The nose is the most noticeable feature of the face besides the eyes. Even the slightest changes can make or break one’s appearance and self-confidence. It’s important for anyone interested in rhinoplasty to know the different types of rhinoplasties and their advantages.
When it comes to nose jobs, many are unaware there are open and closed versions of the procedure. While both methods are highly effective at changing the symmetry and appearance of the nose, there are some differences in how Dr. Matt. Hershcovitch, MD, utilizes them during surgery.
If you’re interested in having some work done on your nose, make sure you read this to learn about open and closed rhinoplasty and which rhinoplasty style is better for your goals.
Open Nose Job Surgery
To perform open rhinoplasty, incisions must be made to the inside and outside of the nose. Dr. Hershcovitch makes three incisions, one at the bottom of the soft tissues of the nostrils or columella and one inside each nostril. Making the incisions in these specific areas of the nose makes it easier for the surgeon to access internal structures so he can make the necessary changes for the desired outcome.
The risks associated with open rhinoplasty include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Anesthesia risks
- Numbness
- Infection
- Healing impairments
- Additional nose operations (revision rhinoplasty)
- Unsatisfactory nasal appearance
Although the procedure requires external incisions, they are placed discreetly and closed with dissolvable stitches to help minimize the appearance of scars. Open rhinoplasty practices are utilized best for operations that require grafting and surgical changes to the cartilage and bone. The open version is also used in revision nose job surgery.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasty is also called endonasal rhinoplasty that is often used to fix bumps, humps, and other irregularities of the bridge of the nose, including shortening or lengthening its profile, or fixing the tip. Closed rhinoplasty requires Dr. Hershcovitch, MD, to make incisions inside the nostrils, so there’s no external trauma. The procedure only takes an hour or two to perform.
The risks involved with closed rhinoplasty include:
- Breathing issues
- Asymmetry
- Nerve damage
- Nosebleeds
- Scars
- Bruising
- Adverse reaction to surgical medications
- Additional nose surgeries
The benefits of closed nose job surgery are less noticeable scarring, swelling, and residual side effects from surgery. Closed nose job surgery patients also heal and recover much faster than open surgery patients.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
Of the two rhinoplasty styles, the closed version requires a much higher level of skill and expertise to perform. Closed rhinoplasty techniques are pretty standard in traditional or regular nose job surgeries. However, for cases where extensive or significant revisions are required, open style is more suitable to provide patients with more uniform and desirable results.
Fortunately, Dr. Hershcovitch, MD, is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in all types of rhinoplasties, including open and closed styles. Both techniques can provide optimal results. And although open rhinoplasty takes longer to recover from and for the changes made to the nose to settle, those concerns pale in comparison to the end result. Also, after the first few months of either rhinoplasty style, most people are unable to notice the side effects of surgery.
Is Open Rhinoplasty Right for Me?
Open rhinoplasty is reserved for nasal reconstruction candidates in need of major revisions to the septum, nostrils, bridge and any area of the nose. The open technique provides better results and is much safer because of the intensive amount of work and surgical precision necessary to achieve the desired outcome. So, if you don’t mind the slight risk of visible scarring, or more noticeable swelling and discoloration for several weeks to months, you might be a good candidate for open rhinoplasty.
Is Closed Rhinoplasty Right for Me?
Closed nose job surgery limits the surgeon’s access and visual field to the internal structures of the nose. It’s typically recommended for those requiring minor changes or adjustments to their nose to correct its symmetry. Because the incisions are made inside the nostrils, there is limited visibility and space for the surgeon to see the underlying structures of the nose and navigate the surgical field.
There’s also significantly less chance of visible scarring. So, if you only want to make some minor changes to your nose to improve its appearance or profile, the closed style may be more suitable for your situation.
Dr. Hershcovitch requires anyone interested in having a nose job to schedule a consultation to discuss the changes they want made to their nose. During the consultation, they’ll also have the opportunity to review his credentials, surgical experience, patient photo gallery of before and after photos and learn about the procedure and the techniques (open or closed) necessary to achieve your desired goals.
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation Today!
When contemplating open vs. closed rhinoplasty, it’s best to choose the most qualified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills you can find. After all, of the many things to consider about having a nose job is your surgeon’s rhinoplasty, artistic talent, skills, and expertise.
If you’re unhappy with the shape, appearance, or function of your nose, it’s time to do something about it. Contact Matt. Hershcovitch, M.D., Facial Plastic Surgery at (818) 206-2539 to schedule an appointment to learn more about open and closed rhinoplasty and which procedure is right for you.
