Open or Closed Rhinoplasty: There are many reasons for choosing rhinoplasty.
Your desire for a smaller nose, the removal of lumps and bumps or adding definition to the tip of the nose can all be addressed with a nose job. Rhinoplasty can significantly improve the appearance of the nose to increase confidence and self-esteem.
The procedure works by operating on the cartilage and tissues of the septum, dorsum, tip, and nostrils to create a more pleasing shape. If you’ve already attended a pre-op consultation with a rhinoplasty surgeon, you will most probably have heard the terms `open rhinoplasty` and `closed rhinoplasty`. These are the two methods that your surgeon will use when operating on your nose.
What is open rhinoplasty?
During open rhinoplasty, the surgeon will create an incision at the base of the columella (the soft fleshy bit in between your nostrils), before lifting the skin back away from the nose. This gives the surgeon a good view of the inner workings of the nose, meaning they can then sculpt the cartilage and tissue according to your desired results, accurately.
What are the benefits of open rhinoplasty?
• Open rhinoplasty allows better exposure to your nose’s structure, so that the surgeon can perform the surgery with pint point precision.
• More and more surgeons are practising open rhinoplasty, making it easier to find an experienced and qualified surgeon who uses this method
• Open rhinoplasty allows your surgeon to better stabilise your nose after surgery
What are the disadvantages of open rhinoplasty?
• Open rhinoplasty takes longer as it involves lifting the skin away from the nose and because of this, the surgery offers a slightly longer recovery times.
• Small incisions may be visible on the outer rim of your nose, but they can only be seen when you tilt your head right back
Who is suitable for open rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty is suitable in most cases when working on the septum, dorsum, tip, nostrils, or even the removal of lumps and bumps. If you are having surgery to change the size or shape of your tip, then your surgeon will most likely recommend open rhinoplasty so that they can gain better visibility of the cartilage underneath. Open rhinoplasty is also a highly-effective for reconstructive surgery, or revision surgery.
What is closed rhinoplasty?
During this procedure, your surgeon will make small incisions along the inner rim of your nostrils. The surgery is then carried out through the nostrils, without venturing near the outside skin or tissue. Closed rhinoplasty was the original method to be practised, and is still widely used by surgeons today.
What are the benefits of closed rhinoplasty?
• Closed rhinoplasty does not affect the outside of the nose, so there is no visible scarring or swelling of the tip.
• Your nose will take less time to heal, so recovery is faster than open rhinoplasty
• Closed rhinoplasty is generally more cost-effective.
What are the disadvantages of closed rhinoplasty?
• The surgeon will have less visibility when undertaking the procedure.
• Closed rhinoplasty is historically, less precise, however, when performed by a surgeon as skilled as Dr Frati, good results can still be achieved.
• Many surgeons now practise open rhinoplasty, so you may not get the choice of having closed surgery.
What type of nose surgery is closed rhinoplasty suitable for?
Closed rhinoplasty is suitable for any type of nose surgery, but does depend on the skill and experience of the surgeon. If this is your first nose job, closed rhinoplasty is likely to be recommended. Closed rhinoplasty is an effective method if you are opting for simple surgery to thin the nose or remove lumps or bumps, as opposed to having any work done on the tip of the nose.
Which method is right for me?
Both open and closed rhinoplasty are equally as effective when performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon as Dr Frati. The type of surgery both you and Dr Frati decide on will depend on the method he feels will give you the very best results. Although you may have a preference as to whether you have open or closed rhinoplasty, Dr Frati will have the experience and ultimately the decision should be his, depending on how he feels your surgery should be carried out. All this will be discussed in a no-obligation consultation.
For more information on open or closed rhinoplasty, contact our team of clinical staff to book your initial consultation.