Are revision rhinoplasties performed as open procedures?

Question:

I’ve heard revision rhinoplasty is most often performed as an open procedure. Is this true? Is it possible to undergo a closed procedure and minimize scarring?

Answer:

It is certainly possible to perform a closed rhinoplasty for your revision surgery. In my experience, if the rhinoplasty procedures which need to be performed are relatively straight forward, then a closed approach may be a better way of dealing with the existing problems. However, in many revision rhinoplasty cases, there is a considerable amount of work to be done. The work may include placement of grafts, or sculpting of deformed cartilage. I perform a great deal of rhinoplasty surgery and I find many “surprises” in the nose that need considerably more work than I had initially anticipated. I have never regretted using the open rhinoplasty approach in these situations.