Open roof but non visible - is this safe or is a revision needed?

Question

I had a rhinoplasty to shave down a bump. My doctor really did not want to do osteotomies because he said we didn’t need to cause my nose was already pretty thin. Instead he filed the edges and performed greenstick fractures. On the left side he filed a bit too much. if I feel with my finger there is a slight open roof but it is not really visible. I notice it only from certain angles etc and it is really hard to see. The open roof was confirmed by another surgeon. 1. Is it safe to have a slight open roof? 2. Is it worth getting a revision if it isn’t really visible?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

An open roof deformity is when the bridge of somebody's nose becomes too wide after a bump is removed. Additional surgery would not be determined by how your nose feels, but rather how it looks. If you have a wide bridge appearance, osteotomies is relatively straightforward, with minimal inconvenience in downtime. I hope this helps you. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

There is nothing dangerous about having an open roof deformity. It just doesn't look ideal. If it bothers you, it is absolutely no problem to perform the osteotomies fully to close it - it will then look and feel normal. Be sure to see an expert rhinoplasty surgeon to do this though.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Generally speaking an open roof deformity is something that we would want to fix in a revision. It ultimately really depends on your anatomy and goals. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Great question. An "open roof deformity" is not necessarily dangerous despite the ominous name. It will not affect the integrity/structure of the nose. It can however have implications on appearance giving a slightly wider/flattened look to the dorsum. You may also feel the bony irregularities more than you can see them. Unless this is quite bothersome to you, I probably wouldn't recommend a revision in your situation.
Hope this helps and best of luck! Kyle Kimura, MD

Open roof but non visible - is this safe or is a revision needed?

Answers (4)

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