At LUXURGERY© in New York, New York, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sachin M. Shridharani performs both open and closed rhinoplasty procedures, as well as liquid rhinoplasty. Dr. Shridharani is fellowship-trained in plastic and reconstructive surgery and has published more than 100 peer-reviewed articles and textbook chapters on cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
What Is an Open Rhinoplasty?
An open rhinoplasty involves a small incision placed across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils. This approach allows the surgeon to view the nasal structure more directly during surgery.
Open rhinoplasty is often recommended for patients who need:
- Significant reshaping of the nasal tip
- Correction of asymmetry
- Revision rhinoplasty
- Structural grafting
- Complex breathing concerns addressed
What Is a Closed Rhinoplasty?
Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions placed entirely inside the nose. Because there is no external incision, this technique avoids a visible scar on the columella.
Closed rhinoplasty is commonly used for patients seeking:
- Minor hump reduction
- Small profile refinements
- Narrowing certain areas of the nose
- Subtle cosmetic changes
Which Rhinoplasty Technique Is Right for You?
Open and closed rhinoplasty each serve different purposes. The technique used depends on your nasal structure, breathing concerns, skin thickness, and surgical goals.
During a consultation, Dr. Shridharani evaluates both the structure and function of the nose before recommending a surgical plan. Some people are focused on subtle cosmetic refinement, while others want to address breathing concerns or reshape the nose after previous surgery.
What Is Recovery Like After Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty?
Recovery after rhinoplasty differs depending on whether an open or closed technique is used. Both procedures typically involve swelling and bruising during the first week, but open rhinoplasty may cause slightly more swelling because of the small external incision across the columella. Closed rhinoplasty keeps all incisions inside the nose, which can sometimes make the early recovery period shorter for smaller refinements.
Scarring is usually minimal with either approach. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible external scar, while the incision used during open rhinoplasty is carefully placed to remain as discreet as possible once healed. Final results continue improving for months as swelling gradually fades, and the nose may take up to a year to fully settle into its final shape.
Schedule a Rhinoplasty Consultation in New York, NY
Learning more about open and closed rhinoplasty can help you better evaluate your surgical options. To learn more about rhinoplasty procedures at LUXURGERY© in New York, NY, call 212-508-0000 to schedule a consultation.
