Difference Between Closed and Open 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 beneath the skin covering the nose. In some cases, cartilage grafts are added to help reshape and strengthen the nasal framework. After alteration of the supporting structures, the skin is repositioned over the newly shaped framework to give the nose its new appearance. The changes may be subtle or dramatic, depending on the needs of the patient.
Closed Rhinoplasty refers to a nose job that is performed via internal incisions - i.e., there are no external scars. The surgeon makes one or more incisions along the inside of the nose and lifts the skin up from the nasal framework. Once the skin is elevated, the shape of the nose is changed.

Advantages:

Potentially shorter operative time
Less swelling of the tip
No external scar



Open Rhinoplasty, on the other hand, uses the same incisions as a closed rhinoplasty with the addition of an incision on the undersurface of the column of tissue that separates the nostrils called the columella. While this places a small scar on the exterior of the nose, in most cases, the incision heals very well and is not noticable at conversational distances.

Advantages:

Better visualization for the surgeon
Direct exposure of the anatomic structures
More precise intraoperative diagnosis
Less distortion of the nasal framework from intraoperative retraction
Ideal for complex nasal deformities



How do you know which approach is "best" for you? While you may have a preference for one or the other, your surgeon will recommend the approach that he or she feels is most appropriate, and the surgical technique employed depends primarily on the goals established by you and your surgeon. Some surgeons perform exclusively closed rhinoplasty while others prefer open rhinoplasty. There are surgeons who perform both types of rhinoplasty depending on the patient's needs.

Hello,In an open rhinoplasty you make an incision at the base of the nose that can inflicts a scar. Most surgeons are more comfortable with the “open” rhinoplasty approach because it is easier for them to personally see the nose. In a closed rhinoplasty approach they make all of the incision 100% on the inside of the nose so no scars are made. If you are a primary nose with no previous surgery, you should ONLY consider closed scarless rhinoplasty (preferred by actresses and celebrities) because there is no risk of external scarring and much less healing and recovery time.  The goal is to finesse and enhance the nose without drastic change.  Meaningful refinement is the key.   All the same surgical maneuvers your nose requires can be performed with a skilled closed scarless surgeon.  All the best, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Rhinoplasty surgery can be performed through either an open or closed approach. With both of these techniques incisions are made on the inside of the nose along the nostril rim. When a closed approach is utilized no additional incisions are made. The surgeon is able to operate through these nostril incisions but doesn’t have direct visualization of the underlying anatomic structures. In contrast when an open approach is utilized a small incision is mad across the columella that connects the two nostril incisions. This small incision tends to heal nicely and is almost imperceptible in most cases. This approach gives the surgeon the ability to lift the skin off the underlying bone and cartilage and directly visualize these anatomic structures.
                The approach utilized depends upon a variety of factors including the patient’s anatomic findings, aesthetic goals and the surgeon’s preference. Historically, the vast majority of rhinoplasties were performed with a closed technique. This has gradually changed over the years and now most rhinoplasties are performed with an open approach. This is probably due to the fact that surgeons can more easily visualize the underlying anatomy when this approach is utilized.

                It’s important to understand that most surgeons utilize both approaches. Most surgeons agree that the surgical approach utilized is less important than the surgeon’s skill. For this reason, it’s important to consult a board certified rhinoplasty surgeon with experience in this area.