In part one of this two-part blog series, we went over some general basics on open versus closed rhinoplasty procedures. Rhinoplasty is a surgery done to correct imperfections in the nose, but these differing terms represent different methods that might be used depending on the needs of the patient.
At the offices of Steven Warnock MD, we’re proud to offer numerous rhinoplasty services for our patients. Dr. Warnock or another of our experts will sit down with you for a consultation where you’ll discuss your options for rhinoplasty surgery, and we’re happy to guide you through this process. Today’s part two of our series will go over some of the pros and cons of both these procedures, plus why you might land on one or the other depending on your personal needs.
Possible Downsides of Open Rhinoplasty
We left off in part one with the benefits of open rhinoplasty, which are significant. For some people, however, this will not be a desirable procedure, and there are two common reasons for this:
- Open rhinoplasty leaves a scar due to the incision made through the columella (the piece of skin that separates your nostrils). It is not a prominent mark, but it will be visible and may fade over time. Open rhinoplasty can cause increased post-operative bleeding due to certain types of anesthetic being required during the procedure.
- Some patients also report increased swelling in open rhinoplasty compared to closed, but this is relatively rare.
As you can see, while these are potential downsides for some people, they’re relatively limited in scope. This procedure is ideal for many who require changes to their nose appearance.
Benefits of Closed Rhinoplasty
There are several reasons patients may choose closed rhinoplasty. One of the most significant is the complete lack of scarring, which is especially important for people who plan on having more procedures done in the future.
In addition, there’s less bleeding and a lower risk of infection with closed rhinoplasty compared to open. While these are both minor downsides of open rhinoplasty, they can be very significant depending on a patient’s personal needs. There also tends to be less swelling during recovery, another benefit for many people.
Possible Downsides of Closed Rhinoplasty
At the same time, closed rhinoplasty might not be for everyone. Specifically, it’s usually not ideal for those who need more significant amounts of work done on their nose, since the doctor must make an incision in the columella if he or she wants to access certain areas. Because the closed rhinoplasty doesn’t involve this incision, many who want significant work done on their nose will find during their consultation that open rhinoplasty is the way to go.
For more on open versus closed rhinoplasty, or to learn about any of our cosmetic surgery programs or services, speak to the staff at the offices of Steven Warnock MD today.