What is the Difference Between Open and Closed Rhinoplasty?

Nose surgeries or rhinoplasty are performed to change the shape and size of the nose, improve breathing, or achieve both. Rhinoplasty is typically performed using two main techniques: open or closed. Each technique offers certain advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will examine the differences between open and closed rhinoplasty in detail.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open rhinoplasty provides the surgeon with a better view of the nasal structure. In this type of surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the columella, the area under the nasal tip and between the nostrils. The surgeon then connects the incisions inside the nostrils with the columellar incision and lifts the nasal skin and soft tissue. This allows full access to the nasal skeleton and enables the surgeon to shape the nasal bone and cartilage.

Open rhinoplasty is often used for more complex nasal changes because it allows the surgeon to perform the procedure more precisely. However, open rhinoplasty generally requires a longer recovery time and may leave a small scar at the nasal tip that is not immediately noticeable.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon accesses the incisions inside the nostrils. This leaves no visible scars after surgery. The surgeon shapes the nasal bone and cartilage from inside the nostrils. Closed rhinoplasty provides the surgeon with a more limited view, but an experienced surgeon can still make effective changes.

Closed rhinoplasty is typically preferred for simpler cases and generally offers a faster recovery process. However, closed rhinoplasty may not be ideal when more complex changes are needed due to the limited visibility of the nasal structure.

Which Surgical Technique is Better?

Which technique will be used depends on the patient’s needs, the surgeon’s experience, and the personal preferences of both the patient and the surgeon. Both techniques can be used to correct aesthetic and functional issues of the nose.

The main differences between open rhinoplasty (open rhinoplasty) and closed rhinoplasty (closed rhinoplasty) are the surgical technique and the scars left as a result of the procedure.

Open Rhinoplasty:

Technique: The surgeon makes an incision under the nasal tip and between the nostrils (columellar incision). This allows the surgeon to see the nasal structure more clearly and make more precise adjustments.

Scars: Open rhinoplasty may leave a small scar under the nasal tip, but this usually fades over time and is not immediately noticeable.

Recovery Time: The recovery time for open rhinoplasty is generally slightly longer than for closed rhinoplasty.

Use Cases: Open rhinoplasty is usually preferred for more complex nasal changes.

Closed Rhinoplasty:

Technique: In closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes incisions only inside the nostrils. This has the disadvantage of not allowing the surgeon to fully see the nasal structure, but an experienced surgeon can still make effective changes.

Scars: Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scars.

Recovery Time: The recovery time for closed rhinoplasty is generally slightly shorter than for open rhinoplasty.

Use Cases: Closed rhinoplasty is usually preferred for simpler cases.

Both techniques can be used to correct aesthetic and functional issues of the nose. Which technique will be used depends on the patient’s needs, the surgeon’s experience, and the personal preferences of both the patient and the surgeon. In either case, there are potential risks and complications of nose surgery, so it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before undergoing an operation.