I was told that there are two approaches to rhinoplasties

Question:

I was told that there are two approaches to rhinoplasties: “open” and “closed”. I’m worried about scarring. What is the difference between the two types and which one has a lower scarring risk?

Answer:

There seems to be a great deal of controversy with regards to the different approaches to rhinoplasty surgery. The difference between open rhinoplasty versus closed rhinoplasty is in that in open rhinoplasty there is a small incision which is made into the skin underneath your nose between your nostrils in order to elevate the skin of the nose off of the cartilage and provide better visibility to the cartilages of the nasal tip and nasal bridge. The additional incision which is made in open rhinoplasty is quite small and heals imperceptibly. There is some tip numbness following open rhinoplasty that can last for several weeks. Scarring, though always a potential complication in rhinoplasty, is not increased with the use of the open rhinoplasty approach. The highest risks for scarring from rhinoplasty will depend upon the complexity of your nose and wether it is a primary or revision rhinoplasty. Your surgeon will take every precaution to minimize the potential for scarring in either case.

Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld