The nose acts as the centerpiece of facial balance. A proper nose shape is crucial in appearing refined, confident, and young. However, nose shape and development are not something people have control over. That’s why many people look to rhinoplasty to alter the appearance of their noses to make themselves more comfortable in their bodies. Rhinoplasty is the surgical altering of the nose. This is often done for cosmetic purposes but can also be valuable for restoring function to the nose. That being said, there are two primary types of rhinoplasties that fundamentally change how the procedure is performed. Let’s explore the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is what comes to mind when most people think of rhinoplasty. Incisions are often made inside and outside of the nostrils to access the entire nose structure. The soft structure, like skin, is lifted. Then, the harder tissue, like cartilage and bone, is sculpted into the desired shape. This is also when additional procedures, like a septoplasty, would be performed. A septoplasty is where the septum and inner structures of the nose are adjusted to fix a deviated septum and alleviate breathing issues. Open rhinoplasty often requires a slightly longer recovery period compared to closed rhinoplasty.
Closed Rhinoplasty
A closed rhinoplasty is designed to have similar effects to open rhinoplasty, just without external incisions. Closed rhinoplasty only makes incisions inside the nose instead of outside. This is to eliminate the small visible scars that will heal after surgery. However, closed rhinoplasty is more complex than open rhinoplasty because the soft tissue is not completely lifted to expose the internal structure. This means that movements and sculpting are limited during the procedure. Closed rhinoplasty is usually better fitted for simple procedures that can be performed from inside the nose.
Which Is Right for Me?
Deciding whether closed or open rhinoplasty is right for you can be difficult. Thankfully, Dr. David Altamira provides comprehensive consultations to help you decide which procedure will better fit your needs. Dr. Altamira provides expertise, comfort, and results to every procedure. If you’re considering rhinoplasty, then contact Dr. Altamira’s office at 713-271-9000 today.