Like with many other plastic surgery procedures you may be considering, there are multiple options available for those looking into a rhinoplasty, or nose job. Specifically, rhinoplasty can be performed in either an “open” or “closed” fashion depending on the needs of the patient — what do these terms mean, and which is best for you?
At the offices of Steven Warnock MD, we’re happy to offer a wide range of rhinoplasty services for all our clients throughout Utah, plus consultations where you’ll be able to sit down with Dr. Warnock or another of our staff members to discuss your various options. What is an open versus closed rhinoplasty, and why might you consider each for your needs? This two-part blog series will investigate.
Why Rhinoplasty is Done
Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery technique used to correct some of the imperfections in the nose that make a person appear less attractive or even unhealthy. Like other forms of plastic surgery, it can be used to boost one’s confidence and self-esteem, as well as restore much-needed balance and harmony to one’s facial features.
Some of the reasons patients often desire a rhinoplasty procedure include:
- Their nose is either too large or too small for their face
- The nose seems too wide for the face
- There’s a bump or unsightly bridge on the nose
- There are problems with the tip of the nose
- Nostrils are either flared or pinched
- The nose is crooked or assymetrical
All of these are issues rhinoplasty can help correct.
Open Vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
When considering a rhinoplasty procedure, you can choose either open or closed:
- Closed rhinoplasty: When two incisions are made within the inside of the nose, then used to make alterations to the nose.
- Open rhinoplasty: Those same two incisions are made, but in addition, another incision is made across the columella to connect the original two.
Benefits of Open Rhinoplasty
For those who go with open rhinoplasty, this is a procedure that actually allows the surgeon to see the anatomy underneath the nose. This allows for a true analysis of the nose and its issues, in turn leading to more precise work.
Open rhinoplasties also often involve more advanced cartilage grafting techniques, the sort that lead to ideal long-term support and structure. While this process is a bit more involved than the closed rhinoplasty, it’s often the one that’s chosen by those who have more significant nose issues that require major alterations. The best possible results you can find from rhinoplasty generally come from the open procedure, though there are some cases where the closed procedure will be more prudent.
For more on any of our rhinoplasty or other plastic surgery services in Utah, speak to the staff at the offices of Steven Warnock MD today.