What are Open and Closed Rhinoplasty?

Nose surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to change the shape of the nose or correct breathing problems. Rhinoplasty surgeries can basically be performed with two different techniques: open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty.

In fact, the question "which technique is better?" is often not the right approach. The more accurate question is usually: Which rhinoplasty technique should be preferred for which patient?

This is because every patient's bone structure, skin quality, degree of deformity, and expectations are different. Therefore, the surgical plan is personalized.

For more detailed information, you can visit our rhinoplasty page.

Open Rhinoplasty

In the open rhinoplasty technique, a small incision is made in the area called the columella between the nostrils. Through this incision, the nasal skin is lifted, allowing the surgeon to work by directly seeing the nasal skeleton.

This method provides a wider field of vision for the surgeon, especially in complex rhinoplasty surgeries.

Advantages of Open Rhinoplasty

  • The surgeon can directly see the entire nasal anatomy
  • Asymmetry corrections can be performed more controlled
  • Provides an advantage in revision rhinoplasty surgeries
  • Cartilage graft placement procedures are easier

Disadvantages of Open Rhinoplasty

  • There may be a very small scar at the tip of the nose (usually not noticeable)
  • Edema may last a bit longer in some patients
  • The operation time may be slightly longer compared to the closed technique

According to the clinical experiences of Op. Dr. Oğuzhan Aydoğdu, open rhinoplasty is frequently preferred especially in revision rhinoplasty surgeries. Additionally, the open technique may be more advantageous in patients with severely deviated nasal cartilage, narrowing at the nasal base, or advanced breathing problems.

For more information, you can review the open rhinoplasty page.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In the closed rhinoplasty technique, all surgical incisions are made inside the nostrils. Therefore, no visible external incision scar is formed after the surgery.

In this method, the surgeon intervenes in the nasal structures from the inside, and the nasal skin is not completely lifted.

Advantages of Closed Rhinoplasty

  • No visible external incision
  • Since less tissue is separated, edema may decrease faster in some patients
  • The healing process may be faster in some cases

Disadvantages of Closed Rhinoplasty

  • The surgeon's field of vision is more limited
  • It can be difficult to apply in very complex deformities
  • It may remain limited in revision surgeries

According to the clinical observations of Op. Dr. Oğuzhan Aydoğdu, the closed technique can provide quite successful results in more limited interventions such as nasal hump correction.

For more information about this technique, you can review the closed rhinoplasty page.

In Which Cases Which Technique is Preferred?

The technique to be used in rhinoplasty surgery depends entirely on the patient's nose structure. In general, certain techniques may be more suitable in some cases.

Open Rhinoplasty May Be More Suitable For:

  • Revision rhinoplasty
  • Severe nasal deviation
  • Post-traumatic deformity
  • Cases requiring large cartilage grafts
  • Reconstruction of the nasal tip

Closed Rhinoplasty May Be More Suitable For:

  • Removal of the nasal hump
  • Simple nose reduction procedures
  • Minimal nasal tip adjustments
  • First-time rhinoplasty and patients with suitable anatomy

The Most Important Factor in Rhinoplasty: Correct Planning

The planning of the surgery and the experience of the surgeon are as important as the technique used in rhinoplasty surgery.

According to Op. Dr. Oğuzhan Aydoğdu's approach, closed rhinoplasty can be a technically more difficult operation for the surgeon and requires significant experience. Therefore, both open and closed rhinoplasty techniques should be selected according to the patient's nasal structure.

The approach adopted by many surgeons today can be summarized as follows:

"A good surgeon does not just do open or closed technique; they choose the right technique for the patient."

As a result, achieving a successful result in rhinoplasty is related to correct planning and the surgeon's experience rather than the technique used.ade.