The size, shape, and position of the nose in relation to the rest of the face all influence our perception of attractiveness.
For some, the shape of their nose is a source of pride and confidence.
Others may see it as an opportunity to improve.
A closed rhinoplasty (also known as a scarless nose job or surgery) can help improve the appearance of the nose without leaving visible scarring.
If you’re thinking about having a closed rhinoplasty, here’s what you should know about this safe and common procedure.
What exactly is closed rhinoplasty?
Closed rhinoplasty (endonasal rhinoplasty) is also performed under general anesthesia, but all incisions are made on the mucosa within the nostrils.
Typically, the surgeon makes separate surgical openings in the left and right nostrils.
When compared to an open rhinoplasty, it is less invasive and causes less swelling.
This procedure is advised for primary noses (i.e., patients who have not had rhinoplasty surgery performed on their nose).
The main benefit of a closed rhinoplasty, also known as scarless nose surgery, is that it does not alter the natural characteristics of the nose and instead simply refines and enhances the patients’ existing nasal anatomy.
This method allows for nose refinement without making drastic or unnecessary changes.
Many patients do not want an overly surgical appearance that reveals to their family or peers that they have had a rhinoplasty.
As a result, closed rhinoplasty is preferred because there are fewer visible signs of surgery.
What distinguishes it from open rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty, as opposed to closed rhinoplasty, necessitates the surgeon making a small incision on the patient’s columella, or the soft tissue separating the nostrils.
This allows the surgeon to access the nose’s underlying bone and cartilage structure.
As a result, open rhinoplasty is a more invasive procedure that requires more stitches and a longer recovery period.
The main advantage of an open rhinoplasty is that it allows for total nose reconstruction.
Because the original shape of the nose has already been altered, it is also ideal for revision rhinoplasty.
It allows for total reconstruction from the ground up, with the surgeon reshaping the nose into any shape desired.
Consider the difference between remodeling and rebuilding a home.
If a house is in good condition overall, with good bones and structure, the new owner may decide to simply remodel it, which is similar to having a closed rhinoplasty.
However, if a house has complicated anatomy, tearing it down and starting over may be preferable, similar to having an open rhinoplasty.
For these reasons, open rhinoplasty is strongly advised for people who have significant deformities or injuries.
This procedure may also help improve the less-than-ideal outcomes of a previous, less-than-ideal rhinoplasty.
Closed rhinoplasty is used to treat bulbous tips, dorsal humps, and other nasal problems.
Closed rhinoplasty addresses the following issues from an aesthetic standpoint:
Closed rhinoplasty can refine and slim down your nose if the size or width of your nose is disproportionate to the rest of your face.
A closed nose job can improve the shape of a patient’s nose, especially if they have wide nasal bones, bulbous or droopy tips, or asymmetrical noses.
Unflattering nose angle -The angle formed where the nose and forehead meet, as well as from the nasion to the tip of the nose, can make your nose appear short or long.
Rhinoplasty will assist you in achieving the ideal angle for your nose.
Dorsal humps are irregularities in the cartilage and bone that can distort the appearance of the nose.
A rhinoplasty can help to smooth the nose bridge.
Scarless nose surgery can also be used to treat more serious problems.
A rhinoplasty will greatly benefit you if the surgeon discovers a deviated septum or nasal valve collapse that is causing nasal breathing problems.
Breathing problems can be addressed either independently or in conjunction with cosmetic nasal surgery.
What is the procedure for closed rhinoplasty?
To avoid visible scarring, the surgeon begins by making small incisions inside the nostrils and through the mucosa rather than the skin-covered external part of the nose.
A highly skilled closed rhinoplasty surgeon can visualize the structures of the nose and shape them to the desired aesthetic result using these small and strategic incisions.
When the scarless nose surgery is finished, the incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures or dissolvable stitches.
To aid in healing, a small cast or splint will be placed over the nose.
A professional consultation is required to determine whether you are a good candidate for closed rhinoplasty.
If you are unsure whether you are a better candidate for the “open” or “closed” procedure, consult with a reputable doctor who will advise you on the best option based on your natural nose shape and desired outcome.
Is there a minimum age?
Rhinoplasty is usually recommended for patients over the age of 15.
The facial skeleton is usually mature enough at this age to undergo cosmetic changes.
Another way for surgeons to determine whether or not the patient’s facial skeleton has fully developed is to understand when the patient’s foot size has stopped growing, because foot growth is closely related to facial skeleton growth.
All rhinoplasty candidates are assessed on an individual basis.
Make an appointment today to find out if you are a good candidate for closed rhinoplasty.
What are the benefits of a closed rhinoplasty?
No external cuts or scars – One advantage of a closed rhinoplasty is that all incisions are made inside the nose, with no external cuts or scars.
This reduces the possibility of permanent external scarring, which is common with open rhinoplasty and other procedures involving external incisions.
Shorter surgery time – Half of the time spent on open rhinoplasty is spent making external incisions, deconstructing the nose, and closing those incisions.
Closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, has a shorter operating time because the nose is not rebuilt from scratch.
Better circulation on the nasal tip skin – Patients experience less swelling after a closed rhinoplasty because the skin’s natural drainage channels are largely unaffected during surgery.
Faster recovery time – Because there are no external cuts or scars to heal, patients have a shorter recovery period.
Most patients are able to resume social activities seven days after surgery.
When the cast is removed, there are few to no visible signs of surgery.
What are some of the drawbacks of a closed rhinoplasty?
Patient selection, as with any surgical procedure, is critical.
A thorough and honest consultation with a closed rhinoplasty surgeon will assist you in determining whether this technique is right for you.
In our practice, 98% of patients are pleased with the results, while the remaining 2% are disappointed in the worst-case scenario.
And, depending on their needs and natural nasal anatomy, open rhinoplasty may be the better option for some patients.
However, the calculated risks associated with closed rhinoplasty are manageable for a highly trained surgeon.
This means there is a much lower chance of a botched nose job, which is a common occurrence for patients who undergo open rhinoplasty, which often does too much to the nose.
In any case, patients should ensure that their surgeon is skilled and has performed rhinoplasty on multiple occasions.
Furthermore, they must decide whether they agree with the surgeon’s aesthetic style and preferences.
The best way to determine whether you are a good candidate for open or closed rhinoplasty is to have an open and honest consultation with a board-certified surgeon who will discuss the best procedure for you.