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Difference Between Closed and Open Rhinoplasty?

asked 2 years ago by mommy dearest
Latest answer by C. Spencer Cochran, MD
Question viewed 1,998 times
Tags: closed, open

What is the difference between closed and open Rhinoplasty. How do you know which is right for you? Thank you.

16 answers to Difference Between Closed and Open Rhinoplasty?

Difference Between Open And Closed Rhinoplasty

Technically the open procedure includes an incision in the skin between the the nostrils which is not present using the closed technique. This incision heals with minimal, inconspicuous scarring. Many of us use both techniques, depending on the needs of each individual patient. I use the open approach in more difficult noses, such as augmentation rhinoplasty and nasal revisions, which gives better access, more control, and therefore more predictable results. However pick the surgeon, not... more

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Open Versus Closed Rhinoplasty

The question of which surgical approach to rhinoplasty is the "best" -- Open versus Closed -- is one of the most frequently debated topics among Rhinoplasty Specialists. Unfortunately, there is not a simple answer to this question. However, gaining a better understanding of what is involved with each technique and becoming familiar with the advantages and potential disadvantages of each is the first step. Rhinoplasty is accomplished by removing excess bone and cartilage from... more

C. Spencer Cochran, MD
Dallas Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.rhinoplasty-usa.com

Closed rhinoplasty and open rhinoplasty

The difference between a closed and open rhinoplasty is simply the external columellar incision. The incision itself will be noticeable for several months after the surgery, and the nose will take longer to heal because of the lymphatic drainage that must re-channelize. The nose will stay swollen for a longer period of time after an open rhinoplasty versus a closed rhinoplasty. The incisions for the closed rhinoplasty are completely identical to the open with the exception of the... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Open or Closed Rhinoplasty

Hi, Thank you for your question. Open rhinoplasty is used for more major reshaping. External incisions are made on the vertical part of your nose (columella) as well as the inside. The skin and soft tissue are pulled away so the surgeon can see the internal anatomy of the nose. A closed rhinoplasty is usually for minor reshaping. The incisions are made inside of the nose and the skin is separated from the bone and cartilage. Once this is done, the bone and cartilage can be altered or... more

Sam Speron, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Differences of Closed vs. Open Rhinoplasty

The biggest difference between the open and closed rhinoplasty is a small incision on the columella (bottom) of the nose. This 6 mm incision allows the surgeon to peel the skin of the lower nose back to fully visualize the tip and dorsum of the nose. In the closed procedure, there is not as much visualization since the skin is not peeled back. I use the open approach for any rhinoplasty that needs extensive tip or dorsal work. If the patient, just has a slight dorsal hump, I would then... more

Kent V. Hasen, MD
Naples Plastic Surgeon

Choose the best surgeon

An open rhinoplasty, as the name implies, involves lifting the skin and soft tissues off the dorsum of the nose. This gives much better visualization , and a more precise rhinoplasty. The most important factor is not the procedure , but rather choosing the right surgeon. Someone who has an extensive experience in cosmetic nose surgery and is comfortable with both procedures.

Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon

Closed vs Open Rhinoplasty

This can be argued by both sides, but I perform both the open and the closed. It really depends on the patient and what you are trying to achieve. The open rhinoplasty does give you much better exposure and visualization of the structures. It is also much better approach for patients that require tip work. Hope that helps answer your question.

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Closed versus open rhinoplasty

Whether closed versus open rhinoplasty is best for you depends on your examination. Closed involves incisions inside of your nose, while open requires a very small incision across your columella (bottom of your nose between your nostrils). Both procedures are good when performed on the appropriate patients. Good luck with your surgery.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Open versus closed rhinoplasty

The difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty is about a 1 cm incision on the columella of the nose. But, the advantages to perform an open rhinoplasty over a closed in most cases is enormous. The ability to visualize all the structures easily and directly allows for precise adjustments. Think of being a mechanic and not being able to lift the hood of the car to fix the engine?

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Closed and Open Rhinoplasty

Closed: The skin incisions are all made inside the nostril. Open: All skin incisions are inside the nostril except one. This one is made on the columella, the center of the nasal tip where it meets the upper lip and is not easily visible. The approach is not as important as the technical skill of the surgeon. Do at least two consultations. Then go with your gut. Regards

Tanveer Janjua, MD
Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Different incisions for rhinoplasty

Either a closed rhinoplasty (all incisions inside the nose) or an open rhinoplasty (incisions inside and one small one outside on the nasal skin) can give very nice results. The key is not so much the incision but the surgeon. You should spend some time reviewing with him or her your goals, and if they feel they can meet those goals, then whether or not they do the procedure open or closed is not as critical. Good luck! Dr. Salemy

Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

www.drsalemy.com

Open vs. Closed rhinoplasty

I think this is a matter of training; I am of the old school. I am comfortable with the closed technique. Pick your surgeon and let him do what is comfortable to him.

James H. Fuller, MD
Fort Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

Difference between closed and open Rhinoplasty

The ONLY difference is a short incision placed across the columella (Latin - for small column - the vertical strip of skin running from the tip of the nose to the upper lip, separating the nostrils. These incisions heal extremely well. While good rhinoplasty results may be obtained without this incision (IE open), this incisions enables simultaneous visualization without distortion of the whole nose and a variety of surgical techniques which are difficult when the nose is seen through one... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Be comfortable with the doctor.

You need to choose a physician who you believe in and trust. Some do open and some closed - there is no right or wrong answer. I was trained in both ENT and Plastic surgery and do a lot of noses - thus I am comfortable doing most of my noses closed. I save open for very difficult or nasal revisions. Most primaries by me are done closed. Make sure the physician you choose is experienced and you feel comfortable with -- in other words - make sure they answer all of your questions and have... more

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Open Rhinoplasty improves access to your underlying nasal structure of cartilage and bone.

I think the important question should be: "What do I need to do to get a great result from my Rhinoplasty surgery?" I use an open approach in the vast majority of Rhinoplasty surgeries. This is how I was trained, and my particular technique allows me to deliver consistent, natural results, with very high patient satisfaction. The scar in your columella heals very well to invisible in most people, so in my view, the scar is not a negative. I do not think downtime is prolonged with... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Open rhinoplasty is generally for more complex nose surgery

The difference between the two is that in open rhinoplasty there is a small external incision that crosses the columella ( the vertical structure that separates your right from your left nostril). Open rhinoplasty is generally used for more complicated rhinoplasty procedures because it is easier to visualize and subsequently more easily correct distorted anatomical structures.