Closed rhinoplasty recovery time vs open?

Question

How much faster is recovery time with a closed rhinoplasty vs open? I would like to have my tip refined and nostrils narrowed. Is that possible with the closed procedure?

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello,In the closed approach, people are surprisingly comfortable usually with little to no swelling and minimal to no bruising. In my practice, ~50% of our patients get NO bruising at all; the other ~50% get minimal bruising that is usually completely gone by the day the cast comes off. By day 7, almost all the swelling of the face is gone and usually most, if not all, of the bruising is completely gone. You can put on a small amount of makeup and go out for dinner that evening and no one will know you had anything done. Due to our scarless technique, since there are no external cuts or scars and no unnecessary dissection, the healing process is much quicker. For out of town patients, you may fly back to your respective city or country the day after cast removal. Hope this helps, Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

The actual healing time with either approach varies from patient to patient depending on what is being done. It's also hard to say if a closed approach is an option in your case without seeing your nose. You can learn more about the closed versus open rhinoplasty approach at my web reference link below.

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.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Closed vs open rhinoplasty recovery time? Closed rhinoplasty heals in the tip faster but the "recovery time" is the same.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear treacleThe early recovery between open and closed rhinoplasty is similar. Keep in mind that most basic primary rhinoplasties are routinely performed closed. Open rhinoplasties are often reserved for complex reconstructive cases involving valve reconstruction and dorsal extension grafts ... . Long term, tip swelling persists longer in open rhinoplasty. Generally, tip work and nostrils are handled well in closed rhinoplasty and some would argue (me included) that in primary rhinoplasty, closed surgery offers clear advantages over open surgery. The most important decision is to choose an experienced surgeon who can help you make the wise and safe choices.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Closed rhinoplasty involves placing all the incisions on the inside of the nose so there is no visible incision. The incision across the columella with open rhinoplasty take several months to become less visible. The swelling in the tip of the nose is more related to the techniques performed( Suture techniques, cartilage grafting) and the thickness of the skin in the tip of the nose.

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

The recovery time is generally about the same, although tip swelling may persist longer with an open rhinoplasty.Every nose is different and unique to
that individual.  What would be the best option and exact procedure would depend on
an examination and discussion about desired outcome. Excellent results can be
achieved with either a closed or open technique.
Keep in mind that following advice from a
surgeon on this or any other website who proposes to tell you exactly what
to do based on two dimensional photos without examining you, physically feeling
your tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history and
discussing the pros and cons of the operative procedure would not be in your
best interest. Natural appearing results need to be individualized and what is
appropriate for one patient is not necessarily the best for someone else. I
would suggest that you find a surgeon with extensive rhinoplasty experience
certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and one who is ideally a
member of The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). that you
trust and are comfortable with. You should discuss your concerns with that
surgeon in person. 
Robert Singer, M.D., FACS
La Jolla, California

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear treacle, The recovery time is similar between both techniques. It is important that when you are searching for a rhinoplasty expert that you are searching for an "expert" not a "technique". You can have excellent results with either technique however most surgeons who perform open rhinoplasty procedures will agree that the revision rate with open rhinoplasty is greatly reduced as you can precisely sculpt the nose. When the open incision is done properly with an inverted "V" it is barely visible in most cases at the time of splint removal. During consultation your surgeon can perform digital imaging to show you the proposed results and then fully discuss the techniques that will be used to attain this desired result. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

The recovery time is pretty much the same with either open or closed.  It is possible to have tip refined and nostrils narrowed with a closed procedure.  An in person exam would be needed to determine which procedure would be recommended for you.

Closed rhinoplasty recovery time vs open?

Answers (9)

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