Rhinoplasty: Open and Closed Techniques Explained
Rhinoplasty, commonly known as nose surgery, can be approached using different techniques. Two terms you may come across when researching rhinoplasty in Melbourne are open and closed rhinoplasty. Understanding how they differ can help you have a clearer conversation with a specialist plastic surgeon.
What is rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty
In open rhinoplasty, a small incision is made across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils, in addition to incisions inside the nose. This gives the surgeon direct access to the underlying structures. The approach may be suited to more complex cases, and it leaves a small scar at the base of the nose that usually settles over time.
Closed rhinoplasty
In closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are made inside the nose, with no external incision across the columella. This approach may be suited to certain cases, and there is no visible external scar. The suitability of a closed approach depends on what the procedure aims to achieve.
How the approach is chosen
The choice between open and closed rhinoplasty is not a matter of one being universally better than the other. It depends on your individual anatomy, your goals, and what the procedure needs to address. This is determined following consultation and clinical evaluation, where your surgeon will explain which approach is appropriate and why.
Understanding the risks
Recovery
Frequently asked questions
Open rhinoplasty leaves a small scar at the base of the nose that usually settles over time. Closed rhinoplasty has no external scar. The suitable approach is determined during consultation.
Rhinoplasty can be performed for functional reasons as well as aesthetic ones. Whether it is suitable for your breathing concerns is assessed during consultation.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute medical advice. All surgical and non-surgical procedures carry risks, and individual results vary. A consultation with a specialist plastic surgeon is required to assess your suitability for any procedure. For cosmetic surgery, a referral from your GP or another registered medical practitioner is required, and a cooling-off period applies before surgery. Please refer to our Risks and Complications information before proceeding.
