Rhinoplasty is a transformative cosmetic procedure that reshapes and resizes the nose for both cosmetic and functional purposes. This blog compares the two main rhinoplasty techniques: open and closed. It also discusses who may be a candidate for each, and what types of results both options offer.
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What Do Closed and Open Rhinoplasty Options Mean?
If you’re considering rhinoplasty to alter the shape of your nose, you’ve likely heard that it’s a nuanced, complex procedure and that each tiny detail can affect your final results. And it’s true: rhinoplasty is considered one of the most technically complex procedures and should only be performed by experienced facial plastic surgeons or specialists in the procedure.
But in addition to your choice of surgeon, the technique they use is another important factor in your end result.
There are two main approaches to cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures: open and closed. Each is best for select techniques and objectives for the procedure. For example, because closed rhinoplasty requires incisions only within the nose, it’s best used for minor changes, while open rhinoplasty allows for greater visibility and revision.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is a technique that requires an incision across the small piece of skin between the nostrils, called the columella. This allows your surgeon to lift the nasal skin and see the entire underlying structure.
Open rhinoplasty is ideal for:
- Complex structural modifications like bridge grafting
- Significant nasal tip alterations
- Severe asymmetries
- Secondary procedures
Open rhinoplasty is much more common than closed rhinoplasty, as many patients seek rhinoplasty for multiple concerns, and this technique gives your surgeon greater visibility and control.
One downside is a visible incision on the outside of the nose; however, it is very small, and the columella is often hidden by the nose tip, so it does not significantly impact the final results.
Open rhinoplasty may also have a longer recovery period than closed techniques, due to more initial and internal swelling.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions that are entirely inside the nostrils. Rather than lifting the nasal skin, the surgeon works through these openings to modify bone and cartilage.
Although it’s sometimes said that closed rhinoplasty is performed “blind,” the surgeon can make adjustments based on the nose’s anatomy seen from the outside, and it can be used for the following:
- Subtle aesthetic improvements
- Reducing dorsal humps (bridge of the nose)
- Basic refinement
- Nostril reduction
Closed rhinoplasty may be recommended for those with very minor concerns, undergoing their first rhinoplasty, and seeking no visible scarring. Lastly, closed rhinoplasty may offer a slightly shorter recovery time.
More Rhinoplasty Options
When you choose an experienced facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon like Dr. Jason Diamond, you have more options for your rhinoplasty procedure. Dr. Diamond is a celebrity facial plastic surgeon, meaning he only performs facial procedures.
His career and specialization are dedicated to rhinoplasty, facelifts, and blepharoplasty, so he has much more experience performing these procedures than other surgeons. This suggests a level of expertise that other surgeons and generalists simply cannot match.
Beyond closed vs. open rhinoplasty, Dr. Diamond offers other rhinoplasty techniques to best suit his patients’ needs. Some include the following:
- Revision rhinoplasty is for patients who have had prior rhinoplasties that did not meet their expectations, or were affected by a poor healing process or trauma.
- Ethnic rhinoplasty shares the tenets of traditional rhinoplasty but places greater emphasis on the anatomical and aesthetic differences in the noses of patients of varying ethnicities, such as those of African, Asian, or Middle Eastern descent.
- Bulbous nose tip rhinoplasty is a specialized approach for patients who want revision of a large or bulbous nasal tip.
- Septorhinoplasty treats the functional issues caused by a deviated or malformed septum.
Learn More About Custom Rhinoplasty in Beverly Hills, CA
The best way to learn which rhinoplasty technique is best for you is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diamond. During your consultation, he will listen to your goals and concerns and help you develop a surgical plan that best suits your needs. Call The Diamond Face Institute today at (310) 859-9816 or complete the contact form to request a consultation.