Posted November 06, 2024 in Rhinoplasty
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose—whether you feel it’s too big, you wish to change the shape, or you want to correct damage from an injury—there are a variety of reasons to choose rhinoplasty surgery. But what type of rhinoplasty will give you the best results, and how do you choose? In this blog, we’ll discuss your rhinoplasty options so you can better discern which one is right for you.
5 Min Read:
What Are the Types of Rhinoplasty?
Commonly referred to as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty surgery can be used to address cosmetic as well as functional concerns. When meeting with your surgeon to determine which rhinoplasty technique will offer the best results for you, you will have a choice between three types: open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty, and septoplasty. Below, we’ll go over the benefits of each technique.
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty is performed using an incision across your columella, which is the strip of tissue in between your nostrils. The skin is then lifted to give your surgeon a clear view of the internal structures of your nose. Open rhinoplasty is used for more complex nose procedures, including significant reshaping, repairing functional problems, and improving structural support with skin or cartilage grafts.
Benefits of Open Rhinoplasty
The primary benefit of open rhinoplasty is that it allows your surgeon better access to the internal structures of your nose so they can make more precise adjustments. This is essential when you wish to smooth a bump or hump on your nose, fix a crooked nose, or correct a congenital deformity.
If you need significant nose reshaping, your surgeon’s ability to see the entire inside of your nose makes it easier to create visual symmetry and ensure that the internal cartilage and tissues are stable enough to support the repairs. Sometimes, the internal structure of your nose may require more support due to injury or congenital problems. In that case, open rhinoplasty is used to apply tissue grafts or sutures to prevent the weakening or collapse of your nose.
Closed Rhinoplasty
A closed rhinoplasty is performed using only incisions inside the nostrils. It is less invasive than an open rhinoplasty, as the skin is not lifted off the nose. A closed rhinoplasty is ideal if you require minor changes to the appearance of your nose and do not need structural adjustments to improve nasal function.
Benefits of Closed Rhinoplasty
For those concerned with scarring after rhinoplasty surgery, the biggest advantage to a closed rhinoplasty is that there are no visible scars. Any incisions made are hidden inside the nose so that no one will even know you had your nose “done.”
Because a closed rhinoplasty is less invasive, it typically means that your recovery time will be shorter. No matter what type of rhinoplasty you choose, you will have some bruising and swelling as you recover. However, closed rhinoplasty patients usually have less bruising and swelling, making the overall healing process faster.
A closed rhinoplasty is also ideal for patients who don’t need or want significant alterations to their nose. Nasal tip refinement, small bumps on your nasal bridge, or adjustments to the width of your nostrils are easily accomplished with a closed rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty
While open and closed rhinoplasties are primarily used to change the appearance of your nose, septoplasty is designed solely to correct functional problems. Septoplasty focuses on the septum, which is the area of cartilage and bone that separates each side of the inside of your nose. A crooked or deviated septum can cause breathing issues because it may obstruct the airflow through your nose. Septoplasty repairs a damaged septum and can be performed alone or combined with a rhinoplasty.
During a septoplasty procedure, your surgeon makes the necessary incisions inside your nose, straightening and adjusting the cartilage, bone, and soft tissue that make up the septum, using grafts if necessary for additional support.
Benefits of Septoplasty
The main benefit of septoplasty is that it corrects breathing issues and chronic nasal problems. If you have a deviated septum, you may have spent years dealing with a constant stuffy nose, frequent sinus infections, or difficulty breathing through your nose. Septoplasty alleviates these symptoms.
Septoplasty can also improve your sleep. If you struggle to breathe through your nose, you may snore or suffer from sleep apnea. Repairing your septum can relieve these symptoms, allowing you to rest easier.
If you have aesthetic concerns about your nose as well as a deviated septum, combining rhinoplasty and septoplasty is an ideal way to achieve your ideal results.
Differences Between Open and Closed Rhinoplasty
While open and closed rhinoplasty can both address some of the same issues, there are also a few key differences, including:
- Incision Placement: Open rhinoplasty has one external incision, while closed rhinoplasty incisions are completely hidden.
- Precision: Open rhinoplasty allows greater precision for more complicated adjustments, while closed rhinoplasty makes finer adjustments more challenging.
- Recovery Time: Because open rhinoplasty typically involves more adjustments to the nose, your recovery time may be slightly longer than if you undergo closed rhinoplasty.
- Scarring: An open rhinoplasty scar is visible, but it is small and thin and will fade over time. Closed rhinoplasty offers the advantage of zero noticeable scars.
Learn More About Rhinoplasty Surgery in Birmingham, AL
Both open and closed rhinoplasty offer stunning results, so which should you choose? The answer ultimately depends on your desired results and your surgeon’s recommendations. To learn more about which type of rhinoplasty is right for you, schedule an appointment with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. James C. Grotting. Dr. Grotting will examine your nose, discuss your goals for surgery, and recommend the best type of rhinoplasty for you. Call our office today at (205) 386-9364 for a consultation, or complete the online contact form.