What is the Difference Between an Open Rhinoplasty and a Closed Rhinoplasty?

What is a Rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape of the nose. As a result, there is a better balance to the proportions of the face. The procedure, which is commonly referred to as a nose job or reshaping, can also aid in the correction of nasal defects that cause breathing problems. A rhinoplasty can:

Adjust the size of the nose to better balance the face;
Adjust the width of the bridge or nostril position;
Remove visible profile bumps;
Correct a nasal tip that is bulbous or hooked;
Correct the symmetry of the nose.

It is important to remember that when you decide to have a rhinoplasty for a more symmetrical nose, the results may be still be slightly asymmetrical, which is because everyone's face is slightly asymmetrical. When a plastic surgeon performs a rhinoplasty, he or she will use an open or closed approach. To better understand each approach, read further.

Open Rhinoplasty

An open rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure in which a plastic surgeon will peel back the nasal skin to expose the cartilage of the nose. This is accomplished by a tiny outside incision with additional incisions on the inside of the nose.

When a plastic surgeon performs an open rhinoplasty, one third of the lower half of the patient's nose will accessible and easily visible. Although a rhinoplasty reshapes the upper and lower portions of the nose, the primary difference between an open and closed rhinoplasty is how the lower part of the nose will be reshaped. A plastic surgeon is able to reduce, reshape, or suture the cartilage of the nose when performing an open rhinoplasty. In most open rhinoplasty procedures, a graft is used that will help a plastic surgeon successfully achieve the patient's desired shape. A graft is a piece of material that is comprised of bone, tissue, and other materials and is commonly used as a filler. However, it is important to note that when you have an open rhinoplasty, it will not be able to be closed again.

What are the Benefits of an Open Rhinoplasty?

The primary benefit of an open rhinoplasty is the ability to alter the nasal anatomy. When the nasal skin is removed, the underlying cartilage is exposed and can be easily altered by a plastic surgeon. In addition, an open rhinoplasty also makes grafting easier.

What is the Recovery Time for an Open Rhinoplasty?

After the procedure is complete, it is normal to experience pain and swelling, which will typically be eased through prescription painkillers. You will also be advised to sleep in an upright position to make breathing easier and promote healing.
You may continue to feel discomfort for the first few weeks following the surgery. At the end of the first week, most individuals get their splints removed and most of the swelling will be gone. Most individuals will be able to return to work a week following the procedure. At this stage in recovery, it is advised to avoid the sun and strenuous activities.

The weeks following the surgery are when you should begin to see the final results. In most circumstances, the tip of the nose takes the longest time to heal. After about a month, you should be able to participate in sports and other physical activities. However, if you want to participate in a contact sport, you will be required to wear a protective mask.


Closed Rhinoplasty?

A closed rhinoplasty is a relatively easy procedure for the patient and is always performed at a hospital to ensure safety. After general anesthesia is administered, a plastic surgeon will make an incision in the columella, or the procedure will be carried out through the opening of the nostrils. After the incisions are made, the nasal skin will be lifted, and the plastic surgeon will reshape the cartilage. In addition, tissue may be added or removed during the procedure. When a plastic surgeon has successfully reshaped the nose, the incisions will be stitched shut and casted or splinted.

Many individuals opt for a closed rhinoplasty because it doesn't leave visible scarring, there is minimal pain, less post-surgical bruising, and a shorter recovery time. In most cases, the procedure will last about two hours, but it can take longer when extensive alterations are necessary.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

When you decide to have a rhinoplasty, you have the decision to have an open or closed procedure. Although they both share a primary goal to reshape the nose, the surgical approaches of the two are different in how the skin is removed and skeletal framework is accessed.

If you are wondering which approach is better, they can each be safely and effectively performed by an experienced plastic surgeon. Some of the primary differences include recovery time, bruising, and swelling.


The best way to decide which approach is best suited for your needs is to consult with a trusted and experienced plastic surgeon. There are some cases where a simple correction can be easily accomplished with the closed approach and the open approach would be excessive and cause a prolonged recovery time that is unnecessary. However, there are complicated cases, which can include an revision rhinoplasty, where the only suitable option is an open approach. This is because the open approach allows precise visualization for accurate reshaping and grafting.

If you are considering a rhinoplasty, then it is important to consult an experienced and trusted plastic surgeon such as Dr. Andrew Frankel. Dr. Frankel is a board certified member of the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, a member of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Otolaryngology. Dr. Frankel specializes in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty and has successfully served those in the Los Angeles area for years. Contact Dr. Frankel today for your rhinoplasty consultation.