While it’s not possible to choose the shape and style of nose you’re born with, rhinoplasty makes it possible for you to get the nasal features you desire. Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure that changes the shape and structure of the nose. Nose job surgery is performed in two ways: open and closed. But only one rhinoplasty style can provide amazing results for your situation. You’ll need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Behrooz Torkian, MD, to learn which type of rhinoplasty is right for you.
In the meantime, review the following information on rhinoplasty surgery, open vs. closed.
What Is Open Rhinoplasty?
Open nose job surgery gets its name from the techniques used to alter the nose’s appearance and structure. Open rhinoplasty involves Dr. Torkian making an incision at the bottom of the nose in the skin between the nostrils, along with hidden ones inside the nostrils so he can access the cartilage and bone tissue underneath to make the desired changes. This approach has gained more and more favor in the past few decades as the detailed outcome expectations of surgeons and patients alike has increased.
What Is Closed Rhinoplasty?
Closed-style nose job surgery performed through incisions only in the patient’s nostrils. Often there are more actual incisions despite the fact that they are all internal and hidden from the outside view of the nose. While some may perceive this type of access to the nasal structures as “less invasive,” the invasiveness and the “trauma” perceived by the nose is actually the same either way. This rhinoplasty style is also referred to as the internal approach and has become progressively the less common type performed across the country due to the superior accessibility and visibility of the nasal structures achieved via the open approach.
Open vs. Closed: Which Rhinoplasty Surgery Is Right for Me?
You’re probably wondering which nose job surgery style is right for you. Although the purpose of cosmetic rhinoplasty is to make changes to the nose to improve its appearance and restore balance to the rest of the face, only one version can provide the best results for the type of work the patient wants done to their nose.
To qualify for rhinoplasty, candidates should be in good overall health. Candidates should refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol before their procedure and for at least one year afterward. There are other criteria for patients to meet. If you want to know if you’re a good candidate for rhinoplasty and the style most beneficial to your aesthetic goals, you’ll need to schedule a nose job consultation with Dr. Torkian, MD.
Upon performing an examination of your nose, learning what changes you want to make to your nose, and pending the results of any tests, Dr. Torkian will inform you of whether an open or closed nose job surgery is best for your situation.
When Is Closed Rhinoplasty Ideal?
Closed nose job surgery is recommended for candidates with abnormal bone or cartilage structure or tissue growths, like a deviated septum or bone protrusions. Also, individuals seeking to have minor work done can benefit from closed rhinoplasty. The procedure uses only internal incisions and can be performed in a way that can completely avoid and prevent any change to the tip of the nose.
Although closed nose job surgery incisions are less visible, it is not ideal for those seeking to have major or very detailed changes made to their nose. Closed rhinoplasty is ideal for patients seeking to reshape, reduce or augment their nasal bone and cartilage tissue. It is not an appropriate choice for those interested in tip revisions.
When Is Open Rhinoplasty Ideal?
Open rhinoplasty is ideal for patients having a lot of changes made to their nose, or those who require precision changes to detailed parts of the nasal anatomy. The open style approach gives Dr. Torkian a larger visual field and greater surgical access to the internal structures of the nose. Individuals looking to have revisions from previous surgeries or having major adjustments done for function and aesthetics reasons have better results with open rhinoplasty.
Sometimes, it’s necessary to use cartilage grafts to achieve the desired results for open nose job patients. Open rhinoplasty is the style used for nose job surgeries when major changes or cartilage grafts are necessary.
Pros and Cons of Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
As you seek clarity about the best type of rhinoplasty procedure for your situation, it’s helpful to consider the pros and cons.
With the open approach, some of the biggest advantages include:
- The surgeon has a better visual and surgical field to work with.
- It’s easier to stabilize the nose after surgery for protection.
- More extensive and precision changes can be made to achieve the desired goal.
The cons of open nose job surgery are:
- It takes longer to perform than closed nose job surgery
- The skin scar tissue may be visible for a few months
The pros of closed rhinoplasty include:
- Surgery takes less time to complete
- The tip of the nose can be completely avoided and/or preserved when desired
The cons of closed rhinoplasty include:
- The type and amount of changes to be made are limited
- Surgeon has less visual and surgical field to operate with
- Nose may be weaker and less stable after surgery, and therefore subject to more unexpected change after surgery
As you consider the changes you want made to your nose, keep in mind the differences and advantages of both rhinoplasty techniques. Both styles are completely safe and highly effective at providing the desired results. The more limited technique can increase risk of unexpected issues, less satisfaction, and lead to potential revisions in the future.
Now that you have a better understanding of open and closed rhinoplasty styles, it’s time for you to contact Dr. Torkian at Torkian Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation. Call (424) 999-9931 today!
