What is the Difference Between an Open Rhinoplasty and a Closed Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty involves an incision on the underside of the nose and in each nostril. The skin is elevated from the underlying framework of the nose. Open rhinoplasty affords unparalleled access to the structures of the nose thus allowing the surgeon to make precise and symmetric manipulations during the surgery.
Closed rhinoplasty most commonly involves only incisions in the nostrils and entails limited undermining of the skin. Exposure and visibility is limited. This technique is reserved for patients in whom only minor changes to the nose are necessary.