Closed and Open Rhinoplasty

The nose is one of the more prominent features of the face.  The harmony of the face is greatly influenced by  the size and shape of the nose.  A large number of people turn to plastic surgeons to improve the shape of the nose . Nose reshaping surgery or nose job is called rhinoplasty.  Many rhinoplasty Beverly Hills and Los Angeles surgeons will agree that rhinoplasty is the most difficult plastic surgical procedure. Plastic surgery Los Angeles centers perform rhinoplasty using two common techniques: closed and open.

In open rhinoplasty, an incision is made across the bottom portion of the nose to elevate the skin exposing the underlying cartilages and nasal bones. Typically, the scar heals well. However, many patients complain of the visible or notched scar. Patients with thicker more porous skin, olive and darker color skin are more prone to have unfavorable scarring. Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done to remove the scar.   In contrast, in a closed rhinoplasty (endonasal rhinoplasty) incisions are placed inside the nose which avoids external scars. Using this approach the nose can be effectively reshaped and breathing problems can be treated.

Closed rhinoplasty is technically more challenging and performed by fewer plastic surgeons.  Postoperative recovery after closed rhinoplasty is usually faster than after open rhinoplasty with less swelling. Absorbable sutures inside and do not need to be removed and will fall out on their own as they are absorbed. Closed rhinoplasty requires a higher level of experience and surgical skill. Regardless of the approach used, outcomes following nose reshaping largely depends on the surgeon’s experience with this procedure.