Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty By Nimit D on March 2, 2018

An attractive face has a lot to do with balance and proportion. If one facial feature seems “off,” a person’s entire appearance can suffer. This is especially true of the nose, which is the central facial feature. If a nose is too large, too wide, too narrow, or has some other type of imperfection present, it can draw unwanted attention and leave a person feeling unattractive. Rhinoplasty corrects aesthetic flaws affecting the nose by altering the size and shape, or by perfecting blemishes like bumps and uneven nostrils. At his facial plastic surgery center, Dr. Peter Brownrigg specializes in rhinoplasty. He customizes each procedure to best meet the unique needs of his patients. One way Dr. Brownrigg does this is by offering both open and closed rhinoplasty procedures. Here, we discuss open vs. closed rhinoplasty to give our Ottawa, ON, patients an idea of which technique may be most appropriate for them.

Open Rhinoplasty

The primary difference between open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty is which incisions are made during the surgical process. These incisions play an important role in determining which type of alterations can be made during surgery, and how extensively Dr. Brownrigg can alter the cartilage at the tip of the nose. An open rhinoplasty involves incisions along the inside of the nostrils, as well as a horizontal incision across the base of the columella, which is the vertical length of skin that separates the nostrils.

Many patients are hesitant to undergo open rhinoplasty because they fear it will leave a visible scar on the nose. Fortunately, the scar that is left behind after an open rhinoplasty will be very small and is unlikely to be noticed by others. In addition, there are some distinct benefits to an open rhinoplasty procedure. An open rhinoplasty gives Dr. Brownrigg direct visibility of the cartilage near the tip of the nose. This procedure allows for great control and precision. Some manipulations can be made using an open rhinoplasty technique that are not possible during a closed rhinoplasty. Ideal candidates for an open rhinoplasty include those who need a large degree of projection (pushing the nose out from the face) or deprojection (pushing the nose closer to the face), and those who require significant alteration to the shape or size of the tip of the nose.

Closed Rhinoplasty

During a closed rhinoplasty procedure, all of the incisions are made along the inside of the nose. One obvious advantage of this technique is that there will be no visible scarring after surgery. A closed rhinoplasty also tends to cause less swelling and often results in a shorter recovery period than an open rhinoplasty procedure. Because of these advantages, many patients wish to undergo closed rhinoplasty.

In many cases, a closed rhinoplasty can provide patients with the degree of alteration they desire. However, this technique does have some limitations. If a patient wishes to drastically alter the size or shape of the nasal tip, or if the projection is a big concern, they may be better suited to an open rhinoplasty. Dr. Brownrigg is highly skilled in both the closed and open rhinoplasty techniques. He will consider the specific needs and desires of each patient before recommending which of these approaches may be best for their unique situation.

Contact Us

If you are dissatisfied with the size or shape of your nose, you may be an ideal candidate for a rhinoplasty procedure. Even minor alterations can have a dramatic impact on the balance and overall appearance of your face. To learn more, contact us at your earliest convenience. Dr. Peter Brownrigg looks forward to meeting you!

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