Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is the surgical process of reshaping the nose for either cosmetic purposes or to correct nasal deformities. Patients often seek rhinoplasty from Dr. Richard J. Brown after an injury to their nose, to revise a previous nose job, or if they are unhappy with the natural shape of their nose. During the surgery, the nasal cartilage is either reshaped or partially removed to change the shape of the nose.
The surgery typically lasts anywhere between 2-4 hours depending on how extensive the operation is. Depending on what is being accomplished during the surgery, either an open or closed rhinoplasty is used for the reshaping of the nose. There are major differences between an open and closed rhinoplasty, not the least of these being where the incision is made.
Open Rhinoplasty
In an open or external rhinoplasty, an incision is made on the underside of the nose along the columella or the soft tissue between the nostrils. The advantage to this approach is that it allows better visualization of the cartilages that will be addressed in the surgery. Additionally, an open rhinoplasty also gives the doctor performing the procedure the ability to manipulate and alter nasal shape with more control and precision.
Open rhinoplasty is definitely recommended for patients who are looking for major changes to the shape of their nose, such as reducing or increasing projection from the face. It is also the option preferred by doctors when working on a very intricate or severe deformity, as it gives the doctor much more control.
Closed Rhinoplasty
The major difference with a closed rhinoplasty, also known as an endonasal rhinoplasty, is that incisions are made inside the nostrils. The advantage to this approach is that it prevents scars from being seen from the outside, which is something many patients prefer.
There are some disadvantages with a closed rhinoplasty that include limitations when repositioning nasal skin. The doctor performing the operation has limited visibility because the procedure must be conducted through narrow surgical openings. It can also be difficult to avoid nasal cartilage distortion with closed rhinoplasty.
When considering a nose job, it is important that you have very straightforward conversations with the doctor who will be performing the operation. It is crucial that your doctor understands what is most important to you and that you understand the pros and cons to the different techniques used to perform the surgery.
Patients who use Dr. Richard J. Brown for rhinoplasty are not only pleased with the results, but they are also very appreciative of the time he spends with them discussing the process in advance of the surgery. This allows the patient to move forward with confidence.
Related: The Truth About Black Eyes and Rhinoplasty
If you are considering a nose job or any other plastic surgery, we invite you to set up an initial consultation with Dr. Brown by calling 480-568-3804.
