, as the area is not ‘exposed’ and the surgeon may not be able to carry out more meticulous procedures. Despite the added difficulties in using closed rhinoplasty for extensive nose jobs, a highly skilled surgeon may still agree to use this method if that is the patient’s preference although in some instances the closed technique will be impractical.

In open rhinoplasty the surgeon will carefully make an incision in the fleshy column which separates the two nostrils (the columella). The nasal skin will then be lifted back to expose the underlying cartilage and nasal tissue. The surgeon can tell exactly what work needs to be done as the cartilage can be seen in its natural position and as the area is exposed it is simpler to carry out precise alterations to change the structure of the nose. The downside is that there is much more swelling after an open operation and there will be some visible scarring, although this will eventually fade till it is almost unperceivable.

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It is far easier to find a surgeon who will carry out open rhinoplasty well. This is down to training methods in medical students - the open method gives a much greater opportunity for observation in training, consequently giving many graduates much greater expertise in the procedure. More experienced surgeons may be proficient in both.

Both open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty have their merits. The only reliable why to know which method is most suited to your needs is to book a consultation with a good rhinoplasty surgeon.