Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty
Individuals who wish to enhance or adjust the appearance of their nose can benefit from rhinoplasty at our Gatineau, QC, plastic surgery practice. Dr. Patricia Berbari performs two types of rhinoplasty techniques: open and closed. Both approaches offer benefits, and one is not considered superior to the other
The treatment that is most appropriate depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case. In this blog post, we discuss open vs. closed rhinoplasty and explore the pros and cons of each option.
About Open Rhinoplasty
Also referred to as an external rhinoplasty, open surgery is performed by making a small incision in the columella, the piece of tissue that separates the nostrils. This allows Dr. Berbari to easily access the underlying tissues, offering optimal accuracy. This technique is most often used when addressing issues with the middle portion of the nose and the nasal tip.
Open Rhinoplasty Candidacy
Candidates for open rhinoplasty often require more dramatic changes to the nose structure. This procedure is almost always recommended for revision surgeries because the underlying structure has already been altered.
Eligible patients should be in good overall health. They should also be able to safely undergo sedation or anesthesia with no contraindications.
Pros and Cons of Open Rhinoplasty
The most significant advantage of open rhinoplasty is that your Gatineau surgeon will have full and complete visibility during the procedure. As a result, accuracy and precision are improved.
The only disadvantage to the open approach is that it may leave a small incision scar across the columella. However, in most cases, this scar heals well and is very discreet. Most patients find that the benefits outweigh the negatives for this procedure.
About Closed Rhinoplasty
In contrast to an open rhinoplasty, a closed rhinoplasty hides all incisions inside the patient’s nose. Therefore, no external incision is made. Dr. Berbari creates separate surgical openings inside each nostril. This approach is often recommended for patients who require modifications to the nasal bridge.
Closed Rhinoplasty Candidacy
In general, closed rhinoplasty is recommended for those requiring minor reshaping or corrections. Candidates must have a full understanding of the pros and cons of treatment, and must be free from any serious medical condition which could impede healing.
Pros and Cons of Closed Rhinoplasty
The obvious advantage of closed rhinoplasty is that there is no external scarring. Because of its minimally invasive approach, closed rhinoplasty results in less swelling and shorter recovery time compared to open rhinoplasty.
As mentioned, however, closed rhinoplasty does not offer the same precision and accuracy as open rhinoplasty. There may be challenges when repositioning the nasal cartilage and skin during the procedure. Therefore, it may not be recommended in some instances.
Schedule Your Rhinoplasty Consultation Today
If you are unhappy with the shape or size of your nose, rhinoplasty could be a solution for you. To learn more about this procedure, or to schedule an appointment at our Gatineau plastic surgery practice, call us at (819) 243-7667. You can also contact us online anytime.<
