Rhinoplasty: Learn The Pros And Cons Of Closed And Open Procedures

There are two main types of rhinoplasty procedures: the open and closed kinds. In most cases, your surgeon will decide which kind is best for you, but you should be privy to the pros and cons of each, since the results will be determined by the procedure that your doctor chooses. Learn the basic differences between the two types. 

Open rhinoplasty tends to be the most commonly used procedure. This involves cutting into the piece of skin between both nostrils, allowing the doctor to lift up this flap of skin. The main advantage here is that he or she can easily see during the procedure, which is especially necessary during more complicated cases. The result is that the incisions are more accurate so the outcome may be closer to what you want than if you were to get the closed treatment. 

On the other hand, the open type of rhinoplasty takes longer due to the extra incision. It also requires a longer healing period, during which the incision between the nostrils may become swollen and bruised. In addition, there is a chance that the tissue may be affected by necrosis, or tissue death, after the treatment. This is why you and your surgeon need to make sure this is the right treatment for you, and that the advantages outweigh the possible drawbacks. 

The other method is the closed procedure, which does not involve an incision in the tissue separating both nostrils. This means that the doctor cannot lift up the flap of skin so it is a little harder to see inside the nose during surgery. The consequence is that only the most minor issues can be treated with this approach. If your nose is nearly perfect and just has a small bump that you want taken out, this method may work. However, for most doctors to perform this type of rhinoplasty, the patient's nose has to have a good overall shape, not be too crooked, and have a tip that is not too long, short, or droopy. Talk to your doctor to determine whether this facial feature just would qualify for the closed approach. 

Even though the closed surgery would not work for everyone, many patients hope for this approach since it means there will not be a scar on the tip of this facial feature. In addition, the recovery period is shorter, as is the operation in general since there is one less incision to deal with. This is why you are encouraged to ask your surgeon whether you would qualify, based on the details that need to be changed during the operation. 

Some doctors have a preference for one type of rhinoplasty, but it is important that your surgeon choose the one that is best for your situation, not just the one they personally prefer. To ensure that the best one for you is chosen, you should research your doctor. Check out reviews from other patients, and check records to ensure that unhappy patients are not suing the doctors you are considering.