What Is the Difference Between Open and Closed Rhinoplasty?

From congenital deformities to disfigurement after an accident to simply disliking the appearance of a part of their nose, people get nose jobs for many reasons. In fact, the American Society Plastic Surgeons reports over 352,000 Americans have a rhinoplasty every year.

At Brooks Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida, our craniofacial surgeon, Dr. Christopher Brooks, puts his expertise to work treating complex congenital and trauma-related nose issues as well as elective cosmetic improvements.

Depending on your needs, this surgical reconstruction of the nose, called rhinoplasty, offers a way to improve the shape and size of your nose and its function by:

Helping balance the size of your nose with the rest of your face
Reshaping the size and/or position of your nostrils
Slimming the width of the bridge of your nose
Addressing visible bumps, depressions, or asymmetries
Improving the appearance or shape of the nasal tip
Correcting airways obstructed by a deviated septum

Not all nose jobs are the same, however. Rhinoplasty can be open or closed, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s a closer look at these two types of nose jobs.

Understanding open rhinoplasty

During an open nose job, your provider makes an incision along your columella (the tissue that separates your nostrils at the bottom of your nose). They then lift the skin so that they access the internal bones and cartilage of the nose with good visibility and precision.

This is the most common type of nose job, and it offers several benefits, including more accurate surgical planning and outcomes and minimal scarring since the scar is hidden in the natural folds of your nasal skin.

Understanding closed rhinoplasty

During a closed nose job, your provider makes small incisions inside your nose. This allows your surgeon to reshape the bridge or tip of your nose without visible scarring.

However, it isn’t a good option for all nasal issues since there’s less access and decreased visibility. That being said, some patients having small corrections may benefit from a closed rhinoplasty.

Choosing open or closed rhinoplasty

Whether you have open or closed rhinoplasty, you should expect to take a week off from work or school after your surgery. It takes about four to six weeks for most swelling and bruising to subside, but up to a year for your nose to heal fully.

In most cases, the best way to learn if an open or closed rhinoplasty is right for you is by talking to a surgeon who specializes in the surgical reconstruction of noses. At Brooks Plastic Surgery, Dr. Brooks talks to you about your current nose, any relevant symptoms, and your desired nasal appearance to determine which type of surgery is best for you.

Dr. Brooks also discusses whether you’re a good candidate for a nose job, irrespective of having an open or closed rhinoplasty. Everyone is different, but you might be a candidate for rhinoplasty if:

Your face is finished growing
You have realistic expectations/goals
You’re in overall good health
You aren’t a smoker

Learn more about open and closed rhinoplasty and which is right for you by requesting an appointment online or over the phone at Brooks Plastic Surgery in Hollywood, Florida.