Some men and women who consult with me about a rhinoplasty (nose job) in my New Jersey plastic surgery office in Teaneck are interested in knowing whether I’ll do an open or closed rhinoplasty procedure. Some never ask because they don’t know the difference. Both techniques have been around for many years, and some surgeons perform only one or the other, though most cosmetic surgeons do both. Some nose surgeons only know one technique and that’s the one they perform. Because, in my opinion, no nose is identical to another, I base my decision upon the unique needs of each particular patient. There is no “one size fits all” nose and, therefore, no “one size fits all” rhinoplasty procedure.
The Difference Between Open and Closed Rhinoplasty
- In a closed rhinoplasty, the entire surgery is performed inside the nose; all the incisions are inside and invisible to the eye from outside.
- In an open rhinoplasty, there are incisions inside the nose and a small incision between the nostrils that, when healed, is invisible without extremely close inspection.
When I Perform Closed Rhinoplasty
If my patient has a dorsal hump, either procedure can be done, although here in NJ at my cosmetic surgery practice, I prefer the closed method. It lessens my patient’s time in the operating room and there is less postoperative swelling compared with the open rhinoplasty technique. Most rhinoplasty procedures can be beautifully performed in the closed technique.
When I Perform Open Rhinoplasty
If my patient needs significant changes, has tip and/or mid-vault (middle portion of the nose) problems or is a revision rhinoplasty patient, I will likely do an open technique because it allows me greater visibility. Obviously, in the open technique, there’s more room to maneuver. The resulting scar between the nostrils is extremely small and, with excellent suture technique, will be barely visible afterwards. For some patients, this is the best choice.
Using Computer Imaging Before Rhinoplasty
Computer imaging has its place but it often leads to false expectations. Patients love to think that the computer image is exactly the nose they will have after surgery but everybody heals uniquely, and nasal surgery isn’t 100% predictable. The best method to choose a rhinoplasty surgeon is to examine closely each plastic surgeon’s before and after photos and not rely on computer imaging.
How To Know Which Rhinoplasty Approach is “best” for You
While you may have a preference for open versus closed rhinoplasty, your facial plastic surgeon will know which is the best approach for you, based on your goals and nasal anatomy. This isn’t a decision that you should make, any more than you’d make the decision about suture materials. A skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeon knows the best approach when he or she examines your nose during consultation.
If your nose is problematic, call my office at 201-837-2174 to schedule your private consultation.
To your health and beauty,
Laurence Milgrim, MD,
New Jersey Plastic Surgeon
Board Certified in Facial Plastic Surgery & Head and Neck Surgery-Otolaryngology
Website: http://www.milgrimplasticsurgery.com
Milgrim Plastic Surgery 