Open Rhinoplasty vs Closed Rhinoplasty

Most patients struggle to know whether open or closed rhinoplasty will be right for them. The answer to which one you should choose is not always straightforward.

Both an open technique and closed technique requires a different approach to how your qualified surgeon will access and reshape the nasal structures.

The right approach for you will depend on your nasal anatomy, facial structure, and whether your needs are cosmetic, functional, or even for revision surgery.

What is open rhinoplasty?

The open technique for a nose job involves making a small incision across the columella. This is the strip of skin that sits between both nostrils. We may also need to do further incisions inside the nose.

Open rhinoplasty allows your cosmetic surgeon to lift the nasal skin to easily review and assess your nasal structures. This includes your nasal bone and cartilage. It also means that it can be easier to stabilise the nose after surgery.

While open rhinoplasty can allow for more precise adjustments to the nose, it is a more complex and longer procedure. As a result, you often need a longer recovery time.

You may see some external scars on the rim of the nose, but these are only visible when you tilt your head backwards.

Why do people consider open rhinoplasty?

We may recommend open rhinoplasty surgery if you need:

•   Significant reshaping to the nasal bridge or nasal tip
•   Complex functional concerns
•   Correction of a deviated septum to improve breathing difficulties
•   Reconstructive surgery after damage to the nose or nasal fracture
•   Revision rhinoplasty following a previous surgery
•   When cartilage grafts are needed to help strengthen the nose

We prefer to use open rhinoplasty surgery for revision procedures, when scar tissue from previous surgeries may be present.

Who is suitable for open rhinoplasty?

Mr Ridha may advise for you to have open rhinoplasty if you:

•   Need a complex structural change
•   Have challenging nasal anatomy
•   Need revision rhinoplasty
•   Want to improve functional and cosmetic issues
•   Improve any breathing problems relating to the nose

If we believe you need precise modifications to your nose, extensive reshaping or your case is quite complex, we may suggest open nose surgery as the most appropriate technique.

Recovery and results from open rhinoplasty

As this nose job involves both internal and external incisions, you may see a small visible scar afterwards. This may become less visible over time.

Even with the most qualified surgeon, open rhinoplasty patients will see more swelling than closed surgery.

The most intense swelling is in the first 2-4 weeks. Most patients return to work after 1-2 weeks. Your surgeon will advise how long you will need during your consultation.

It can take 12-18 months for your nose to fully recover, especially around the nasal tip.  This is when your final results will show.

What is closed rhinoplasty?

A closed rhinoplasty or nose job is where the surgeon makes small incisions inside the nostrils. The good news with this technique is that there will be no external scars.

During closed rhinoplasty surgery, your surgeon will cut along the inside rim of the nostrils to make precise changes to the nasal bone and cartilage. This means we do not have to lift the nasal skin fully.

We tend to use closed rhinoplasty to correct bumps, straighten the nasal bridge and help refine the nasal tip.

Why do people consider closed rhinoplasty?

The closed rhinoplasty surgical procedure is commonly used for:

•   Small reshaping to the nasal bridge
•   Refining the nasal tip
•   Narrowing the nasal bridge
•   Fixing minor asymmetry of the nose

Closed nose surgery is a great option for those with more simple corrections, and where the surgeon does not need to expose your full nasal anatomy.

Who is suitable for closed rhinoplasty?

You may be suitable for closed rhinoplasty if:

•   You only need mild or moderate nose corrections
•   Your nose job is not to cover up previous surgeries
•   You do not need complex reconstructive surgery
•   Want a plastic surgery procedure for the nose that has no external incisions
•   You want a quicker and more comfortable recovery period

Recovery and results from closed rhinoplasty

Open and closed rhinoplasty both come with longer recovery periods than non-surgical treatments such as fillers.

However, closed nasal surgery comes with less swelling than open rhinoplasty, which for most patients, means a smoother recovery.

There are also no external visible scars with closed rhinoplasty.

Most patients return back to their normal activities within a couple of weeks. Although more strenuous exercise and activity may need to wait for up to six weeks.

It may still take 12-18 months for your nose to fully settle and your final results to show.

How do I decide whether I need Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty?

Choosing between open and closed rhinoplasty procedures depends on several factors, which will be discussed at your initial consultation:

•   How complex your case is
•   Whether you need revision surgery or secondary rhinoplasty
•   Your nasal bone structure and condition of the nasal skin
•   Whether you have cosmetic or functional issues
•   How much reshaping and refinement you want
•   Whether there is any scar tissue present from other surgeries

The final decision will come down to a conversation between yourself and your plastic surgeon.

At HR Plastic Surgery, Mr Ridha will provide you with full details on both surgical options, and which one he believes is right for you.

He will assess your nasal anatomy and provide you all the advice you need to make an informed decision.

We want you to feel comfortable and confident about your decision to have open vs closed rhinoplasty, so we will never expect you to make a decision during your consultation.

Functional vs cosmetic benefits

Nose surgery is not just for patients who want a better profile or nose shape.

Mr Ridha also performs rhinoplasty procedures on patients with deviated septums or structural irregularities.

This means he can improve both the appearance and function of the nose.

Revision and complex cases

If you need revision surgery you will most likely need open rhinoplasty. This is because your nose anatomy has already been altered and there will be scar tissue that will need addressing.

If you had any complications from previous surgeries it will also impact how much planning your surgeon needs to do to ensure your safety and optimal results.

Personalised treatment is important

Every nose is different. What one patient needs and what results they achieve will be different to the next.

Trust in your surgeon’s expertise. They will guide you on the best approach for you based on things like:

•   Bone structure
•   Cartilage strength
•   Nasal skin thickness
•   Nasal bridge height

At HR Plastic Surgery, we not only focus on creating a significant difference to your nose, but on your care and safety.

Everything we do is tailored to your specific needs and to ensure you see the best outcome.

Book your consultation to find out if closed vs open rhinoplasty is right for you

Mr Ridha and the experienced team at HR Plastic Surgery are here to guide you through your nose surgery, every step of the way.

Start by booking your personalised consultation today to learn more about which rhinoplasty surgery is the best option for you.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION