Is open rhinoplasty and option with Ehlors Danlos Syndrome?

Question

If I have been diagnosed with EDS will I be a good candidate for an open Rhinoplasty procedure? Or should I consider a closed Rhinoplasty instead?

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome does not automatically rule out rhinoplasty, but the subtype and severity are critical. Tissue fragility, bruising, bleeding, delayed wound healing, widened scars, and weaker cartilage support may increase risk; vascular EDS requires especially cautious specialist assessment. A closed approach does not remove these risks, and an open approach may be preferable when precise structural support is needed.

Before elective surgery, obtain clearance from the clinician managing your EDS and share relevant genetic, cardiac, bleeding, wound-healing, and anesthesia history. Choose a rhinoplasty surgeon and anesthesiologist familiar with connective-tissue disorders. The safest approach should be selected after examining your skin and cartilage and reviewing the exact goals, not solely to avoid an external incision.

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

In general, there are no problems with open or closed rhinoplasty with EDS. As long as it's not a severe case, healing should be good. Be sure to discuss it with your doctor before undergoing surgery.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

There are a variety of forms of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, some involve the skin and some do not.  I would need photographs to give a more accurate answer on open or closed rhinoplasty.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

With ehlers danlos could not matter if you had your rhinoplasty done open or closed.  Either approach would be acceptable

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Not all cases of EDS are the same. Some people with EDS do have problems with wound healing and blood supply issues, however, mild cases may not be a contraindication for rhinoplasty surgery. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

William Portuese, MD · Answer

If you're contemplating performing a primary rhinoplasty, there's no reason to have a visible external scar on your columella with an open rhinoplasty. Your diagnosis of EDS will not matter moving forward regarding a rhinoplasty procedure. With closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are completely located on the inside of the nose, there's no external incisions, and no painful packing either. A closed rhinoplasty procedure avoids the visible external visible, heals much faster with a less swelling and numbness in the nasal tip. The open versus closed is only about the approach on how you get in the nose, not the individual maneuvers that are performed on the nasal structures internally. Many examples of closed rhinoplasty, please see the link below to our closed rhinoplasty photo gallery.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I have performed open rhinoplasty on many patients with EDS and it is totally fine. The key is to build the right structural stability of the nose. With good surgical technique, you could likely have an outstanding result. 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

Caner Kacmaz, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

‍Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome is a group of hereditary connective tissue disorders that affect collagen and other structural components of the skin, joints, and blood vessels. Because collagen is a key structural protein, EDS leads to increased skin fragility and poor wound healing. This poses challenges in plastic surgery, where cosmetic outcomes are closely tied to tissue healing. We consider a range of factors from preoperative planning to postoperative care to minimize complications also maximize patient satisfaction. Our aim is to prevent complications like scarring, tissue breakdown, and poor wound healing.

Is open rhinoplasty and option with Ehlors Danlos Syndrome?

Answers (8)

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