AESTHETIC NEWS
All rhinoplasty surgeries share the same overall goals: to improve the look and/or function of the nose. However, the way these surgeries can accomplish these goals can vary considerably. There are different techniques your surgeon might use to achieve your desired result, including varying the placement of the incision. An open, or external rhinoplasty involves a different incision placement from that of a closed, or endonasal rhinoplasty.
A closed rhinoplasty involves placing the incisions inside the nostrils. This is a specialized technique that is often preferred because it’s less invasive than the open technique. Due to its less invasive nature, patients typically enjoy a shorter procedure and shorter overall recovery time. Furthermore, the incisions won’t be visible. This is good news for patients who are concerned about having visible scars on the exterior of the nose.
In contrast to the closed technique, the open or external technique involves making a small incision on the tissue located between the nostrils on the bottom of the nose. This tissue is called the columella. After making the incision, the surgeon folds the nasal skin back in order to access the cartilage and other nasal tissues. The open technique provides the surgeon with excellent visibility, allowing them to make minute adjustments to the nasal tip.
Because the open technique is more invasive than the closed technique, the procedure itself and the recovery time will take longer. The majority of the swelling should subside in about two weeks, although there will be some minor swelling that persists for up to six months or longer.
A revision rhinoplasty, which is performed after an initial surgery did not produce the desired results, is considerably more complicated than the initial rhinoplasty. In part, this is due to the likelihood of the surgeon encountering scar tissue that forms after the first surgery. It’s best for the surgeon performing a revision rhinoplasty to have as large a field of vision as possible in order to make the necessary adjustments. This is why in some cases a closed technique might not be the preferred choice for a revision. The open technique is particularly well-suited to surgeries that involve making major structural changes.
However, each patient is a unique case, and what’s best for one isn’t necessarily best for another. To determine whether a closed surgery is possible for you, you’ll need to set up a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon—ideally, one who has already performed plenty of revision rhinoplasties.
Since revision rhinoplasties are even more complex than primary rhinoplasties, it’s essential to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in this area. A decades-long track record of successful results and impeccable credentials are why so many patients choose Dr. Thomas Loeb in Manhattan to perform their revision rhinoplasty procedures.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Loeb prioritizes patient care and safety, with an eye toward producing aesthetically pleasing results. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Loeb for revision rhinoplasty in NYC by calling today.
Additional resources for revision rhinoplasty patients:
