What is Open Rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty is a specialist nose reshaping procedure for patients who require significant work to the structure of the nose. The procedure involves making an incision in the columella, which is the midline fleshy area of skin between the two nostrils. Once the initial skin incision has been made, the surgeon carefully moves the skin away from the nose’s underlying bone and cartilage. This allows the surgeon to view all of the essential structures of the nose, which require correction. Once the procedure has been completed, the columella is sutured with non-dissolvable stitches. The nose is dressed with a metal-backed foam splint carefully applied to the nose.
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The splint, applied following surgery, is designed to protect the bony structure, which may be fractured during the reshaping process. Following your procedure, our nurse team will remove your splint, as well as any non-dissolvable stitches.
Structural concerns, such as a crooked or deviated nose, are most suitably addressed by open rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty surgery is always carried out using the open rhinoplasty approach. Open approach is the preferred option, If cartilage grafting is required, as the surgeon can accurately view and correct the internal structure.
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What is Closed Rhinoplasty?
Closed rhinoplasty is less common compared with open rhinoplasty. With closed rhinoplasty surgery, there are no external skin incisions, and all surgical incisions are made inside the nose. Unlike open rhinoplasty, which involves an incision in the columella between the nostrils. The closed approach is a technique used by very experienced rhinoplasty surgeons, as they will not have a full view of the internal structure of the nose.
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Advantages of Open Rhinoplasty
This approach involves making an external incision, providing a clear view of the internal structure. The advantages of this technique include:
Precision
One of the key benefits of open rhinoplasty is increased visibility of the internal structure of the nose. This enables precise correction of the internal structure of the nose.
Adaptability and Versatility
Open rhinoplasty approach can be adapted, making it an ideal choice for addressing a range of structural concerns. As well as addressing aesthetic, it can additionally address functional problems, such as breathing difficulties.
Predictability of Results
With better visibility of the internal structure comes greater control over the surgical outcome. Surgeons can more accurately predict and achieve the desired results, leading to higher patient satisfaction.
Advantages of Closed Rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasty, is characterised by incisions made entirely within the nostrils. This approach is less invasive than open rhinoplasty. The advantages include:
No Visible Scarring
For many, the most appealing aspect of closed rhinoplasty is the absence of visible scars. All incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no external marks and resulting in a more discreet, aesthetically pleasing outcome.
Faster Recovery Process
Patients suitable for closed rhinoplasty typically experience a quicker recovery compared to those having open rhinoplasty. This is due to the less invasive nature of the procedure, which normally results in reduced swelling and less downtime. Closed rhinoplasty offers an advantage for those seeking a rapid return to daily activities.
Less Invasive Nature
Closed rhinoplasty generally comes with a lower risk of complications. This technique is often preferred by patients and surgeons for this reason.
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How much does closed rhinoplasty cost?
Rhinoplasty surgery starts from £6000 at Centre for Surgery in London. The exact rhinoplasty cost will depend on several factors, including the extent of work required, the need for cartilage grafting, and whether a primary rhinoplasty or a revision rhinoplasty is being performed. Closed rhinoplasty is quicker to perform and, therefore, more affordable than open rhinoplasty. After your face-to-face consultation with one of our expert nose job surgeons, you will receive an accurate quotation from your dedicated patient coordinator.
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How long does closed rhinoplasty take to perform?
An uncomplicated closed rhinoplasty surgery at Centre for Surgery can take approximately one hour. More complex reconstructive nasal surgery can require more than 3 to 4 hours. The exact time needed to carry out the procedure will differ between individuals, as some deformities will be easier to correct than others.
After the procedure is complete, he will comfortably recover in a day surgery ward for up to 3 hours. Once you are deemed medically fit for discharge, our post-operative nursing team will give your adult caregiver full post-operative instructions on what to do. It is recommended that a responsible adult look after you for the first 24 to 48 hours after rhinoplasty surgery.
Is closed rhinoplasty recovery quicker compared with the open approach?
The healing time for closed rhinoplasty is often significantly quicker than that of an open rhinoplasty, as it is a minimally invasive procedure. Actual rhinoplasty recovery times will vary depending on the surgical correction; however, the recovery process can be optimised by following the surgeon’s post-operative instructions.
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We recommend that patients take approximately one week off work to allow for proper rest and avoid driving for the first two weeks. It would be best to try to sleep on your back for the first six weeks after surgery and preferably be propped up with 2 to 3 pillows so that you do not lie flat. It would help to avoid direct sunlight exposure to the nose to minimise scarring or hyperpigmentation.
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Most patients can resume physical activities after four weeks, including sexual activity, but we recommend avoiding strenuous exercise for six weeks after the surgery. Patients can expect to recover fully by six weeks, when most of the bruising and swelling should settle down after closed rhinoplasty. Our post-operative nursing team will schedule a one-week follow-up appointment to assess your incision sites and ensure they heal properly. Your splint will also be removed, and you may be asked to continue applying brown tape to the nose for the next two weeks. Your surgeon will review you six weeks after the procedure.
Where is the best place for closed rhinoplasty in the UK?
In addition to closed rhinoplasty, our specialist surgeons regularly perform open rhinoplasty, tip rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty and ethnic rhinoplasty. Once you have been assessed during your face-to-face consultation, the most appropriate nose surgery technique will be determined. We are fortunate to have some of the best rhinoplasty surgeons in the UK regularly carrying out the full range of rhinoplasty procedures at Centre for Surgery. Our expert surgeons carry out more than 150 rhinoplasty surgeries annually and regularly present their work in national and international plastic surgery journals.
Some surgeons may offer 3-D imaging as part of the consultation process to give you an idea of how you could look after a closed rhinoplasty. If you are interested in the service, please ask one of our patient coordinators to arrange it for you. Our state-of-the-art London cosmetic surgery clinic, located on Baker Street in Marylebone, is staffed by some of the best theatre nurses in the UK. Our anaesthetists are known for practising minimally invasive anaesthesia, often using total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA). TIVA anaesthesia uses short-acting medications to enable you to recover quickly and smoothly after your procedure, which means you get to go home later the same day and recover in the comfort of your own home.
Our dedicated post-operative nursing team provide proactive nursing care after your rhinoplasty procedure to ensure the quickest and smoothest recovery possible. Our nurses are available 24 hours, seven days a week, if you have any questions or concerns. To learn more about rhinoplasty and what it involves, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today and book a face-to-face consultation with one of our top rhinoplasty surgeons in London.
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