What is the difference in healing time between an open and closed rhinoplasty?

Question

Also, does a closed rhinoplasty swell as much? Does the tip take time to drop with a closed rhinoplasty as it does with an open one?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I perform both depending upon the nature of the desires and the number of revisions a patient has undergone as well as the condition of the skin envelope.  The swelling is less and the return to normalcy time is smaller with the closed.To some degree the amount a tip will drop will be technique dependent, and only your surgeon can realistically assess this. Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,There is no evidence to suggest that there is a difference in healing times; this along with 'visible scars' has been the calling card for surgeons that don't do open structural rhinoplasty, the state of the art for a predictable outcome.  Regardless, would you choose a potentially inferior technique just to heal more quickly? Some people can benefit well from a closed surgery, but many would do better with an open surgery. Don't pick one over the other based on speed of healing; done properly, you can look amazing in two to three weeks with either surgery. What's important is going to an ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeon (or AAFPRS equivalent) who specializes in rhinoplasty and is capable of offering either procedure.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I suggest that you move forward and consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to determine which procedure is right for you.
Best wishes,

Gary Linkov, MD · Answer

The tip will swell with both approaches if the tip is manipulated with a closed approach. Meaning that if you do a closed approach and do not address the tip it will not swell, but if you do any tip work it will swell. With an open approach tip swelling is essentially guaranteed. Once the tip swells it will take weeks to months for it to completely return to baseline. And yes, the tip may drop with time with both approaches. Keep in mind that for involved tip manipulation most rhinoplasty surgeons prefer an open approach for access and control of the final outcome. Hope this helps!

Eric T. Carniol, MD · Answer

This is a great question and unfortunately, I would say it depends. Some surgeons perform all rhinoplasty through the closed approach. Others use the open approach almost all of the time except for their own revisions. In general, closed rhinoplasties have less work done overall, while open rhinoplasties, since subtle asymmetries can become very obvious, have more work done overall. Usually, the recovery is based on the amount of work that was done.  The scar for the open approach is usually near invisible within a few weeks and only visible from directly below you (your dog's view). Because of this, I always recommend that you find a surgeon that you feel comfortable with, that you have a discussion on the parts of your nose which you would like to improve and that the surgeon utilize the approach they need to get those results with highest probability of success.Good luck!

Sudeep Roy, MD · Answer

Hi and thank you for your question. There is no doubt that the healing time with closed rhinoplasty is shortened compared to open rhinoplasty due to the lesser extent of dissection needed. Closed rhinoplasty can be extremely effective in addressing certain aesthetic changes, however, it also has some limitations related to exposure and ability for precise tip refinement, which is where an open rhinoplasty can be more appropriate. A proper discussion with your plastic surgeon is important to understand the differences between the two approaches and to get a good sense for your expected recovery time. The final result is ultimately what will be most important, and picking a knowledgable and skilled surgeon to perform your rhinoplasty is critical. Hope that helped! Best, Dr. Roy.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear no277, I would concern yourself with the slight differences in healing time between open and closed rhinoplasty. The most important factor versus open and closed rhinoplasty is which technique will ultimately provide you with the results that you desire. Upon consultation your surgeon will discuss the difference in techniques and will determine which technique will best provide you with the long term results you are looking for. See many examples in the link below and video attached. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

A patient having a closed Rhinoplasty will heal faster then one having an open Rhinoplasty.  Your surgeon will evaluate you to determine the technique needed to achieve your goal.

What is the difference in healing time between an open and closed rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)

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