When the list of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures is released each year, rhinoplasty is consistently in the Top Five according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Rhinoplasty, AKA a nose job, is the alteration of the size, shape, or functionality of the nose. The two most common techniques are open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. Cosmetic Town TV recently featured the difference between the two techniques. Let’s take a behind the scenes look at open and closed rhinoplasty and then examine which technique might be the best choice to alter the look or function of your nose.
One of the main differences between the two techniques is the fact that closed rhinoplasty is when all of the incisions are made on the inside of the nose. On the other hand, open rhinoplasty is when a small incision is made across the columella (which is the area between the nostrils), and this might lead to a visible scar.
Doctors who prefer closed rhinoplasty often avoid making too many changes to the structure of the nose because the nose is not opened for easy access to the anatomical structures (which happens in open rhinoplasty). Even though open rhinoplasty offers a full range of visuals of the nose, the more extensive work that is often performed can lead to more swelling and a longer downtime.
Both rhinoplasty techniques can also lower the bridge of the nose by either cutting down the bone from the top of the nose or removing the bone from the bottom of the nose (AKA closer to the cheek). The nasal hump can also be shaved in a smooth and incremental fashion using an ultrasonic piezotomoe that shaves by fractions of millimeters without breaking the bone.
There is a growing rhinoplasty trend which is known as prevention rhinoplasty. This nose job technique uses the soft tissue connections and coverage in the nose to gain the desired results as opposed to an extensive restructuring of the anatomy of the nose. In other words, there is deconstruction and dismantling of the anatomy of the nose and it can be performed as either open or closed rhinoplasty.
Instead of focusing on the specific technique performed by the doctor, it is important to find a surgeon who has a history of results that match your aesthetic preference. Be sure and look through photos of their past patients to get a better idea of the final look they provide including the appearance of the tip of the nose, the curve of the nose and the symmetry of the nose with the rest of the facial features.
You should also decide if you want to have less swelling and a shorter procedure time with closed rhinoplasty or a more invasive open rhinoplasty procedure than produces more swelling and a longer downtime.
When it comes to closed rhinoplasty, the best candidates are often those who are looking to achieve simple modifications to the dorsum or the nasal tip. Open rhinoplasty candidates are usually those with a more complex case that requires greater revision, augmentation, or reconstruction to the nose. Because of the greater amount of work that needs to be performed by the surgeon, open rhinoplasty is ideal so the doctor can have an open and clear view of the structure of the nose.
If you are looking to improve the functionality of your nose, both open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty are good options to address breathing problems. Some of the reasons for breathing issues can be a deviated septum (which can be addressed using septoplasty), a collapse of the nasal valve or sinus issues.
In addition, your decision can also depend on the training and experience of the surgeon. The technique preference and your comfort level with the doctor can play a big part in your decision to have open or closed rhinoplasty.
If you want to enjoy a shorter recovery time, closed rhinoplasty might be the best choice as the main amount of swelling can go away in seven to nine days (as opposed to the three weeks or so of open rhinoplasty). In general, it can take up to a year for all of the swelling to go away and the final results to be visible.
Your first step in the rhinoplasty process is scheduling a consultation appointment with an experienced and board-certified surgeon who is proficient in both open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty. The surgeon will examine the current shape and condition of the nose to make sure you are an ideal candidate for the procedure. The doctor will also discuss your desired goals when it comes to both the recovery process and the final results in order to determine the best rhinoplasty technique to help you achieve the size, shape, and look you want to enjoy after you undergo rhinoplasty surgery.
- MA